ÚLTIMOS AVANCES EN LA QUÍMICA Y ACTIVIDADES BACTERIOLÓGICAS EN LAS PLANTAS MEDICINALES= Medicinal plants, last advances on chemistry and bacteria activities on the medicinal herbs

1) A new cardenolide, 12beta,14beta-dihydroxy-3beta,19-epoxy-3alpha-methoxy-5alpha-card-20(22)-enolide (6), and a new doubly linked cardenolide glycoside, 12beta-hydroxycalotropin (13), together with eleven known compds., coroglaucigenin (1), 12beta-hydroxycoroglaucigenin (2), calotropagenin (3), desglucouzarin (4), 6'-O-feruloyl-desglucouzarin (5), calotropin (7), uscharidin (8), asclepin (9), 16alpha-hydroxyasclepin (10), 16alpha-acetoxycalotropin (11), and 16alpha-acetoxyasclepin (12), were isolated from the aerial part of ornamental milkweed, Asclepias curassavica and chem. elucidated through spectral analyses.  All the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against HepG2 and Raji cell lines.  The results showed that asclepin (9) had the strongest cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value of 0.02 uM against the two cancer cell lines and the new compd. 13 had significant cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 0.69 and 1.46 uM, resp. 

2) Although plant-defense theory has long predicted patterns of chem. defense across taxa, we know remarkably little about the evolution of defense, esp. in the context of directional phylogenetic trends.  Here we contrast the prodn. of phenolics and cardenolides in 35 species of milkweeds (Asclepias and Gomphocarpus).  Maximum-likelihood analyses of character evolution revealed three major patterns.  First, consistent with the defense-escalation hypothesis, the diversification of the milkweeds was assocd. with a trend for increasing phenolic prodn.; this pattern was reversed (a declining evolutionary trend) for cardenolides, toxins sequestered by specialist herbivores.  Second, phylogenetically independent correlations existed among phenolic classes across species.  For example, coumaric acid derivs. showed neg. correlated evolution with caffeic acid derivs., and this was likely driven by the fact that the former are used as precursors for the latter.  In contrast, coumaric acid derivs. were pos. correlated with flavonoids, consistent with competition for the precursor p-coumaric acid.  Finally, of the phenolic classes, only flavonoids showed correlated evolution (pos.) with cardenolides, consistent with a physiol. and evolutionary link between the two via malonate.  Thus, this study presents a rigorous test of the defense-escalation hypothesis and a novel phylogenetic approach to understanding the long-term persistence of physiol. constraints on secondary metab.

WARNING: TOXIC in recent studies

Asclepias curassavica (Asclepiadaceae) is commonly found in warm regions of Latin America, from Mexico down to Argentina. Also known by the vernacular name of milkweed, this plant is usually found growing in gardens, although it can also be found growing in the wild. Milkweed is regularly used in folk medicine, although it is important to point out that due to the presence of cardiotonic glycosides, it could show high levels of toxicity. This fact has limited pharmacological research to the antimicrobial field.

Plantas medicinales autóctonas de la Argentina. Bases científicas para su aplicación en atención primaria de la salud / Jorge Alonso y Cristian Jorge Desmarchelier. - 1a ed. - Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires: Corpus Libros Médicos y Científicos, 2015.

PARTE UTILIZADA= Used part: Raíz, partes aéreas.

ACCIÓN FARMACOLÓGICA= Pharmacological action: Emético, antigonorreico , venenoso, purgativo, hemostático.

