Bitterwood tree is a common name for several plants that belong to the family Simaroubaceae. These plants are known for their bitter taste and their medicinal and insecticidal properties. Some of the most well-known bitterwood trees are Quassia amara, Picrasma excelsa, and Simarouba glauca.

Quassia amara is a small evergreen shrub or tree that grows up to 6 meters in height. It is native to Central and South America, where it is also known as amargo, bitter-ash, hombre grande, or quassia. The genus name Quassia was given by Carl Linnaeus in honor of Graman Quassi, a Surinamese freedman who introduced the plant to European botanists. The species name amara means “bitter” in Latin and refers to its very bitter taste.

Quassia amara has many uses in traditional medicine, especially for treating fever, malaria, digestive disorders, parasites, and skin diseases. It contains more than thirty phytochemicals with biological activities, including quassin, which is one of the most bitter substances known. Quassin has antimalarial, antifeedant, antitumor, and insecticidal effects. Quassia amara is also used as a flavoring agent in drinks and as an insect repellent. All parts of the plant can be used for medicinal purposes, but the bark extracts are the most commonly used.

Picrasma excelsa is a large evergreen tree that grows up to 25 meters in height. It is native to Jamaica, the Caribbean, the Lesser Antilles, and northern Venezuela. It is also known as bitterwood, Jamaica quassia, or ruda. The genus name Picrasma means “bitter” in Greek and the species name excelsa means “tall” in Latin.

Picrasma excelsa has similar uses and properties as Quassia amara. It is also used for treating fever, malaria, digestive disorders, parasites, and skin diseases. It also contains quassin and other bitter compounds that have antimalarial, antifeedant, antitumor, and insecticidal effects. Picrasma excelsa is also used as a flavoring agent in drinks and as an insect repellent. The bark and the wood are the main parts used for medicinal purposes.

Simarouba glauca is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that grows up to 15 meters in height. It is native to Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America. It is also known as paradise tree or dysentery-bark. The genus name Simarouba comes from a native name for the plant and the species name glauca means “gray” in Latin and refers to its grayish bark.

Simarouba glauca has been used for centuries by indigenous people for treating dysentery, diarrhea, malaria, wounds, ulcers, and cancer. It contains simaroubidin and other compounds that have antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Simarouba glauca is also used as a tonic, a stimulant, and an appetite enhancer. The bark is the main part used for medicinal purposes.

Bitterwood tree is a versatile plant that has many uses in traditional medicine and other industries. It has a wide range of biological activities that can help treat various diseases and conditions. It also has a bitter taste that can be used as a flavoring agent or an insect repellent. Bitterwood tree is a valuable resource that deserves more attention and research.