STRYCHNOS MELINONIANA - DEVIL'S DOER.
Common name
Dobrudua, devil's doer, devil doer, faiseur de diableries.
Family
Loganiaceae (logania family).
Overview
A woody climbing liana, almost as large as a tree, from the Amazon rainforest.
There are two varieties: the red dobrudua and the white dobrudua indicating the color of the rough outer bark.
The leaves, with 1 (one) cm short petioles, have five head nerves standing in pairs attached to twigs and have a pointed top;
the flowers are white and sweet aromatic smelling like roses.
The fruit is a berry.
Dobrudua contains the alkaloid Melinonine A, a calabash-curare alkaloid.
Also: Melinonine G (flavopereirine), B, E, F, J, K, L, M.
The alkaloids act as adrenergic blocking agents, dilates blood vessels of the skin and mucous membranes and thereby lowering blood pressure.
It also increase reflex excitabilaty in the sacral (lower) region of the spinal cord.
The phytochemicals block or stimulate the release of adrenaline at nerve endings at different parts of the body.
Researchers think that this action changes blood flow or the transmission of nerve impulses to genital tissues.
Shamans in Suriname regard devil doer as a natural alternative for Viagra;
it is also used in magic rituals by these.
Suriname's traditional medicine
A solution in water is used for the general potency while a tincture (alcohol solution) is used as a very powerful aphrodisiac.
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Hardiness
USDA zone 10 - 11.
Propagation
Seeds and cuttings.
Culture
party sun, moist soil, needs high humidity.
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