COMPOSICIÓN QUÍMICA= Chemical composition: Asclepias speciosa And A. curassavica were evaluated as potential renewable sources of chems. for use as fuel and/or chem. feedstock.  Leaves and stems of both plants were analyzed for acid-detergent fiber and lignin, cellulose, and ash.  Bomb calorimetry was performed on A. curassavica (leaves 4590, stems 4219, and latex 4663 cal/g), and A. speciosa (leaves 4404, stems 4514, and latex 9005 cal/g).  Org. C in A. curassavica (leaves 41.20, stems 41.18, and latex 48.03%) and A. speciosa (stems 45.71, leaves 42.51, and latex 67.30%) were also detd.  Major differences between the 2 plant species were in the chem. compn. of the latex A. speciosa latex contained primarily a- and b-amyrin and their acetates, and a small amt. of rubber, while A. curussavica latex contained ³50% cardiac glucoside.

ZONA GEOGRÁFICA= Geografical zone: América del Sur. 

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Parte empleada: hoja.
Usos: colon inflamado y hemorroides.
Preparación: para las hemorroides hervir unas hojas en agua y tomar baños de asiento.

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Origen: Nativa del continente americano desde México y el Caribe hasta Paraguay (MORTON, 1981), naturalizada en la India y otras regiones de Asia (CSIR, 1985; CÁCERES, 1996). Se encuentra en bosques húmedos o secos o praderas, generalmente a la orilla de los caminos y ríos o en terrenos abandonados cerca de las viviendas, en ocasiones asociada a borde de manglar, bosque tropical caducifolio, subcaducifolio y perennifolio, en alturas de 1,900 m s.n.m. o menos (STANDLEY & WILLIAMS, 1966; INI, 1994) En Panamá la especie se encuentra distribuida en Coclé, Chiriquí, Colón, Darién, Herrera, Los Santos, Panamá, Kuna Yala, Veraguas y área del Canal (CORREA, et al, 2004).

Usos etnomédicos y modo de empleo:
La infusión o decocción de la planta se usa oralmente para tratar cefalea, estreñimiento, fiebre, infección intestinal, gonorrea, leucorrea, parásitos y cáncer (PITTIER, 1971; MORTON, 1981; MARTÍNEZ, 1992; COEE & ANDERSON, 1996). La decocción de la raíz y tallo se usa para tratar asma, enfermedades venéreas (gonorrea, sífilis), pneumonía y disentería (STANDLEY, 1930; AGARWAL & GHOSH, 1985), así como para lavado en las enfermedades de la piel y mucosas (PÉREZ-ARBELÁEZ, 1990). El jarabe del jugo de la planta se usa en las parasitosis (CSIR, 1985; MARTÍNEZ, 1992; INI, 1994), disentería, gonorrea y hemorragias. El polvo de la raíz se usa como emético (MARTÍNEZ, 1992) y contra las úlceras crónicas (CSIR, 1985). Otros usos tradicionales incluye el tratamiento de intoxicación por hongos, diabetes, malestar de la vista, hemorroides, locura agresiva, quitar la rabia, antialcohólico, hemorragias e hinchazón (INI, 1994).
Más en el libro.
Toxicidad:

La planta es tóxica a animales y peces (CSIR, 1984; PÉREZ-ARBELÁEZ, 1990).

Origin

Probably Central and South America, from Florida, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru to Bolivia.

Occurence

The species is widely distributed and common in the northern part of Venezuela, occuring from sea level up to approximately 1600 m. It is found at the sea side as well as in the coastal Cordillera. It supports temperate as well as hot climates. It even grows on siliceous soils, and frequently occurs wild as weed.

Ethnobotanical and general use

Nutritional use

The plant is much visited by bees and supplies good honey.

