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Curane has common names as Curare, Grieswurzel, Pareira Brava, Pareira, and Vigne Sauvage. Its genus is chondrodendron, and species is tomentosum. Curane grows as a large vine and can be found in South America rainforest. Curane’s vine thickness is as large as 4 inches in diameter and from its base. Its leaves have the heart-like shape, and they are as wide as 4 to 8 inches. Curane has greenish white flower both in male and female. In addition, it can bear fruits that are oval and as small as 1-2 mm. Curane have several usages of its leaf and root. Some people in South American use its root and mix with other plants to make some light syrup that is called “ampi.” Crude curare is a dark brown or black mass with a sticky to hard consistency and an aromatic, or tarry odor. Its name comes from and Indian word that means "poison." The ingredient in Curane can have other usages. D-tubocurarine is used in medicine. Brazilians can use the root for diuretic. In addition, it can be used internally for madness and dropsy, and externally for bruises. It also can be used for edema, fever, and kidney stones. In the contrast to its usage, Curane acts as a neuromuscular blocking agent to produce paralysis in muscles. It first affects eyes, ears, muscle, arms, legs, and to breathing.

 

Curare. Photo by J. L Castner