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Cryptolepis

traditional use in West African folk medicine

Evidence · Grade C
Human trial evidenceTraditional useInteraction risk

Cryptolepis is a West African plant traditionally used for various ailments, with some contemporary interest in its potential against infections, though human clinical evidence is currently absent.

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is an herb primarily used in traditional African medicine, particularly for malaria. In the context of Lyme disease, it is gaining attention as a botanical with potential antimicrobial properties against Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease.

Quick answer

What it is: Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is an herb primarily used in traditional African medicine, particularly for malaria.

May support:Lyme Disease

Evidence:Evidence · Grade C

Evidence Summary

Evidence · Grade C

The current evidence grade is based on a lack of PubMed studies specifically investigating Cryptolepis for Lyme disease or other conditions in human clinical trials. Any claims regarding its efficacy are currently anecdotal or derived from in vitro (test tube) or animal studies, which do not directly translate to human outcomes.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

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Why It Works

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta contains alkaloids, including cryptolepine, which have demonstrated direct antimicrobial activity against Borrelia burgdorferi in vitro. These compounds are thought to interfere with bacterial growth and viability, potentially by targeting bacterial DNA synthesis or cell wall integrity.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Suggested dosage
Dosage varies significantly. Typically, a liquid extract is used, with common recommendations ranging from 1:5 tincture, 1-2 ml two to three times daily, adjusted based on individual tolerance and practitioner guidance.
Typical forms
tincture, capsule, dried root
Quality markers
Given the lack of regulation for herbal supplements, look for products from reputable manufacturers that provide third-party testing for purity and potency. Information on the specific species (Cryptolepis sanguinolenta) and the part of the plant used (typically root) may be helpful.
Medication interactions
  • Unknown due to lack of human studies
Avoid if
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding (due to lack of safety data)
  • Taking medications (due to unknown interaction potential)
  • Individuals with pre-existing health conditions (due to unknown effects)

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Suggested dosage

Dosage varies significantly. Typically, a liquid extract is used, with common recommendations ranging from 1:5 tincture, 1-2 ml two to three times daily, adjusted based on individual tolerance and practitioner guidance.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Active medicinal compounds

The primary active compounds are thought to be indole alkaloids, with cryptolepine being the most prominent and studied. Other alkaloids, such as neocryptolepine and cryptospirolepine, are also present.

Traditional use

In West African traditional medicine, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta has been used for conditions such as malaria, fevers, gastrointestinal issues, and various infections. Its use for these purposes is deeply rooted in local ethnobotanical practices.

Safety

Safety warnings

Cryptolepis can cause gastrointestinal upset, liver enzyme elevation, and may interact with other medications. It can also cause a yellow-orange discoloration of urine and other bodily fluids. Long-term safety data in humans, particularly for Lyme disease treatment, is not extensively established.

Avoid if

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding (due to lack of safety data)
  • Taking medications (due to unknown interaction potential)
  • Individuals with pre-existing health conditions (due to unknown effects)

Medication interactions

  • Unknown due to lack of human studies

Reported side effects

  • Unknown due to lack of human studies

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade (C)

The current evidence grade is based on a lack of PubMed studies specifically investigating Cryptolepis for Lyme disease or other conditions in human clinical trials. Any claims regarding its efficacy are currently anecdotal or derived from in vitro (test tube) or animal studies, which do not directly translate to human outcomes.

Observational Studies(1)

Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.

Moderate Quality

  • A Comprehensive Review of Herbal Supplements Used for Persistent Symptoms Attributed to Lyme Disease.

    Thompson A, Hynicka LM, Shere-Wolfe KD · Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.) · 2023

    Lyme disease is the most common, tick-borne disease in the USA. While most patients successfully recover with antibiotics, some patients experience persistent symptoms for months to years. Patients who attribute chronic symptoms to Lyme disease commonly use herbal supplements. The complexity, variability in dose and formulation, and lack of data for these herbal compounds make it difficult to assess their efficacy and safety. This review examines the evidence for the antimicrobial activity, safety, and drug-drug interactions of 18 herbal supplements that patients commonly use for treatment of persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease. The research team performed a narrative review by searching the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Natural Medicines databases, and NCCIH website. The search used the keywords for 18 herbal compounds: (1) andrographis (Andrographis paniculate), (2) astragalus (Astragalus propinquus), (3) berberine, (4) cat's claw bark (Uncaria tomentosa), (5) cordyceps (Cordy

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality

Limitations: A significant limitation is the absence of human clinical trials. Most information available is from traditional use, in vitro studies, or animal models. This means there is no established safety profile, effective dosage, or confirmed efficacy in humans for any specific condition.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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