Cinchona bark from Köhler’s Medicinal Plants / Cinchona officinalis

File-size: 5600 x 8000 Pixel. 

Digital image of the Cinchona bark, scientifically referred to as Cinchona officinalis, is a remarkable illustration sourced from Köhlers Medicinal Plants, or Köhlers Medizinal Pflanzen in its original language. This drawing dates back to approximately 1887.

This piece of botanical art is versatile and can be utilized for various purposes, including printing for posters or incorporating into creative and professional projects. Its high-quality resolution and intricate details make it an excellent addition to any project requiring botanical imagery.

Cinchona officinalis, also known as Peruvian bark, is a tropical tree species native to South America. Its bark is known for containing alkaloids such as quinine, which has been used to treat malaria since the 1600s. The bark and its derivatives also have antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties which have made it useful in treating rheumatism and other fevers as well. The plant's cultivation was historically limited to the Andes until efforts were made to introduce it elsewhere in the late 1800s. While synthetic quinine has largely replaced natural sources in modern medicine, cinchona officinalis continues to be studied for potential use in novel treatments such as for cancer or diabetes due to its diverse chemical components. With its rich pharmacological history, Cinchona officinalis remains an important species with potential applications still being explored today.