Sanango

Tabernaemontana sananho

A tree of the dogbane family, related to iboga. Contains the indole alkaloids coronaridine, voacangine and ibogamine, which resemble those of iboga. Anti-inflammatory, and in the laboratory effective against the parasite that causes leishmaniasis.

Safety notes

Little researched. Because its substances resemble those of iboga, the plant may disturb the heart rhythm; not with heart disease and not together with other substances. The plant is not on the lists of the Dutch Opium Act. This information describes traditional use and is no encouragement or advice. Use is at your own risk; the makers of this site are not responsible for the consequences. Never alone, never together with alcohol, other drugs or medicines, not in pregnancy, with heart disease or mental illness (also in the family), and do not drive. In an emergency call 112.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Healing traditions of the Americas: Related to iboga; may disturb the heart rhythm. Use at your own risk; never alone and not with medicines.

Preparation

In Peru the root or bark is boiled in water or soaked in aguardiente, and the leaves, fruit pulp and latex are used on the skin. Vegetalistas take the plant during a diet with strict rules, to gain memory, strength and a 'good heart'.

Use in traditions

In Peru the tree is called lobo sanango, 'wolf plant'. Peoples of the Amazon use it for rheumatism, fever, pain and weakness, and vegetalistas regard it as a teacher plant. The Secoya in Ecuador put the sticky fruit juice into their dogs' noses so that they can 'smell far' when hunting; the fruits are also eaten.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Healing traditions of the Americas

Attributed effects

For rheumatism, fever, pain and weakness, and as a teacher plant during a diet.

Preparation and amount

Root or bark boiled or soaked in aguardiente; leaves, fruit pulp and latex on the skin.

Caution: Related to iboga; may disturb the heart rhythm. Use at your own risk; never alone and not with medicines.

Sources

All herbs from South America →