quassia

Quassia is a genus of tropical flowering plants in the family Simaroubaceae, comprising several species of evergreen shrubs and small trees. The two best known species are Quassia amara, commonly called Surinam quassia or bitterwood, native to northern South America and parts of the Caribbean, and Quassia excelsa, often referred to as African quassia, native to West Africa. The genus is valued mainly for its woody bark and heartwood, which contain highly bitter compounds.

The plants occur in tropical regions and are typically cultivated or harvested for their wood and bark. The bitter constituents present in Quassia, especially quassinoids such as quassin, give the wood a distinctive extreme bitterness and contribute to the plant’s traditional and practical uses.

Uses and applications have included traditional medicine and dietary supplements, where bark or extracts are used as digestive bitters intended to stimulate appetite and aid digestion. In addition, Quassia extracts have historically been employed as a natural bittering agent in tonics and beverages. The wood and bark have also been used in some insect-control products and pest-management applications due to their bioactive compounds.

Safety and regulation: Quassia contains potent bitter compounds that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract in large amounts. It should be used with caution, and guidance from health professionals is advised, particularly for pregnant individuals or those with underlying health conditions. As with many plant-based preparations, product quality and proper dosing vary widely.

See also: Quassia amara, Quassia excelsa.