Cryptolepis benefits include support for a wide range of diseases, including malaria, Lyme disease, and bacterial infections.
Ticks and insects can affect our peace and tranquillity when we’re spending time in the great outdoors. More than that, they can infect us with serious diseases that can be debilitating or even life-threatening if not treated early. Lyme disease is an example of such an insect-transmitted disease. Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, and it has become increasingly common in the U.S. and Europe.
If you love to spend time in wooded areas with your friends and family, then you’re at a higher risk of getting infected. Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, an all-natural herb, is used as a herbal support for the treatment of tick-borne infections such as Lyme Borrelia burgdorferi and Bartonella henselae. In fact, Cryptolepis may support treatment for a wide range of illnesses and diseases, including malaria and bacterial infections.
But first, what is Cryptolepis? I’ll dive into some of the details below.
Cryptolepis Plant
Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is also called gangamau, nibima, and kadze. We call it the Flowering Healer. A tea made from the extract has traditionally been used to support the treatment of malaria for many years. Research reveals that anti-plasmodial components are found in the herb’s roots, leaves, and stems. These anti-plasmodial components are commonly known as indoquinoline alkaloids. The herbal tea preparation is free of caffeine and preservatives.
Cryptolepis Phytochemicals
Cryptolepis sanguinolenta contains several bioactive compounds that contribute to the herb’s medicinal value. Some of these bioactive compounds include:
- Tannins
- Flavones
- Alkaloids
- Polyuronides
- Anthocyanosides
- Chloroform
Cryptolepis Benefits
Here’s a partial list of key Cryptolepis benefits.
Antibacterial Activity, Lyme Disease Support, and Bartonella henselae supporet
Cryptolepis extract has proved to have antibacterial activity against broad spectrum bacteria such as Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. In fact, it may be used as a herbal support for the treatment of tick-borne infections such as Lyme Borrelia burgdorferi and Bartonella henselae. The presence of bioactive compounds such as cryptolepine, the main alkaloid in the herb, has proved effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Another study reveals that the bioactive compounds may alter DNA in Borrelia burgdorferi.
Since traditional antibiotic approaches do not resolve all symptoms in some Lyme disease patients, there’s a need to develop novel treatment strategies, including identifying antimicrobial agents that are effective against persister microcolonies of Borrelia burgdorferi. A 2020 study in Frontiers in Medicine involved the testing of a panel of botanical and natural products commonly used by Lyme disease patients. The scientists found Cryptolepis sanguinolenta to be highly active in vitro against both growing Borrelia burgdorferi and non-growing stationary phase Borrelia burgdorferi.
Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activity
Cryptolepis has been used traditionally to treat several inflammatory diseases. Some of the more common inflammatory diseases include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Cryptolepine produces nitric oxide that may act against inflammatory agents.
Strong Antimalarial Activity
For years, malaria has remained a global pandemic with an estimated 3.3 billion people at risk globally. While several antimalarial drugs have helped in achieving the 90% malarial eradication rate, hundreds of thousands of deaths are still being reported around the world.
Cryptolepis sanguinolenta has proved to contain anti-parasitic activities against Plasmodium falciparum, a parasite that causes malaria. Cryptolepine exhibits high gametocytocidal properties that contribute to the herb’s potent antimalarial activity. The alkaloids interfere with the parasite’s lifecycle at both the asexual and sexual stages. Scientists suggest that a combination of amodiaquine and cryptolepine could be an effective combination to help achieve a 100% malaria eradication rate.
Learn More About Cryptolepis Benefits
As mentioned above, all-natural Cryptolepis tea is prepared from naturally extracted leaves, stems, and roots of the Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. Learn more by reading the FAQ, and then try this wonderful tea!
4 thoughts on “Cryptolepis Benefits: Health Benefits of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta”
Where can I buy this?
Hi Diana, thanks for asking. You can find the Cryptolepis product page here: httpss://lindenbotanicals.com/product/cryptolepis/
Why does sanguinolenta appear with the name cryptolepis? Does that not mean “mixed with blood?”
Hi Brian, thanks for asking. The correct translation of sanguinolenta in this case would be closer to “bleeding.” The vine when cut emits a dark red colored sap. Hence the colorful descriptive.