Baena, cited by Caminhoa, claimed that manacd was used 
by the Indians to produce “‘furious delirium and persistent 
insanity’ as well as “‘confusion of ideas, inconstant delirium 
and tremor’’. This is one of the few accounts reporting the use 
of manaca for narcotic or possibly hallucinogenic effects, in 
this case resembling belladonna intoxication. Another such 
account is found in a glossary of Tupi names of plants and 
animals (Tastevin, 1922): 
“One kind of manaca has the property of causing intoxication, 
blindness, and the retention of urine during the day; but after 
having drunk the infusion of the root or bark of this tree, a man is 
always happy in his hunting and fishing.” 
Unfortunately we do not know the specific identity of this kind 
of manaca. 
The roots of manaca used either fresh or dried and are 
considered to be the most effective part of the plant. All parts, 
however, are used medicinally in Brazil. The root is most often 
powdered or prepared as a fluid extract, of which a usual dose 
is 10 -30 minims (0.6 -1.8 cc.) three times daily. It is a powerful 
and energetic healing agent which has been used for many 
disorders. In recent times, its most general application has 
been against syphilis and rheumatism, and for its diuretic and 
diaphoretic properties. The known pharmacological effects 
and medicinal uses of manacad root are summarized as follows: 
SUMMARY OF PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF 
MANACA ROOT 
(Brunfelsia uniflora) 
Diuretic (von Martius, 1843; Peckolt, 1909; Wren, 1956) 
Diaphoretic (von Martius, 1843: Brandt, 1895) 
Purgative (Piso, 1648; von Martius, 1843; Dragendorff, 1898; de Almeida 
Costa, 1935) 
Emetic (Dragendorff, 1898; Peckolt, 1909). 
. Alterative (von Martius, 1843; Peckolt, 1909; Wren, 1956) 
. Anesthetic (Caminhoa, 1871) 
. Abortifacient (von Martius, 1843; Brandl, 1895, de Almeida Costa, 1935). 
Emmenagogue (Peckolt, 1909; Le Cointe, 1947) 
Antirheumatic (Caminhoa, 1871; Dragendorff, 1898; Webb, 1948; Wren, 
1956) 
10. Antisyphilitic (von Martius, 1843; Kunkel, 1901; Peckolt, 1909; Webb, 
1948) 
wn 
CoN AWS 
292 
