Manayupa - Creeping Desmodium

Detailed Description

Manayupa, or Creeping Desmodium, is an admired plant in traditional folk medicine of Peru and beyond, revered for its remarkable cleansing and restorative properties.

Botanical Information

Creeping Desmodium (Desmodium adscendens) is a creeping herbaceous plant with distinctive round green leaves that grow in clusters of three, densely covered in soft white hairs. Its exceptionally long roots allow it to thrive even in drought conditions. The plant features delicate pale pink flowers reminiscent of clover blossoms, and its seeds are enclosed in pods.

Origin and Distribution

Manayupa originates from the mountainous regions of Peru, where it holds a time-honored reputation, almost magical, in local tradition. Tea brewed from Manayupa is considered by locals to be a 'drink of love,' said to reignite old affections.

Usage / Dosage

In regions where it is traditionally used, Manayupa is lauded for "countless virtues." For centuries, South American rainforest tribes have used Manayupa for nervousness, stress, tension, and anxiety reactions. Modern research supports its antioxidant effects, of interest to oncology researchers. In the Caribbean, Manayupa is still used to address malnutrition and as a nutritional supplement.

In Belize, where it is nicknamed "Strong Back," Manayupa is macerated in rum for 24 hours. A quarter cup of this extract is consumed three times daily for 7–10 days to alleviate back pain. Alternatively, a decoction can be made by simmering the herb with about 300 ml water and drinking 100 ml before meals, three times per day. In Ghana, traditional uses include relief of bronchial asthma, increased urination, dysentery, constipation, colic, and superficial wounds. Folk medicine in parts of South America also employs Manayupa for arthritic joint pain.

Its most prominent role in traditional medicine is in detoxification: Manayupa is believed to cleanse the body and detoxify the blood. Healers recommend it for those consuming high amounts of tobacco or alcohol. In both Central and South America, it is widely used to remove toxins and heavy metals, support urinary tract health, and as a "blood purifier," especially in Peru. Belizean folk medicine uses various Manayupa preparations for kidney problems. Healers may also suggest Manayupa for inflammations, skin irritation, and hemorrhoids.

Owing to its active compounds, Manayupa is applied externally to treat eczema, rashes, and acne, often as a bath additive. Folk healers use leaf poultices (fresh or powdered) to support wound healing and in the care of venereal sores, sometimes combining Manayupa with lime juice. In the rainforests, it is applied to manage vaginal yeast infections. Traditional medicine also utilizes Manayupa for menstrual problems including cramps, heavy bleeding, pain, and discomfort, often in combination with other herbs. Nursing mothers sometimes apply Manayupa infusions to the nipples to stimulate milk production, and both partners may drink it to revive a waning relationship. In parts of the Amazon, Manayupa decoction is also referenced as a traditional contraceptive.

For digestive support, Manayupa is prepared as an infusion to help with stomach hyperacidity, ulcers, gallbladder and liver inflammation. Its compounds are reported to ease cramping and muscle tension, making it useful for constipation, mild laxative effects, and to promote diuresis. A survey conducted in Brazil among 8,000 Indigenous people identified Manayupa as an effective folk remedy against malaria. Garifuna people in Nicaragua consume Manayupa extract for constipation, venereal diseases, and digestive support. In African medicine, it is also used to help remove intestinal parasites.

Herbal practitioners in Ghana have long used Manayupa for respiratory issues, leading to scientific research in 1977 on its effects on bronchial asthma. Most patients studied showed improvement. Laboratory studies suggest the plant's compounds block the actions of spasmogens, leukotrienes, and histamine—substances related to bronchoconstriction and increased mucus production. Dehydrosoyasaponin I, a key component, is believed to stimulate sodium channels, relaxing airway muscles and providing relief from asthma. Clinical studies have compared Manayupa to placebo and standard medicines for pain and inflammation relief, allergy symptom reduction (including asthma), reducing cramping, and muscle relaxation.

A 2011 study reconfirmed Manayupa’s traditional benefits for asthma, noting significant activity in methanol extracts as well as water and ethanol preparations. French researchers in 2010 identified polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins with antioxidant activity, with potential therapeutic use in humans. Beyond asthma, Manayupa is applied in folk medicine and laboratory settings for bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary emphysema, tuberculosis, and excessive mucus production.

Active Compounds

Manayupa contains steroids, alkaloids, beta-phenylethylamines, cosmosiin, cyanidin-3-O-sophoroside, hordenine, pelargonidin-3-O-rhamnosides, salsolin, tekrorigenin, tyramine, tetrahydroisoquinolines, tannins, flavonoids, soyasaponins (including dehydrosoyasaponin, soyasaponin I, II, and III), beta-phenyls, carbohydrates (fructose and glucose), ethylamines, phenols, coumarins, riboflavin, triterpenoid saponins, tannins, and vitamins E and K. Astragalin is another significant active component with established antibacterial properties, also found in many Astragalus plants.

Traditional Dosage

A traditional cleansing course with Manayupa typically lasts four weeks, during which half a liter of decoction is consumed daily, divided into three doses. Prepare by boiling one tablespoon of dried above-ground Manayupa in one liter of water for five minutes, steep for an additional five minutes, then strain. The resulting tea can be sipped or used as a bath for painful or lightly bleeding eczema and acne. Manayupa tincture is commonly used for back pain relief. Internally, Manayupa decoction may interact with medicines containing a phenylethylamine structure. Consuming more than the recommended amount of decoction may significantly lower blood pressure.

Manayupa tincture:
Place dried Manayupa herb in a dark glass bottle and cover with 60% alcohol. Macerate for one week at room temperature, shaking daily, then strain. If using a lower-proof spirit such as vodka, extend the maceration to approximately one month. Ensure all herb remains submerged to prevent mold.