The Benefits of Anamu

Anamu is a plant used in herbal medicine. Also known as Petiveria alliacea, it's long been used in certain systems of folk medicine to strengthen the immune system and fend off sickness. In addition, anamu is said to protect against cancer and treat a range of common health conditions.

Known for its intense, garlic-like odor, anamu contains a variety of compounds thought to influence health. These compounds include several antioxidants, as well as tannins (substances with anti-inflammatory and astringent effects).

In alternative medicine, anamu is typically used for the following health problems:

• Anxiety
• Arthritis 
• Colds
• Depression 
• Diabetes 
• Fever
• Flu 

Anamu is also said to decrease inflammation, alleviate pain, and protect against cancer. Some alternative medicine proponents also claim that anamu can help fight infection, as well as aid in the treatment of food poisoning.

So far, very few scientific studies have examined the health effects of anamu. Still, some preliminary research indicates that anamu may offer certain health benefits. Here are several findings from the available studies:

Several animal-based studies indicate that anamu may have anti-anxiety benefits. This research includes a rat-based study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2012, which found that anamu may help relieve anxiety, lessen depression, and enhance memory. However, the study's authors also observed that anamu may inhibit antioxidant status, which might have a negative impact on health.

In a preliminary study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine in 2012, laboratory tests on cells demonstrated that anamu extract may help stimulate activity in the immune system. 

Anamu may have pain-reducing benefits, according to a preliminary study published in Phytomedicine in 2002. In tests on rats, researchers observed that anamu may help lessen pain and reduce several markers of inflammation. 

Because research on the health effects of anamu is so limited, little is known about the safety of taking this herb in supplement form. However, there's some concern that anamu may have adverse effects, due to its potential to decrease the body's antioxidant capacity (as observed in animal-based research).

Because anamu may lower your blood sugar levels, there's also some concern that it may interact with diabetes medications. If you're currently using any type of medicine to treat diabetes, consult your physician prior to using anamu.

Keep in mind that supplements haven't been tested for safety and dietary supplements are largely unregulated. In some cases, the product may deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb. In other cases, the product may be contaminated with other substances such as metals. Also, the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established.

There are many natural ways to shore up your immune system and fight off illness. For starters, make sure to follow a balanced diet high in immune-boosting foods. Increasing your intake of green tea and incorporating herbs like garlic and ginger into your meals may also help rev up immune function.

Because chronic stress is thought to deplete the immune system, practicing stress-management techniques may help keep your immune system strong. Getting sufficient sleep and working out regularly are also essential for a robust immune system.

Additionally, several herbs may help stimulate immune function and reduce the duration and severity of the common cold when taken at the first sign of cold symptoms. These herbs include astragalus, echinacea, larch arabinogalactan, and elderberry. There's some evidence that such herbs may help fight sickness by increasing the production of immune cells.

Given the lack of supporting research behind amanu's purported health benefits, it cannot currently be recommended as a standard treatment for any condition. If you're interested in using it for health purposes, make sure to consult your physician before beginning treatment. Self-treating and avoiding or delaying standard care can have serious consequences.