Matico
Botanical Description & Habitat
Piper angustifolium, Artanthe elongata, and p. elongtum
Family
Piperaceae
Habitat
Peru and Bolivia
Medicinal Parts
Dried leaves
Historical Properties & Uses
Matico is used by indigenous peoples as an astringent, diuretic, stimulant, styptic, and tonic. The leaf is used internally to eliminate diarrhea for which it is supposedly very effective, and for respiratory problems. Externally, matico is used for wounds and cuts to stop bleeding. In Peru, matico is a favorite aphrodisiac.
Method of Action
The Pharmacology of Matico
Matico contains 12-3% volatile oil, the principle amount of which is matico camphor, a bitter principle maticin, artanthic acid, tannin, mucilage and resin. The astringent, styptic and diuretic actions would be accounted for by this components. The stimulant, tonic and aphrodisiac actions await study.
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recognizes matico as astringent, anti-diarrheal, anti-hemorrhagic, urinary antiseptic, and topically as a vulnerary and styptic. Matico is indicated for diarrhea, mucous colitis, inflammation of the urinary tract, leucorrhea and hemorrhoids. Specific indication is diarrhea with general debility. It is combined with catechu, geranium and oak bark in diarrhea; with buchu, couchgrass and goldenseal in bacterial cystitis.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Known Interactions
Insofar as Matico's diuretic action increases the renal excretion of sodium and chloride, it may potentiate the hyperglycemic and hyperuremic effects of glucose elevating agents.
The effects of dopamine and diuretic agents are additive. Diuretics may potentiate the action of antihypertensive drugs, ganglionic or peripheral adrenergic blocking drugs, tubocurarine and norepinephrine.
Possible Interactions
The topical application of this astringent herb in conjunction with the acne product tretinoin (retinoic acid, vitamin A acid) may adversely affect the skin.
The tannin in matico may potentiate the antibiotic activity of echinacea. The tannin in a tea made from this herb may be inactivated by the addition of milk or cream.
In conjunction with ACTH or corticosteroids, this diuretic is more prone to produce hypokalemia.
The use of diuretics may require dosage adjustments of antidiabetic drugs.
The diuretic action of matico may reduce renal clearance of lithium.
An initial dose of captopril (an antihypertensive) may cause a severe drop in blood pressure within three hours if the person is also using a strong diuretic.
The following drugs may be imperfectly absorbed if matico is being used on a daily basis: tetracycline derivatives, oral anticholinergics, phenothiazines, digoxin, isoniazid, phenytoin, warfarin.
Certain antipsychotic drugs, such as the phenothiazines, as well as other pyschoactive agents which are poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, may be even more poorly absorbed if this herb is being used.
Comments
Prolonged use of this diuretic may affect certain lab test results such as electrolytes (especially potassium and sodium), BUN, uric acid, glucose, and pbi.
Strong diuretics such as this in conjunction with indomethacin may produce natriuretic effects.
The use of large amounts of matico on a continuous basis may partially block the digestion, absorption or reabsorption of a wide variety of drugs and fat-soluble vitamins.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
Matico is nontoxic in therapeutic doses, but cautions pertaining to tannins should be followed (see Tannic acid).
Preparation & Administration
Use three times daily
Infusion
Use 2-8g of dried leaves
Liquid Extract
Use 2-8ml
Tincture
Use 4-8ml of 1:5 in 60% alcohol
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
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