...Uses...
Quinine has had three common uses in the past and present:
An old answer for Malaria: Today, however, it is not used as the vaccine for malaria. Other synthetic drugs have been found as better medication.
Main
ingredient in Tonic Water
Today, there are from 300-500 metric tons of quinine extracted from 5,000 to 10,000 metric tons of cinchona bark. Almost half of the quinine market is towards tonic water and other food flavorings. The other half is put in pharmaceutical drugs.
Some
other uses for either quinine or cinchona bark are:
| Analgesic | Antipyretic (lowers body temperature) | Enlarged Spleen | Cancer |
| Anesthetic | Cardio tonic | Diarrhea | Anemia |
| Antibacterial | Digestive disorders | Dandruff | Fatigue |
| Antiseptic | Appetite stimulant | Cold | Alcoholism |
| Astringent | Dyspepsia | Pneumonia | Hangovers |
| Contraceptive | Flu | Sore throat | Flatulence |
| Insecticide | Headaches | Stimulant | Hair loss |
| Insect-repellent | Heart palpitations | Gall Bladder disorders | Liver disorders |
| Varicose veins | Hemorrhoids | Dysentery | Pinworms |
Too
much quinine intake can cause something called “cinchoism,” or a sickness
with symptoms including temporary deafness, blurred vision, nausea, ringing in
the ears, stomach cramps, and eventually circulatory collapse, kidney failure,
and coma.
It also can be very harmful for pregnant women because it can cause fetal mutation and permanent genetic changes.
In addition to all this, a high concentration of quinine exposed to the skin can cause some irritation.
What is too much quinine?
Two to eight grams of quinine taken orally by an adult would be way too much, and would probably be fatal also. When quinine is prescribed, it is usually only 167-333 milligrams 3 times a day. The tea or drink made with the cinchona bark only contains an average of 5% quinine, so drinking it would not be harmful at all.