Benefits

Anti-Inflammatory/Pain Relief

Tayuya is rich in the phytochemical cucurbitacin which has been extensively studied and proven to exhibit a strong anti-inflammatory action. In 2010 the “Journal of Medicinal Plants” published an article that specifically looked at all of the studies around the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of plants rich in cucurbitacins. They concluded that, “The various studies serve to show that cucurbitacins have a wide spectrum of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and are relevant not only for the acute forms but also for chronic type inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, ulcers, gout and hypersensitivity reactions”.

Aids Recovery Time

Another interesting action of this herb is that it has been found greatly reduce lactic acid build up in tired and overused muscles. This can aid in recovery – especially among athletes as it is reported to help to keep the joints supple too.

Other Benefits

Scientific evidence about Tayuya is scant, however there are anecdotal accounts that are backed up by traditional use that this herb can be helpful with the following conditions:

Blood Purification and Detoxification
Sluggish Digestion
Neuralgia
Sciatica
Gout
Headaches
Rheumatism
Skin Conditions

Tayuya Products

Cayaponia tayuya

Folklore and history

This woody vine that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) family has been traditionally used as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, blood cleanser and overall health tonic.

With a long history of use in Brazilian Herbal Medicine, Tayuya was first recorded in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia as an official herbal remedy in 1929, when Brazilian botanist J Monteiro da Silva reported its use to relieve all types of pain.

Traditional use

Home to innumerable plant species with many medicinal qualities, is it any wonder that the Amazon Rainforest is referred to as “The World’s Largest Medicine Cabinet”? Tayuya is yet another of these wonderful healing herbs that has been used since prehistoric times by the indigenous peoples of the Amazon for its many benefits to human health.

Typical use

Tayuya root is traditionally prepared in tea infusions. One cup, two to three times daily. Alternatively, 1g -2g of the powdered root can be stirred into juice, water, or food and taken two to three times daily.

Constituents

Cucurbitacins are the major constituents of Cayaponia Tayuya. Other plant compounds include; Alkaloids, 29-nor-cucurbitacin glucosides, Eriodictyol, Isoorientin, Flavonoides, Orientin, Leucocyanidol, Resins, Malic acid, Sterols, Saponins, Robinetin, Datiscetin, cayaponosides, Amentoflavone, Cucurbitane triterpenoids, .