Drimys winteri (Drimys winteri): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Drimys winteri work as an antifungal?

Drimys winteri contains polygodial, a drimane sesquiterpene that acts as a potent antifungal agent. Polygodial works by disrupting fungal cell membranes, causing increased permeability and cell death. The compound also demonstrates antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additional active compounds including warburganal and drimanial contribute to its antimicrobial effects. Evidence Level C indicates limited clinical trials but promising in vitro and animal data supporting these mechanisms.

Does Drimys winteri interact with any medications?

Limited research exists on specific drug interactions for Drimys winteri. However, due to its anti-inflammatory properties and effects on gastric mucosa, it may theoretically interact with anticoagulants, NSAIDs, and antiplatelet medications. The herb's potential to affect gastric acidity could alter absorption of pH-dependent medications. Patients taking blood thinners or medications for gastrointestinal conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence Level C is based on pharmacological reasoning rather than documented clinical interactions.

What is the recommended dosage for Drimys winteri bark?

Traditional adult dosages for Drimys winteri include bark tea prepared with 3-5 grams of dried bark per cup, taken twice daily. Capsule formulations typically contain 300mg of standardized extract, taken twice daily. These recommendations are based on traditional use and limited clinical evidence (Level C). Dosage should be adjusted based on individual tolerance, as the herb can cause gastric irritation. Always start with lower doses to assess tolerance.

Is Drimys winteri safe to take during pregnancy?

Drimys winteri is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb contains drimane sesquiterpenes, including polygodial, which may stimulate uterine contractions and potentially cause miscarriage. Traditional contraindications specifically warn against use in pregnant women, particularly at higher doses. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or attempting to conceive should not use this herb. Evidence Level C reflects traditional knowledge and pharmacological reasoning rather than clinical trial data.

What is Drimys winteri used for traditionally?

Drimys winteri, known as Canelo to the Mapuche people of Patagonia, is a sacred tree traditionally used for digestive complaints and fever reduction. Historically, Captain Winter used the bark on sea voyages in 1579 to prevent and treat scurvy among sailors. The aromatic bark was valued for its antimicrobial properties and ability to preserve health during long ocean crossings. Traditional uses also include treating respiratory infections and inflammatory conditions. Evidence Level C supports these historical applications.

What are the side effects of Drimys winteri?

Common side effects of Drimys winteri include gastric irritation, particularly when taken on an empty stomach or at higher doses. The active compound polygodial can cause skin sensitization in some individuals, resulting in contact dermatitis with topical exposure. People with gastric ulcers, acid reflux, or sensitive stomachs should avoid this herb. Discontinue use if experiencing stomach pain, nausea, or skin reactions. Evidence Level C is based on traditional knowledge and pharmacological studies rather than extensive clinical trials.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Drimys winteri, known as canelo, is a native Chilean tree used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties [PMID:38666047, PMID:33036992].

Contexte

Drimys winteri is an endemic evergreen shrub/tree from Chile belonging to the Winteraceae family [PMID:37444318, PMID:35021940]. It is considered a sacred tree by the indigenous Mapuche people [PMID:38666047, PMID:40292580].

Usages traditionnels

The leaves and bark have been used for centuries by the Mapuche people to treat various diseases, including fevers, ulcers, cancers, respiratory tract problems, and painful conditions [PMID:40537018, PMID:38666047, PMID:35021940].

Composés actifs

The plant contains drimane sesquiterpenes including polygodial, drimenol, isodrimeninol, drimenin, and winterdial [PMID:40537018, PMID:33152471, PMID:40292580]. Essential oils contain monoterpenes such as zafrole, pinenes, and linalool [PMID:38666047]. Other identified compounds include phenolic acids (gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, coumaric) and flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, rutin) [PMID:31500282], as well as sesquiterpene lactones like valdiviolide and dendocarbin A [PMID:25471409, PMID:25370095].

Mécanisme d'action

Polygodial inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 [PMID:35021940]. Drimys winteri extracts and isodrimeninol inhibit foam cell formation in macrophages and modulate the expression of cytokines TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-1β [PMID:33152471]. Some compounds may bind to the catalytic pocket of lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase [PMID:36233069].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DPain/Nociception

Drimanial and polygodial exhibited antinociceptive action against acetic acid-induced pain in mice [PMID:11336250, PMID:9849632]

Preuve DMelanoma

Bark ethyl acetate extract and sesquiterpenes (drimenol, isordrimenone, polygodial) significantly reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in human melanoma cells [PMID:30935903]

Preuve DAtherosclerosis (Foam Cell Formation)

Total bark extract and isodrimeninol inhibited foam cell formation in THP-1 derived macrophages [PMID:33152471]

Preuve DVascular Inflammation

Drimenol, isodrimeninol, and polygodial reduced monocyte adhesion to stimulated human endothelial cells [PMID:32987110]

Preuve DTrypanosoma cruzi

Isodrimenin and drimenol were active against the trypomastigote form of T. cruzi [PMID:23923616]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Polygodial has been noted to cause irritant effects on the eyes and skin [PMID:36233069].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models, and phytochemical reviews (Level C and D), with no human clinical trials provided in the abstracts.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 40537018 (2026) — Neuronal ion channel modulation by Drimys winteri compounds: Opening a new chemical space to neuropharmacology. · Neural regeneration research
2.PMID: 38666047 (2024) — Biological activity of the essential oil of Drimys winteri. · Frontiers in chemistry
3.PMID: 33234091 (2021) — Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Native Chilean Plants. · Current pharmaceutical design
4.PMID: 33152471 (2020) — Drimys winteri and isodrimeninol decreased foam cell formation in THP-1 derived macrophages. · Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association
5.PMID: 37444318 (2023) — Chemical Fingerprinting, Aorta Endothelium Relaxation Effect, and Enzymatic Inhibition of Canelo (Drimys winteri J. R. Forst. & G. Forst, (D.C) A. Gray, Family Winteraceae) Fruits.

Drimys winteri

Sources et citations

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