Nutritional Properties

Components of the tree, fruit pulp and bark contain striking nutritional properties, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and other minerals and vitamins. The uxi bark is especially praised for containing bergenin, a naturally-occurring polyphenol that may offer cytoprotective effects. 

Bergenin is linked to helping prevent inflammatory health conditions, as well as lowering oxidative stress that is known to cause inflammation. Furthermore, “Bergenin offers a new and innovative option as an antioxidant, with potential uses in multiple sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food production,” verifies a Frontiers in Pharmacology article.
Due to this plant’s impressive health profile, it may be supportive for detoxification therapies and for enhancing wellness, especially for women’s reproductive health needs.    

Potential Beneficial Effects

Traditionally, the uxi bark has been utilized for “…the treatment and prevention of cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, arthritis, diarrhea, and genitourinary disorders, especially uterine inflammations and infections,” states a Molecules article. Uxi can be arranged into capsules, teas or oils to potentially support these actions: 

• • Appears to inhibit the growth of cervical cancer cells: Uxi may promote anti-cancer activities due to the therapeutic actions of bergenin. In labs, bergenin has been shown to kill cervical cancer cells. One study mentioned in a Tumour Virus Research paper pointed out that “…bergenin significantly reduced the viability of cervical cancer cells and caused … cell shrinkage and fragmentation.”
  • May contribute to managing diabetes: Bergenin from uxi also shows promise in managing diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve damage that forms from diabetes. Bergenin has been studied by scientists for its anti-diabetic properties, which means it may be valuable for regulating blood sugar and preventing insulin resistance. 
  • Is capable of scavenging free radicals: Uchi fruit is rich in vitamin C. Not only could the fruit assist immune function, it may lessen the toxic load of free radicals. Free radicals are harmful molecules, and when they excessively accumulate, they can lead to the formation of inflammation and chronic conditions, such as coronary artery disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 
  • Is thought to help treat fibroids: Folk medicine practitioners commonly treated uterine fibroids with uxi. The plant’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties are thought to lessen pain and related bleeding. In fact, some herbal practitioners will combine uxi with cat’s claw to further aid the natural healing process. 

*Note: Though uxi is customarily applied to female health concerns, it may not be suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It’s in your favor to consult with functional healthcare providers prior to using this ingredient, especially to avoid contraindications. 

If you need to overcome chronic stress and menopausal symptoms, or require new strategies for your autoimmune condition, our functional medicine approach can offer invaluable insights into your biology. Health challenges are unique to each individual – that said, a personalized approach to healthcare is designed to address your needs only, which can help achieve your personal health goals. 

Suggested reading: Preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) with Toronto Functional Medicine Therapies

Target Your Health Needs with Herbal Medicine and Other Functional Medicine Therapies 

Plant-based medicine can be part of your treatment plan at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre. Our naturopathic doctor is proficient in pharmacognosy – the formal study of natural sources that are foundational to medicinal derivatives. Due to this deep expertise, our clinic can safely integrate herbal supplementation with other functional medicine therapies, while considering your use of other medications. 

Additional treatment modalities offered by our clinicians include Western medicine, psychotherapy, natural therapies (i.e. botanical supplementation, holistic nutrition, naturopathic medicine and homeopathic medicine), acupuncture (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and more. Intravenous therapy is another one of our clinic services, and these treatments are administered in our IV Lounge. IV drips are freshly blended on a daily basis without preservatives – just natural ingredients; sessions are closely monitored by our team of naturopathic doctors, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners, too. 

Each of our treatment modalities, including IV therapy, are adapted with the functional medicine model. Our healthcare providers adhere to this paradigm to provide patients with a comprehensive approach to wellness, allowing us to address mind and body needs. We’re also affiliated with the Canadian Centres for Regenerative Therapy and Athlete’s Care Sports Medicine Centres, which provides you with a wide variety of strategies for symptom relief and chronic disease prevention.  

