Rhatany

Last Editorial Review: 6/11/2021
Other Name(s):

Brazilian Rhatany, Krameria, Krameria argentea, Krameria iluca, Krameria lappacea, Krameria triandra, Mapato, Peruvian Rhatany, Pumacuchu, Raiz Para Los Dientes, Ratanhia, Ratanhiae Radix, Ratanhiawurzel, Ratanhia, Ratanhia du Brésil, Ratanhia du Chili, Ratanhia du Pérou, Ratania, Red Rhatany, Rhatanhia, Rhatania.

Overview

Rhatany (Krameria triandra) is a plant that is fairly uncommon. The root is used as medicine. Related plants (other Krameria species) are sometimes secretly added to rhatany preparations to expand the amount of product provided.

People take rhatany for intestinal swelling (enteritis) and chest pain (angina).

Rhatany is sometimes used as a mouthwash or gargle for mild mouth and throat irritation, swollen gums, cracked tongue, and canker sores. It is also applied to the skin for leg ulcers and for swelling and itchiness caused by cold and damp weather (chilblains).

How does it work?

Rhatany contains high concentrations of tannins. Astringent chemicals, such as tannins, can reduce inflammation by shrinking tissues and pus.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Intestinal inflammation (enteritis).
  • Chest pain (angina).
  • Leg ulcers, when applied to the skin.
  • Mild mouth and throat irritation, when used as a mouthwash or gargle.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of rhatany for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

Rhatany is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for less than two weeks. There isn't enough information to know if it is safe to take long-term or use on the skin. Rhatany can cause some side effects such as digestive complaints. Rarely, rhatany has caused allergic reactions in the linings of the mouth and throat.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of rhatany during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Rhatany allergy: Don't use rhatany if you are allergic to it.

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Interactions


Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

Rhatany contains a large amount of chemicals called tannins. Tannins absorb substances in the stomach and intestines. Taking rhatany along with medications taken by mouth can decrease how much medicine your body absorbs, and decrease the effectiveness of your medicine. To prevent this interaction, take rhatany at least one hour after medications you take by mouth.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of rhatany depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for rhatany. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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References

Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.

Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.

Scholz E, Rimpler R. Proanthocyanidins from Krameria triandra root. Planta Med 1989;55:379-84. View abstract.

The Bantam Medical Dictionary. rev ed. New York, NY: Bantam Books, 1990.