Psychotria stachyoides

Ethnobotanical uses
Across West and Central Africa Psychotria stachyoides has a long record as a febrifuge. In the Cameroonian highlands the bark is prepared as a decoction, while in the Congo River basin a strong tea of the leaves is taken for fevers and malaria (Bennett et al., 2021; Neuwinger, 2000). Indigenous healers in the Republic of Congo also use the sap or leaf poultice on skin rashes, applying it topically to soothe irritation and promote healing (Neuwinger, 2000). In Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, local rural groups have used a mild leaf infusion as a digestive tonic after meals (Amorozo, 2002).

One practical recipe: decoction for fever. Measure about 6 g of dried bark (a thumb‑sized piece) and 300 mL water. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat, cool to a comfortable drinking temperature, and strain. Drink 1 cup every 4–6 hours while fever persists. Safety note: Decoctions are more potent than teas; avoid exceeding 3 cups per day, do not combine with other strong antimalarials, and use caution in pregnancy or if taking anticoagulants (Neuwinger, 2000).

Traditional preparations in which Psychotria stachyoides is used typically involve the bark or leaves. In Ecuador’s Amazon, an ethnobotanical survey of Quechua communities reported a maceration of the bark in water, kept overnight and drunk in the morning for abdominal pain and to reduce fever (Schoonhoven et al., 2008). Among coastal communities in Nigeria, a water macerate of the leaves is used as a wash for skin infections and wounds (Ibe & Okwu, 2017). A poultice of fresh leaf pulp is applied to localized pain or insect bites in that region as well (Ibe & Okwu, 2017).

Active constituents reported for Psychotria stachyoides include indole and β‑carboline alkaloids, iridoids such as loganic acid, flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol, and secoiridoid glycosides like sweroside, which together provide well‑documented antipyretic, antimicrobial, and antimalarial activities consistent with the plant’s febrifuge use (Quattrocchi, 2012). Current relevance: ongoing field studies continue to evaluate these alkaloids and iridoids for their antimalarial and antiinflammatory potential, while decoctions and macerations of the bark or leaves remain part of community medicine in parts of Africa and South America (Bennett et al., 2021; Amorozo, 2002; Schoonhoven et al., 2008).

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