Cinchona pubescens vs Cinchona

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Cinchona pubescens

Antimicrobial

Cinchona officinalis

Antimicrobial

Cinchona pubescens

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Cinchona

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Primary commercial source of quinine from the Andes; cultivated globally for anti-malarial production.

The South American tree whose bark revolutionized medicine — the source of quinine for treating malaria.

Active Compounds

quinine, quinidine, cinchonine, alkaloids, tannins

Quinine, Quinidine, Cinchonine, Cinchonidine

Traditional Uses

malaria, fever, digestive bitters, leg cramps

Malaria, Fever, Leg cramps, Digestive bitter

Modern Uses

anti-malarial pharmaceutical source, bitter tonic

Antimalarial (historical), Muscle relaxant, Digestive bitter, Cardiac antiarrhythmic (quinidine)

Adult Dosage

Pharmaceutical quinine under medical supervision

Professional supervision required — narrow therapeutic index

Contraindications

G6PD deficiency, pregnancy, cardiac arrhythmias, platelet disorders

Pregnancy, G6PD deficiency, Heart rhythm disorders, Thrombocytopenia, Tinnitus

Side Effects

cinchonism, thrombocytopenia, cardiac effects

Cinchonism (tinnitus, headache, nausea), Thrombocytopenia, Cardiac arrhythmia, Blindness (overdose)

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E