Overview

Angostura is a small tree. It is native to Venezuela and other tropical parts of South America. The bark is used to make medicine.

People use angostura for fever, diarrhea, spasms, preventing the return of malaria, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, angostura is used in alcoholic beverages. But "angostura bitters," which is sometimes used in mixing alcoholic beverages, no longer contains angostura. It is now made from gentian and other bitters.

How does it work ?

Angostura has chemicals that help reduce spasms.

Angostura has chemicals that help reduce spasms.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Fever.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Spasms.
  • Causing vomiting.
  • Emptying the bowels.
  • Preventing return of malaria.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of angostura for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Angostura extract is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when used in amounts commonly found in foods or drinks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if angostura is safe in medicinal amounts, which are typically larger than the amounts found in foods or drinks. Large doses of angostura might cause nausea and vomiting.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Angostura extract is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when used in amounts commonly found in foods or drinks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if angostura is safe in medicinal amounts, which are typically larger than the amounts found in foods or drinks. Large doses of angostura might cause nausea and vomiting.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if angostura is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for ANGOSTURA overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of angostura depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for angostura. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.