Cinchona Interactions Overview

Cinchona is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It contains around 25 different species and is native to the Andes mountains of South America. One of the most well-known species is Cinchona calisaya. The bark of cinchona is a source of quinine, an alkaloid that has been used for centuries to treat malaria. Cinchona bark is also used in traditional medicine for a variety of other ailments, including muscle cramps, restless legs, fever, arthritis, and digestive disorders. As Cinchona contains quinine, it is sometimes used as a flavoring on tonic water and alcoholic drinks. Cinchona bark has been shown to contain, on average, 5% to 15% quinoline alkaloids.