Struggling with heavy periods and cramping is an exhausting experience! Why not consider a personalized medicine approach to enhance your quality of life? Contact the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre now for herbal remedies, hormone optimization programs, and more.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References
Beatriz Martins de Saacute; Hyacienth, et al. “Endopleura uchi (Huber) Cuatrec, a medicinal plant with potential anti-inflammatory activity: A review of its phytochemistry and biological activities.” African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 13.7 (2019): 76-83.

Burmeister, Carly A., et al. “Drugs and Drug Targets for the Treatment of HPV-positive Cervical Cancer.” Tumour Virus Research, vol. 19, 2025, p. 200309, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvr.2024.200309. Accessed 22 May 2025.

Chauhan, Ravi, et al. “Bergenin Inhibits Growth of Human Cervical Cancer Cells by Decreasing Galectin-3 and MMP-9 Expression.” Scientific Reports, vol. 14, no. 1, 2024, pp. 1-15, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-64781-3. Accessed 22 May 2025.

De Oliveira, R. T., Dos Santos Rolim, C. S., Do Nascimento Rolim, L., De Sousa Gomes, M. L., Martins, G. A. S., De Castro, L. M., Do Nascimento, W. M., Saraiva-Bonatto, E. C., De Cássia Saraiva Nunomura, R., Lamarão, C. V., & Zanotto, S. P. (2021). Endopleura uchi – A review about its nutritional compounds, biological activities and production market. Food Research International, 139, 109884. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109884

Gaia, Gloria. “Uxi.” Riches of the Forest: Fruits, Remedies and Handicrafts in Latin America, edited by Patricia Shanley et al., Center for International Forestry Research, 2004, pp. 25–28. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep02039.12. Accessed 22 May 2025.

GOMES, S., Nina LOBATO, A. C., NUNOMURA, C. S., Lamarão PEREIRA, C. V., & ZANOTTO, S. P. (2023). Nutritional characterization, antioxidant activity and bergenin content of the pulp of Endopleura uchi. Acta Amazonica, 53(3), 254-263. https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-4392202202462

Lei, Donghong, et al. “Bergenin Inhibits Palmitic Acid-induced Pancreatic β-cell Inflammatory Death via Regulating NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation.” Annals of Translational Medicine, vol. 10, no. 19, 2022, p. 1058, https://doi.org/10.21037/atm-22-3781. Accessed 23 May 2025.

Marx, F., Andrade, E.A., das Graças B. Zoghbi, M. et al. Studies of edible Amazonian plants. Part 5: Chemical characterisation of Amazonian Endopleura uchi fruits. Eur Food Res Technol 214, 331–334 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-001-0477-7

Pandey, Pratibha, et al. “Bergenin, a Bioactive Flavonoid: Advancements in the Prospects of Anticancer Mechanism, Pharmacokinetics and Nanoformulations.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 15, 2025, p. 1481587, https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1481587. Accessed 22 May 2025.

Peixoto, Herbenya, et al. “Bark Extract of the Amazonian Tree Endopleura Uchi (Humiriaceae) Extends Lifespan and Enhances Stress Resistance in Caenorhabditis Elegans.” Molecules, vol. 24, no. 5, 2019, p. 915, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24050915. Accessed 22 May 2025.

Pinto, Rafael H. H., et al. “Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Uxi (Endopleura Uchi) Oil: Global Yield Isotherms, Fatty Acid Profile, Functional Quality and Thermal Stability.” The Journal of Supercritical Fluids, vol. 165, 2020, p. 104932, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.supflu.2020.104932. Accessed 22 May 2025.

Salimo, Zeca M., et al. “Chemistry and Pharmacology of Bergenin or Its Derivatives: A Promising Molecule.” Biomolecules, vol. 13, no. 3, 2023, p. 403, https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13030403. Accessed 23 May 2025.

Sousa, H., Leal, G.F., Damiani, C., Borges, S.V., Freitas, B.C., & Martins, G. (2021). Some wild fruits from amazon biodiversity: composition, bioactive compounds, and characteristics. Food Research.