Medicinal use

The name of the drug is folia, caule, flos, radix. Leaf A decoction of the leaves together with the stem induces vomiting, a decoction of the root, on the other hand, is astringent and purgative (HNO. APOLINAR MARIA (1938). Leaves and tips of inflorescences in a dose of 40 g/1 in a decoction of 5 minutes cure any stage of syphilis (JUSCAFRESA 1975). The leaves applied locally are used as an antiinflammatory and antipyretic remedy and are also employed to ease headache, to dry wounds and to soothe inflammation of the liver. Pulverized leaves cure abdominal cancer and act in a caustic way. Orally taken leaves ease haemorrhoids. A decoction of the leaves is used to cure wounds and ulcers. Fresh or dry leaves in a decoction serve as a vomitory in case of intoxication with spoiled food. Leaves are also anthelmintic. Stem. A decoction of the stem and twigs produces vomiting. Fresh or dry branches in a decoction are used as a vomitory in the case of intoxication by spoiled food. Root. The root acts astringent and
prgative. The dry root pulverized has an emetic action. In popular medicine, the roots are applied in the form of a lavation for diseases of the skin and the mucous membranes. An extract of the root inhaled cures chronic catarrh. Fresh or dry roots cut into pieces and treated as a decoction, are a very strong vomitory against poisoning. Flower. A decoction of flowers and leaves is used to cure wounds and ulcers. The terminal inflorescences are applied in popular medicine as a haemostatic and against gonorrhoea. Seeds. Orally taken, the seeds are an antidote against snake bites. Fried seeds taken with milk cure green diarrhoea.

Entire plants

The entire plant orally taken cures rheumatism and excites the central nervous system. The use of the entire plant is however very dangerous, because the plant is toxic and can affect the heart by a sudden paralysation.

Latex

In certain cases, only the latex is applied. A wad of cotton soaked with latex is applied for the extraction of carious teeth. The latex put on acarious tooth immediately soothes the pains. The latex is also used orally as an anthelmintic; dried and pulverized it helps as a sternutatory; it is also said to be abortive. Orally taken, the latex acts as a cathartic, purgative and as an emmenagoge, aiding monthly menstruation. Locally applied, the latex cures abscesses of the ear; dissolved in milk and taken internally it is a vermifuge. Taken purely and applied locally the latex removes warts. The latex flowing from the wound of a plant may have important cardiotonic effects, but this property has not yet been studied carefully.

Toxicity

The toxic principle is calotropin. The plant is toxic because of its latex content, not only for man but also for cattle, and therefore has to be handled with care. It can produce salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, spasm and paralysation of the heart.

Method of use

Branches and leaves, either fresh or dry are used in decoction. Dry or fresh leaves are also used locally. A decoction of the root is taken orally or applied as a lavation or even as an inhalation. Furthermore the root is used dry and in a powder form mixed with liquids or taken directly. A decoction of the flowers is taken orally or applied as a bath. Fried seeds are taken with milk. The latex is locally applied, or mixed with water or milk, and taken orally; dried and in powder form, it is used for inhalation.

Healing properties

The distinct parts of the plant are emetic, cathartic, haemostatic, sudorific, anthelmintic, antisyphilitic, antileprous, abortive or are used against irritations of the skin, to extract teeth, to cure dysentery and haemorrhoids.

Chemical contents

Phytochemical analysis shows the presence of glucosides with purgative and emetic effects, such as asclepina; of cardiac poisons, ethereal oil, resins and peptic substances. The root has been used as a substitute or adulterant of radix ipecacuanhae (from Cephaelis ipecacuanha, Rubiaceae), although it does not contain the same alkaloids but instead those of asclepidina and vincetoxina. Larvae of certain butterflies of the Danainae subfamily contain by ingestion of the plant the cardiac poisons of Asclepias curassavica and are protected in this way against predation by certain birds. Alcoholic extracts of Asclepias curassavica showed in vitro a significant inhibitory effect on cells derived from human nasal-pharyngeal carcinoma (KUPCHAN et al. 1964).

Herb. Roots are boiled and a tea is drunk to treat fevers (G-CR). Hazlett 7124, MO.

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Whole plant: Juice for ringworm, sores, rashes, dermatitis.

Root: Decoction for dysentery, febrifuge, eyewash for infected eyes; aerial parts of plant sometimes used for same purpose. Root yields a bitter emetic which has more purgative strength than ipecacuanha. Milky juice of root is vomitive; an astringent decoction is injected to treat leucorrhoea; drop of latex in decayed tooth relieves pain.

