Ipecacuanha

Ipecacuanha (pronounced /ˌɪpəˈkækjuːənhə/), also known as Psychotria ipecacuanha, is a plant native to Brazil and other parts of South America, renowned for its medicinal properties. The name "ipecacuanha" is derived from the Tupi-Guarani words îpeka'akuã, which translates to "vomiting plant" in the indigenous languages of the region. In Hebrew, it is known as איפקקואנה (Ipekakuanha). In French, it is called Ipecacuana, and in Spanish, it is referred to as Ipecacuana or Ipecacuana de Brasil. The plant's primary active compounds, emetine and cephaeline, have been traditionally used as emetics and expectorants. Historically, ipecacuanha was a key ingredient in various medicinal preparations, particularly in the treatment of amoebic dysentery and other gastrointestinal ailments. However, due to its potential toxicity and the availability of safer alternatives, its medical use has significantly declined in modern times.