SafePlants

Guinea Hen Weed (Petiveria alliacea)

Guinea Hen Weed, also widely known as Anamu, is a herb recognized for its potential medicinal properties. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine across various cultures.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is known for its strong, pungent odor, which some pets might find unpleasant.
• The text mentions the use of roots, leaves, and root extracts, indicating the potential presence of bioactive compounds.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is known for its strong, pungent odor, which some individuals might find unpleasant.
• The text mentions the use of roots, leaves, and root extracts, indicating the potential presence of bioactive compounds.

Quirky Facts

• Guinea Hen Weed is sometimes called "garlic weed" due to its acidic, garlic-like smell.
• It has also been called "Devil's Horse Whip" and is known as the "stinkest bush" in some areas.
• Researchers have discovered 20 compounds in Guinea Hen Weed, several of which were previously unknown in nature.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Petiveria alliacea L.
• Family: Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed family)
• Common Names: Guinea Hen Weed, Anamu, Garlic Weed, Guinea Hen Leaf, Gully Root, Congo Root, Chasser Vermine, Douvant-Douvant, Emeruaiuma, Guine, Guinea. Other names include Devil's Horse Whip, Mucura.
• Synonyms: The provided text also references the plant as "garlic root" and "gully root", reflecting local usage.

Distribution and Habitat

• Indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and tropical areas of the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Africa.
• Also found in Florida and the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
• Grows wildly in tropical conditions.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Described as a perennial shrub.
• Grows almost anywhere, even though it is often overlooked.
• Known for a very pungent and long-lasting odor.

Traditional Uses and Potential Benefits

• Traditionally used to induce abortion.
• In Jamaica, it's a well-known remedy used for many illnesses.
• Leaves combined with other ingredients are claimed to alleviate sinusitis symptoms through inhalation.
• Studies have investigated its potential to retard the growth of cancer cells and leukemia cells.
• It is used for pain relief, as an anti-inflammatory, and as an anti-parasitic.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Root extract is used as a pest control method.

Bioactive Compounds

• Dibenzyl Trisulfide is identified as a major bioactive molecule.
• It attacks and destroys cancer cells by inhibiting a particular type of protein called a kinase.

Resources and Further Information

• Amazon UK is mentioned as a source to purchase Anamu Tea.
• Stoll, 2000: p. 166 is cited in relation to root extract preparation for pest control.