The therapeutic properties of Mikania glomerata Spreng. (Asteraceae)

Abstract

The Mikania glomerata Spreng is a specie found in Europe, Africa, North and South America and is commonly known as “guaco” and “guaco climber”. Many scientific studies confirm the bactericidal, anti-ophidic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and bronchodilator pharmacological activities. These studies aim to contribute to new research, report the phytotherapy aspects and describe the therapeutical properties of Mikania glomerata. This study is an integrative review with a descriptive approach. Were found during the study that the guaco therapeutical properties are diverse, such as: antiasthmatic, tonic, antipyretic, expectorant, appetite stimulant, anti-influenza, antirheumatic, soothing, healing, diuretic, emollient, fluidizing, bacterial growth inhibitor, antiallergic, antifungal, antioxidant, anthelmintic. Thereby, the analyzed texts show, besides the properties mentioned above, an expressive performance on duodenal and stomach ulcers, infectious diseases such as tonsillitis and oropharyngeal inflammation, influenzas, and upper airway infections (UAI), usually known as cold. Thus, is essential to highlight the value of the medicinal use of this compound, in a way to accentuate their benefits for the clinical improvement of various conditions that currently affect patients. However, given the data that were shown previously, as well as the limited number of studies, it is fundamental to carry out more research to define more safely the therapeutic properties of the M. glomerata, in addition to showing the long-term effects of the use of your phytotherapic and safe doses, such as side effects.