Leaf: In Guyana, a paste made of the crushed leaves, salt, vegetable oil and bread is used for treating skin ulcers.
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Origin:
Naturalized in many parts of India as an ornamental.

Action:
Spasmogenic, cardiotonic, cytotoxic, antihaemorrhagic, styptic, antibacterial. Various plant parts, as also plant latex, are used against warts and cancer.
Root—used as an astringent in piles.
Leaves—juice, antidysenteric, also used against haemorrhages.
Flowers—juice, styptic. Alcoholic extract of the plant—cardiotonic.

Toxicity:
Toxicity is reduced by drying.
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Origin

Jamaica

Folk medicinal uses

In Jamaica this species is still in use as an application for boils and warts. The juice may be employed alone or the leaf may be used with vaseline or castor oil as a dressing. A worm remedy prepared from this plant is still known but our informant considered it dangerous. In Honduras it is still so used. In Maya medicine it found use in poultices for abscesses. ulcers, sore throat and swelling of the breast. The plant is also known in the West Indies as a treatment for piles and gonorrhoea.

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Toxicity:
Avoid internal use, potentially toxic
Origin:
Mexico
Medicinal  properties:
- Boils (leaf poultice applied topically)
- Toothache (latex applied topically)

1) TOURSARKISSIAN, Martín. Plantas medicinales de Argentina : sus nombres botánicos, vulgares, usos y distribución geográfica. Buenos Aires : Hemisferio Sur, 1980, p. 11-12.

2) VAN EMON, Jeanette; SEIBER, James N. Chemical constituents and energy content of two milkweeds, Asclepias speciosa and A. curassavica.  Economic Botany . 1985, vol.39, nº1, p.47-55.
 
3) LI, Jun-Zhu, et al. Cytotoxicity of cardenolides and cardenolide glycosides from Asclepias curassavica.  Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters  .2009, Vol.19, nº7, p.1956-1959.
     
4) AGRAWAL, Anurag A.; SALMINEN, Juha-Pekka; FISHBEIN, Mark. Phylogenetic trends in phenolic metabolism of milkweeds (Asclepias): evidence for escalation.  Evolution (Malden, MA, United States). 2009, Vol.63, nº3, p.663-673.

5) ALONSO, Jorge ; DESMARCHELIER, Cristian. Plantas medicinales autóctonas de la Argentina : bases científicas para su aplicación en atención primaria de la salud.  Buenos Aires: L.O.L.A, 2005, p. 78.

6) South American medicinal plants : botany, remedial properties, and general use / I. Roth, H. Lindorf. Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2002. -- p. 492.

7) Hazlett, Donald L. Economic Botany, v. 40 no.3 1986. -- p. 339-352

8) Robertt, A., et al.. Medicinal Plants of the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana)/Smithsonian NMNH. cited online: 17-08-2017.

9) Plantas medicinales de La Matamba y El Piñonal, municipio de Jamapa, Veracruz/ Escamilla Pérez, Blanca Edith; Moreno Casaola, Patricia. INECOL: Mexico, 2015, 99p.

10) Plantas medicinales autóctonas de la Argentina. Bases científicas para su aplicación en atención primaria de la salud / Jorge Alonso y Cristian Jorge Desmarchelier. - 1a ed. - Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires: Corpus Libros Médicos y Científicos, 2015.

11) Gupta, Mahabir P.; Santana, Ana Isabel; Espinosa, Alex/ Plantas medicinales de Panamá. sd: sd. - p. sd.

12) Khare, C.P./ Indian Medicinal Plants. -- Nueva Dheli: Springer, 2007 . - p. 836.

13) Asprey, G.F; Phylis Thornton/ Medicinal plants of Jamaica. Parts III & IV. – p. 49.

14) Armando González Stuart/ Plants Used in Mexican Plants Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine Traditional Medicine: Their Application and Effects In Traditional Healing Practices. - p. 145.