Akuamma (Picralima nitida) is a tree in the Apocynaceae family that grows in Western Africa. The health benefits of akuamma seeds are well known in Africa. In fact, countries like Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, or Cameroon have used akuamma for hundreds of years.
Akuamma trees are tall, with small white flowers. It also has large and yellowish fruits. And inside these fruits, you will find the akuamma seeds. Just like other parts of the tree, akuamma seeds have many health properties. Thanks to these properties, akuamma seeds have become popular all over the world.
The Active Compounds of Akuamma
The properties of the akuamma seeds come from their active elements. Their main components are akuammine and akuammidine. In the case of akuammine, its structure is similar to mitragynine, kratom’s most abundant alkaloid.
The alkaloids of the akuamma seeds have anesthetic and analgesic properties. Not only that. They are also opioid antagonists. That means that they can block the opioid receptors in your brain. But akuamma alkaloids also have anti-inflammatory properties, which are very useful in pain relief. In fact, some users compare the analgesic effects of akuamma to those of codeine and morphine. Furthermore, akuamma alkaloids are also hypotensive and muscle-relaxant.
Other akuamma alkaloids are:
- Akuammigine
- Pseudoakuammine
- Akuammiline
- Alstonine
- Pericine
Akuamma Effects and Uses
For generations, akuamma has been part of folk medicine in Africa. It is often used for pain, pneumonia, stomach issues, and malaria.
Akuamma effects and uses include:
Analgesic
This is the most popular use of akuamma. Thanks to its alkaloids, akuamma is a great pain reliever. To such an extent, that some users compare the analgesic effects of akuamma seeds to codeine.
Anti-inflammatory
There are studies that prove the anti-inflammatory power of akuamma. Because of it, you can use akuamma seeds for:
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Chronic Pain
Sedative and Relaxing
Thanks to akuammidine, akuamma seeds provide a deep sense of relaxation and even sedation, similar to kratom.
As a result, akuamma seeds are a great ally against:
- Insomnia
- Stress
- Anxiety
Antiulcer
There is Scientific research that demonstrates the efficacy of akuamma seeds in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcer in rats. The results of this study were astonishing. They showed that the oral administration of the akuamma methanol extract obtained from the akuamma seeds reduced the gastric ulcer by 56%.
Antibacterial
The ethanol extracts of akuamma have antibacterial properties. In fact, the seeds, bark, and root of the akuamma tree are often used to fight bacterial infections in West Africa.
Hypotensive
Thanks to akuammidine, akuamma is a strong hypotensive. This means that they can help you lower your blood pressure. As a result, they are good against hypertension.
Antimalarial
According to different scientific studies, akuamma seems to be also a great inhibitory of Plasmodium falciparum. This is the parasite that causes malaria. Hence, akuamma also works against malaria.
Antidiarrheal
You can also use akuamma seeds are also a remedy against diarrhea.
Antioxidant
Akuamma is a great antioxidant that can fight the damage caused by free radicals.
Opiate Withdrawal
Akuamma seeds are not so effective as kratom in coping with opiate withdrawals. However, they still can be of help. So, if you are weaning off opiates, akuamma may help you.
How to Take Akuamma
You will find akuamma seeds as raw whole seeds, powder or in capsules. The taste of the seeds is very bitter and unpleasant. Due to that, many people opt for capsules. You can even swallow the seeds as if they were capsules. Also, you can make your own capsules. It is quite easy!
If you still prefer to take your akuamma seeds in a tea, you may want to add a sweetener.
You can also ground the seeds and use the toss and wash method.
Chewing the seeds is not a good idea, as it could cause nausea or vomiting.
Akuamma Seeds Dosage
When dealing with akuamma, it is very important to avoid too high doses. As we will show you below, an akuamma overdose could even be dangerous.
The average dose of akuamma seeds is 2 – 4 grams. This is the dosage most people use for pain. People suffering from severe pain may use doses as high as 6 grams. However, 6 grams is a very high dose and we do not recommend it.
If you are new to akuamma seeds, it is better to start with a low dose. Before going for higher doses, try a dose between 200 mg and 1 g. If that does not work for you, you can gradually increase it. If you have taken akuamma seeds and you cannot notice their effects wait at least for 4 hours before taking an extra dose. Bear in mind that an extra amount of akuamma could bring about sedative effects that might turn out too strong.
The onset of akuamma seeds is around 15 to 30 minutes. Their effects can last up to 4 hours.
To make sure you are using the right dose, weight the akuamma seeds (or powder) using a kitchen scale.
Side Effects of Akuamma Seeds
The most common side effects of akuamma might include:
- Numbness
- Drowsiness
- Stomach upset
- Nausea
- Headache
These side effects are often the result of high doses. Akuamma seeds could also alter the level of potassium and sodium in your blood.
Other than that, high doses of akuamma (i.e., more than 6 grams) could bring about respiratory depression. This could even be dangerous for you, so be cautious with the doses.
Where Can I Buy Akuamma Seeds?
Akuamma seeds were first marketed by a Ghana hospital, who sold them as 250 mg capsules under the name of “Picap Capsules”. But you do not need to go to Ghana to buy akuamma. Since akuamma is completely legal, you can find them very easily. You can buy akuamma even on Amazon. However, if you are a kratom user switching to akuamma, or you just want to try this herb, it may be recommendable to buy your akuamma seeds from your reliable kratom vendor. There are many kratom vendors who sell akuamma. Thus, you will make sure you are buying a top-quality product from a trusted source.
Have you ever tried akuamma? Share your experience with us! You can leave your story or questions in the comments section below.
