Rhatany
OTHER NAME(S): Brazilian Rhatany, Krameria, Mapato, Peruvian Rhatany, Pumacuchu, Raiz Para Los Dientes, Ratanhiawurzel, Ratanhia du Brésil, Ratanhia du Chili, Ratanhia du Pérou, Ratanhiae Radix, Red Rhatany, Rhatanhia, Rhatania, Krameria lappacea, Krameria triandra, Krameria iluca, Krameria argentea, Ratania, Ratanhia
Overview
Rhatany (Krameria triandra) is a plant that is fairly uncommon. The root is used as medicine. Some rhatany products might not contain the correct plant. Related plants (other Krameria species) are sometimes used in place of rhatany, but are not stated on the label.
People use rhatany for intestinal swelling (enteritis), chest pain (angina), and for mild mouth and throat irritation, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these or other uses.
Rhatany contains high concentrations of tannins. Tannins can reduce inflammation by shrinking tissues.
Rhatany contains high concentrations of tannins. Tannins can reduce inflammation by shrinking tissues.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Intestinal inflammation (enteritis).
- Chest pain (angina).
- Leg ulcers.
- Mild mouth and throat irritation.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of rhatany for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if rhatany is safe when used as medicine. Rhatany can cause stomach upset.
When applied to the skin: Rhatany is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin for less than two weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use on the skin for longer than 2 weeks. Rarely, rhatany has caused allergic reactions in the lining of the mouth and throat.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if rhatany is safe when used as medicine. Rhatany can cause stomach upset.
When applied to the skin: Rhatany is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin for less than two weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use on the skin for longer than 2 weeks. Rarely, rhatany has caused allergic reactions in the lining of the mouth and throat.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if rhatany is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Rhatany allergy: Rhatany has caused allergic reactions in the lining of the mouth and throat. Don't use rhatany if you are allergic to it.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Rhatany overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of rhatany depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for rhatany. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994.
- Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
- Scholz E, Rimpler R. Proanthocyanidins from Krameria triandra root. Planta Med 1989;55:379-84.
- The Bantam Medical Dictionary. rev ed. New York, NY: Bantam Books, 1990.
- Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.
- Adamczyk B, Simon J, Kitunen V, Adamczyk S, Smolander A. Tannins and their complex interaction with different organic nitrogen compounds and enzymes: old paradigms versus recent advances. ChemistryOpen. 2017;6(5):610-614.
- McRae JM, Kennedy JA. Wine and grape tannin interactions with salivary proteins and their impact on astringency: a review of current research. Molecules. 2011;16(3):2348-64.