Common Name: Manacá

General Information

Brunfelsia uniflora is a medium-sized, evergreen shrub or small tree with diffuse, spreading branches; it usually grows 0.5 - 3 metres tall, but there are reports of plants up to 8 metres[, ].
The plant has a long history of indigenous use as a medicinal plant and is still often used in modern herbalism[]. It is often harvested from the wild for medicinal use and is also cultivated as an ornamental tree in the tropics, being valued especially for its highly-fragrant, pretty, white and purple flowers[].

Known Hazards

The whole plant contains a very poisonous alkaloid called manacine[]. It is similar to strychnine in its action[].
A root extract is used as a constituent of poison on arrows[].

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela.

Habitat

Found in a range of habitats including wet, montane rain forests; the drier atlantic rain forest; coastal rain forest; and savannahs; growing in a range of different soil types at elevations from sea level to 3,300 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a position with partial shade - when growing in full sun the foliage may scorch and drop[]. Prefers a loamy, fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil[]. Many species in this genus grow wild in alkaline soils and, in non-alkaline soils, all members of the genus can benefit from the addition of some ground limestone[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Manacá has a long history of traditional use in the Amazon. Many of these uses were adopted by the Europeans when they arrived in S. America and the plant is often used in modern herbalism[]. Caution is advised, however, see the notes above on toxicity[].
Modern research has shown that the plant contains a range of active compounds such as benzenoids, terpenes, alkaloids, lactones, and lipids[].
The root, which is the main part of the plant for medicinal use, contains coumarins, alkaloids, lignans and sapogenins[]. Active constituents include two alkaloids, manaceine and manacine, as well as scopoletin and aesculetin (types of coumarins)[].
Manaceine and manacine are thought to be responsible for stimulating the lymphatic system, while aesculetin has demonstrated pain-relieving, liver detoxification, and anti-inflammatory activities[].
Scopoletin, which is found in significant quantities in the root, is a well-known phytochemical that has demonstrated analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumor, cancer-preventive, antifungal, and antispasmodic activity[].

The dried root is considered to be abortifacient, alterative, topical anaesthetic, antirheumatic, blood cleanser, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, laxative, narcotic, purgative and is said to stimulate the lymphatic system[, ]. It is used in the treatment of arthritis, scrofula, rheumatism and syphilis[]. In Brazil, the whole plant is used[].
Traditionally, the root is prepared into a tincture with alcohol for the treatment of rheumatism and venereal disease[, ]. A decoction of the root is used to treat chills, adult fevers, arthritis and rheumatism, back pain, common colds, bronchitis, lung disease and tuberculosis and snakebite, whilst it is also used as an enema for treating kidney disorders and ulcers[].

The leaves are considered to have similar properties to the roots, but to be less active pharmacologically. They are normally only used when fresh[]. A tincture of the leaves is used to treat snake bites, whilst a poultice of the leaves is also applied topically[].
A decoction of leaves is applied externally as a topical pain reliever and for treating arthritis and rheumatism[]. A poultice of the leaves is applied topically as a treatment for skin disorders, including eczema and syphilitic ulcers[].

A sacred and spiritual plant in the Amazon, where it is used by shamans and curanderos in the potion ayahuasca (a sacred hallucinogen), in special initiation ceremonies, and for bad luck[].

Other Uses

An essential oil, used in perfumery, is obtained from the flowers[, ].

Propagation

Seed - it has a short period of viability and does not tolerate dessication. Sown fresh, it germinates within 2 - 4 weeks[].
Layering[].
Greenwood cuttings, rooted in sand[].

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