Matico

MATICO (Folia Matico), a plant producing species Piper angustifolium var. Ossamim C. D. C. and some others of the pepper family (Piperaceae). A climbing shrub 2-3 meters in height, growing in the moist forests of South America (Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil and Colombia). The leaves of the plant are used. They are short-petioled, up to 20 cm in length, up to 4 cm in width, oblong-ovate or lanceolate in shape, heart-shaped at the base. Dark green on top, lighter underneath. They contain essential oil 0.3-2.4%, resin, bitter principle maticin, tannin substance and arctic acid. The pharmacological action of M. depends on the tannin substance: astringent, partly antiseptic; the latter is significantly enhanced in preparations of M. from the essential oil. It is taken internally 0.5-2.0 several times a day in powders and infusion (5.0-15.0 in 100.0) against bleeding in chronic diarrhea and dysentery. M. was previously also used for injections into the urethra, into the vagina in the treatment of gonorrhea. Preparations: Aqua Matico - for douches; Injectio Matico, prepared from Aq. Matico (140.0) and acetate of lead (0.2), - for injections into the urethra. Sirupus Matico is taken internally by the tablespoon for the above-mentioned diseases.