Angostura Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Angostura comes from the bark of a small shrub-like tree (Angostura trifoliata) that grows in Venezuela and other tropical parts of South America. The tree can reach about 4 to 5 meters tall and has smooth, gray bark. The bark is the part used in traditional medicine.

People have long used angostura bark for stomach and digestive complaints, fevers, and other ailments. It is also known as a historical flavoring agent. Interestingly, the famous "angostura bitters" sold today no longer actually contain angostura bark — they are flavored mostly with gentian and other botanicals.

In the United States, angostura is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in foods in very small flavoring amounts.

Traditionally, angostura has been used as a bitter tonic to stimulate appetite and ease digestion, and as a remedy for fever, diarrhea, and malaria. Some have also used it for muscle spasms.

It is important to be honest: there is very little high-quality human research on angostura for any of these uses. Most of the support comes from traditional use and from laboratory (test-tube) studies. For example, certain alkaloids in the bark have shown activity against malaria parasites and antispasmodic effects in lab settings, but this does not prove the herb works or is safe in people.

Because the evidence is weak and preliminary, angostura should not be relied upon to treat or prevent serious conditions like malaria, infections, or persistent fevers. Always seek proper medical care for these problems.

Angostura bark contains several active compounds, including bitter substances sometimes called angostura bitters 1 and 2, a number of alkaloids (such as cusparine, cuspareine, galipine, and galipinine), and a volatile (essential) oil.

The bitter taste is thought to trigger digestive juices and stimulate appetite, which is why bitters are traditionally taken before meals. In laboratory studies, some of the alkaloids have shown antimalarial activity, while others (like cusparine and galipine) have shown antispasmodic effects that may relax muscle.

Keep in mind that these mechanisms are mostly based on in vitro (test-tube) and early research. What happens in a lab dish does not always translate into a real effect in the human body.

In the tiny amounts used to flavor foods and drinks, angostura is generally considered safe (GRAS). However, the safety of larger, medicinal doses has not been well studied.

One important concern is that large doses can act as a cathartic (strong laxative) and emetic (cause vomiting). Taking too much can lead to unpleasant and potentially dangerous effects.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information, so medicinal use should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. People with digestive disorders, ulcers, or other chronic health conditions should also be cautious and check with a healthcare provider first.

Because angostura is not a proven treatment, do not use it in place of standard care for serious illnesses such as malaria or high fever.

When taken in larger amounts, angostura can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, since it can act as an emetic and a strong laxative.

As with any plant product, allergic reactions are possible. Stop using it and seek medical help if you notice signs such as rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Because it has not been studied carefully in people at medicinal doses, other side effects may be possible but are not well documented.

There is no well-established, standardized medicinal dose for angostura. Traditional uses vary widely, and there is not enough reliable research to recommend a safe and effective amount.

If you choose to use a product that contains angostura, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed them, since larger amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It is always best to check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting any new herbal supplement, especially if you take medications or have a health condition.