Abstract

FERNANDEZ BREWER, Ana Mercedes; JUAREZ JAIMES, Verónica  and  CORTES ZARRAGA, Laura. Uses of the genus Asclepias L. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), information from the National Herbarium of Mexico, MEXU. Polibotánica [online]. 2008, n.25, pp.155-171. ISSN 1405-2768.

Asclepias is an American genus of wide geographical distribution. Of the 68 species of Asclepias occurring in Mexico, 17 have reported uses. This article focuses on 14 species used as medicinal plants by many social groups, including indigenous cultures that possess a vast knowledge of traditional medicine. The medicinal species contain alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides and have analgesic, dermatological, laxative, and respiratory properties. Some are also considered toxic. Besides their medicinal uses, Asclepias species provide food, fodder, ornament, and fiber for textile production. The uses of these plants are summarized, emphasizing their medicinal properties as well as some of their pharmacological aspects. Most of the information was extracted from the Mexican National Herbarium (MEXU). Mexican Ethnobotanical Plants Database (BADEPLAM), and thorough bibliographical research covering traditional medicine, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the medicinal species of Asclepias.

Keywords : Asclepias; Mexican traditional medicine; alkaloids; tannins; cardiac glycosides.

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