# Simarouba (Simarouba amara)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/simarouba
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Amazonian
**Also Known As:** Paradise tree, Bitterwood, Mountain damson, Simaruba, Aceituno, Negrito, Marupá, Pau-paraíba, Quassia amara (related species), Bitter ash, Dysentery bark

## Overview

Simarouba amara is an Amazonian tree whose bark contains quassinoids, primarily glaucarubinone and simarolide, which exhibit antiprotozoal and antimalarial properties. These bioactive compounds work by inhibiting protein synthesis in parasites and disrupting [mitochondrial function](/ingredients/condition/energy) in malaria parasites.

## Health Benefits

• Antiprotozoal effects have been noted, though evidence is limited to preclinical studies. • Anti-amebic properties have been observed in vitro, suggesting potential therapeutic use. • Antimalarial activity is reported from animal studies, but lacks human trials. • Antitumor effects are indicated through in vitro studies, with no human data available. • [Antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity is documented in preclinical research, without supporting human trials.

## Mechanism of Action

The primary bioactive compounds in Simarouba amara are quassinoids, particularly glaucarubinone and simarolide, which inhibit protein synthesis in protozoan parasites by interfering with ribosomal function. These compounds also disrupt [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) electron transport in Plasmodium species, leading to parasite death. Additionally, the quassinoids appear to modulate immune responses by enhancing macrophage activity against pathogens.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Simarouba amara is limited to in vitro and animal studies, with no published human clinical trials. Laboratory studies show effectiveness against Entamoeba histolytica with IC50 values of 15-25 μg/mL for bark extracts. Animal studies in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei demonstrated 60-70% reduction in parasitemia at doses of 200-400 mg/kg. The lack of human trials significantly limits the assessment of therapeutic potential and safety profile in clinical applications.

## Nutritional Profile

Simarouba amara (Paradise tree) nutritional and phytochemical profile is primarily characterized by its seed oil and bark constituents rather than conventional macronutrient data. Seed oil content: 55–73% fat from seeds, with fatty acid composition dominated by oleic acid (40–50%), palmitic acid (25–30%), stearic acid (8–12%), and linoleic acid (3–6%). The oil is semi-solid at room temperature due to its saturated fat fraction. Protein content in seed kernel: approximately 8–12% by dry weight. Carbohydrates in bark and leaves: limited data, but fiber fractions including cellulose and hemicellulose are present. Key bioactive compounds include quassinoids (glaucarubol, holacanthone, simaroubidin, and glaucarubinone) concentrated in the bark and stem at trace-to-milligram levels per gram of dry material — glaucarubinone detected at approximately 0.01–0.05% dry weight of bark. Alkaloids including canthin-6-one derivatives are present in bark at low concentrations (<0.1% dry weight). Triterpenes including simaroubaketone and simaroubalide are found in stem bark. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds are present in leaves, though specific concentrations are not well-quantified in available literature. Vitamin and mineral data for edible fractions are not formally documented; the oil fraction lacks significant micronutrient content beyond tocopherols (vitamin E analogs) estimated at 200–400 ppm in crude seed oil. Bioavailability: quassinoids are bioactive at very low doses but carry cytotoxicity concerns; oil fatty acids follow standard lipid absorption pathways with moderate bioavailability.

## Dosage & Preparation

There are no clinically studied dosage ranges for Simarouba amara extracts or standardized forms, as no human clinical trials are available. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Simarouba amara is extremely limited due to the absence of human studies. Traditional use reports suggest potential gastrointestinal upset including nausea and diarrhea at higher doses. The quassinoids may interact with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, though specific interactions are not well documented. Use during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended due to insufficient safety data and potential effects on fetal development.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses are available for Simarouba amara. The evidence is based solely on preclinical, in vitro, and animal studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Simarouba amara has been traditionally used in Central and South American rainforest medicine for its anthelmintic, anticancer, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties. Its historical use spans indigenous practices as a multipurpose therapeutic agent.

## Synergistic Combinations

Curcumin, Ginger, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Ashwagandha

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the active compounds in Simarouba amara?

The primary active compounds are quassinoids, specifically glaucarubinone and simarolide, concentrated in the bark. These bitter compounds are responsible for the antiprotozoal and antimalarial activities observed in laboratory studies.

### Is Simarouba effective against malaria in humans?

While animal studies show 60-70% reduction in malaria parasites, there are no human clinical trials to confirm effectiveness. Current evidence is limited to preclinical research with mice infected with Plasmodium berghei.

### What is the recommended dosage for Simarouba supplements?

There is no established safe or effective dosage for humans due to the lack of clinical trials. Animal studies used 200-400 mg/kg, but this cannot be directly extrapolated to human use without safety studies.

### Can Simarouba treat amoebic dysentery?

Laboratory studies show activity against Entamoeba histolytica with IC50 values of 15-25 μg/mL, but human efficacy is unproven. Traditional use suggests potential benefits, but clinical evidence is needed to confirm therapeutic value.

### Are there side effects from taking Simarouba?

Documented side effects are limited due to lack of human studies. Traditional use reports suggest gastrointestinal upset including nausea and diarrhea may occur, particularly at higher doses of the bitter bark extract.

### Does Simarouba amara interact with antimalarial medications like chloroquine or artemisinin?

Limited clinical data exists on direct drug interactions between Simarouba and prescription antimalarial medications. Since Simarouba itself has antimalarial properties from preclinical studies, concurrent use with pharmaceutical antimalarials could theoretically potentiate effects or increase side effects, though this has not been systematically studied. Consult a healthcare provider before combining Simarouba supplements with prescription antimalarial drugs to avoid potential additive effects or unexpected interactions.

### Is Simarouba amara safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical evidence regarding the safety of Simarouba amara during pregnancy or lactation. Traditional use in some cultures does not establish safety for these populations, and antiprotozoal compounds may pose risks to fetal development. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid Simarouba supplements unless explicitly approved by a qualified healthcare provider.

### How strong is the scientific evidence supporting Simarouba's traditional uses compared to conventional treatments?

While Simarouba amara shows promise in preclinical and animal studies for antimalarial and antiprotozoal effects, human clinical trials are lacking for most applications. Current evidence is primarily limited to in vitro studies and animal models, which do not reliably predict human efficacy or safety. For serious conditions like malaria or dysentery, conventional evidence-based medical treatments remain the standard of care until robust human trials demonstrate Simarouba's effectiveness and safety profile.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*