The tropical plant Cha de bugre is actually a small tree found in the tropical forest of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. It bears a red fruit that is similar to coffee beans. Residents of these regions are known to use the fruit as coffee substitute. Cha de bugre is scientifically known as Cordia salicifolia and has several other names including café do mato, cafezinho, porangaba, cha de frade, bugrinho and rabugem. The use of Cha de bugre for losing weight has long been practiced by the locals. They are often sold in stores and pharmacies in the form of tea bags, tinctures and fluid extracts. Cha de bugre can even be bought from refreshment stands located along the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Properties and Action First and foremost, Cha de bugre has always been marketed as a weight loss herb supplement, especially in Brazil. It often acts to decrease or suppress appetite and increase urination. Cha de bugre can also stimulate blood circulation as well as support and improve heart tone. To better understand how it could do all these, the plant’s chemical composition should be learned. This medicinal plant is known to contain phytochemicals that include caffeine, allantoin, potassium and allantoic acid. Allantoin has been established to heal wounds as well as act as a skin protectant and anti-irritant. Because of this, allantoin has been used as an active ingredient in products like cosmetics, anti-acne treatment, sun protection, lotions, shampoos, mouthwash and lipstick. The alkaloid compound, caffeine, has a wide variety of actions. Found in more than 60 plants, the compound acts like a natural and very effective pesticide. In humans, caffeine is known to stimulate the central nervous system, which effectively restores alertness. It is a popular ingredient in beverages including coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks and tea. On the other hand, potassium plays a major role in maintaining electrolyte balance in the body. If the body experiences a shortage in potassium, it would result to hypokalemia. It is a serious condition that is characterized by diarrhea and vomiting. To make sure you have sufficient levels of potassium in your body, you should eat foods such as potatoes, soybeans, bananas, avocados, apricots and of course, cha de bugre. Increasing your levels of potassium will also help minimize the risk of hypertension. Researches and Studies With the many benefits of Cha de bugre, scientists and researchers, over the years, have conducted numerous studies to discover other possible applications for the herbal plant aside from its use as a weight loss supplement. • In 1990, a research conducted by a Japanese team from the Department of Virology, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University entitled, “Antiviral Activity of Cordia salicifolia on herpes simplex virus type 1”. The study showed a 99.9% inhibition in viral replication when the purified extract of Cha de bugre was introduced to the microorganism. • When the same experiment was repeated in 1994, Cha de bugre was found to reduce the virus yield by 33 percent by with just 0.25 mcg/ml of the extract. Further experiments also showed that the herb extract demonstrated a 40 percent inhibition in cancer cell growth. • In 1997, after several years, a team from the University San Francisco de Sao Paulo Braganca conducted some initial studies on the pharmacology and toxicology of the liquid extract from Cha de bugre. The research team focused on the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties of the herbal plant. By administering different dosages in mice and rats, they concluded that the extract shows very low toxicity, negative anti-inflammatory effects and increase or thickening of the gastric mucosal lining. • During the same year, another research, this time using guinea pigs and rabbits, also validated the herb’s use as and effective heart tonic. Cha de bugre leaf extract caused cardiotonic and improved cardiovascular actions. Present Day Applications Cha de bugre has been long established as an excellent appetite suppressant. Unlike the other weight loss drugs, this herb does not leave you feeling extremely hungry when its effects wear off. Instead, Cha de bugre will give you a sense of being completely satiated and full after a small meal. Because of this, you will end up eating several small meals a day, which is actually recommended by most health experts when trying to shed off pounds. Small meals will also help you feel energized and will ensure that your metabolism continues to work all day long. In Brazil, Cha de bugre is used as circulatory stimulant, heart tonic and diuretic. Other local residents use it to treat arthritis, cough, fever, gout, kidney stones, rheumatism and wounds. It is also taken for obesity, renal insufficiency, circulatory insufficiency and to reduce cellulite. Meanwhile, residents of Haiti have been using Cha de bugre to stimulate digestion and treat obesity. The Japanese uses it as an anti-viral to treat infections such as herpes. Recommended Dosage The particular parts used to make liquid extracts of Cha de bugre are the leaves and bark. If you take the Cha de bugre leaf infusion, it is recommended to take one cup at least half an hour up to one hour before taking your meals. For tincture preparations, you will only need to take 2 to 3 ml of the Cha de bugre extract twice or thrice daily. Cha de bugre capsules that contain 2 to 3 grams of the powdered leaf extract can be taken twice daily. Many users of Cha de bugre prefer the capsule type for its convenience. Contraindication There has been no reports or studies made to establish contraindication. Drug Interactions So far, Cha de bugre is not known to interfere with the actions of other drugs.