Use In Folk Medicine Research Articles

Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants against Clinical Bacterial Species

The current study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial potential of herbal plants against gram negative including Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and gram positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus species. Aqueous extracts of these herbs were used to check the antimicrobial susceptibility. The antimicrobial activity of these herbal extracts was determined by using agar well diffusion technique. The aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum alatum exhibited maximum antibacterial activity against Enterococcus fecalis and E. fecium with the inhibitory zone in the range 35 mm and 30 mm at 100 uL respectively. While aqueous extract of Gerwia asiatica showed maximum antimicrobial activity against E. fecalis with the inhibitory zone 28 mm. Whereas, aqueous extract of Juglans regia showed maximum antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and E. fecalis with the inhibitory zones 28 mm and 20 mm respectively. Some of the microbes showed no inhibitory activity such as, S. aureus exhibited resistance against both G. asiatica and J. regia antimicrobial contents. The results confirmed the therapeutic potency of these herbs for use in folk medicine. The results also encourage the usage of plants exhibiting antimicrobial activity against most of the food-borne and food-spoilage microorganisms.

Authentication of Harpullia arborea (Blanco) Radlk. - a traditional medicinal plant from India using microscopic techniques

Harpullia arborea (Blanco) Radlk., Sapindaceae, known as “black doll’s eyes” or “tulip tree” is a rainforest tree distributed in the tropical forests of peninsular India. Out of the 26 species of the genus, H. arborea is therapeutically more studied and widely used in folk and ayurvedic medicine. In this work, anatomical study of the leaves and stem of H. arborea was performed to provide a microscopical diagnosis for its characterization due to its increasing use in folk and ayurvedic medicine and its differentiation from other species with the same popular name. Standard light and scanning electron microscopy procedures were carried out using paradermal sections of leaf surfaces and transverse sections of lamina, midrib, and petiole. Stem preparations include longitudinal, radial and transverse sections of tertiary branches. The leaf epidermis with stellate non-glandular trichomes, cyclocytic stomata, mucilaginous cells and mesophyll without secretory sclereids, and the stem with confluent axial parenchyma, biseriate xylem rays, and the presence of rhomboidal prismatic crystals in the axial cells are the diagnostic microscopic features of the species. This structural characterization of the stem and leaf allows the identification of H.arborea, allowing certification of the authenticity of raw material.

A Review of the Effects of Herbal Medicines on Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a tropical mistreated sandfly-borne contagion caused by hemoflagellate protozoa of the Leishmania species and it is endemic in many countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Peru. After malaria, leishmania spp. causes the highest rates of mortality and morbidity. Several major risk factors are involved in the spread of leishmaniasis such as drug resistance, environmental changes, HIV epidemic, inadequate vector control and migration of non-immune individuals to endemic areas. Leishmaniasis is a disease with diverse clinical manifestations that depends on both infecting species of Leishmania and the immune response of the host. Different forms of the disease include cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral forms. The most dangerous form is Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) which can be fatal among untreated patients. The availability of the inadequate number of antileishmanial chemotherapeutic compounds, high-cost treatment, rising drug resistance as well as severe toxicities of the drugs obscures the treatment of VL. Many investigations showed antileishmanial activity of herbal extracts or chemical derivatives from natural sources in vitro against promastigote and amastigote forms or in vivo against Leishmania-infected animals. A review of related studies revealed that herbal extracts demonstrating antileishmanial activities in vivo or in vitro alone or combined with suggested drugs seem to confirm their use in folk medicine. Additionally, the antileishmanial activity of more than a hundred plants have been recognized in this regard. It is worth noting that plants are notable sources of medicine production, because of their long association with parasites.

Metabolites Profiling of Manilkara mabokeensis Aubrév Bark and Investigation of Biological Activities.

Manilkara mabokeensis Aubrév is a tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family, native to the tropical forest in Latin America, Asia, Australia, and Africa. The bark of this species is used as traditional medicine to treat diseases. The present study is the first phytochemical investigation on M. mabokeensis Aubrév bark in terms of phytochemical composition and bioactivity. Among the different extracts, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) exhibited the highest values of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), condensed tannin content (CTC), and reducing sugar content, as well as a high antioxidant activity. Interestingly, gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were enabled to identify 23 compounds in the essential oil of M. mabokeensis Aubrév bark, which have not been previously described in the literature. Phytol and 8,14-cedranoxide were the major identified compounds, with area percentages of 27.9 and 18.8%, respectively. For HPLC analysis, 3,4-dihydroxy-benzoic acid methyl ester showed the highest concentration with 61.8 mg/g of dry residue (dr) among other identified molecules. Manilkara mabokeensis Aubrév bark MeOH extract showed a good anti-15-lipoxygenase (anti-15-LOX) and anti-acetylcholinesterase (anti-AChE) activities of 65.8 and 71.0%, respectively, while it exhibited a moderate antixanthine oxidase (anti-XOD) activity (41.5%) at 50 μg/mL. Furthermore, cyclohexane (CYHA) and ethyl acetate induced the highest cytotoxicity against the human ovarian cancer cell lines, OVCAR (49.5%) and IGROV (48.7%), respectively. Taken together, obtained results argue that M. mabokeensis Aubrév bark is an excellent source of natural compounds and justify its use in folk medicine.

Current Use of Local Folk Medicine (Rimèd Razyé) in the French Lesser Antilles: Diversity Patterns and Links Between Food and Health

Current Use of Local Folk Medicine (Rimèd Razyé) in the French Lesser Antilles: Diversity Patterns and Links Between Food and Health

Topical Dosage Formulation of Lyophilized Philadelphus coronarius L. Leaf and Flower: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Assessment of the Plant.

Philadelphus coronarius is a versatile plant and its use in folk medicine has a long tradition; however, scientifically, the medical utilization of the herb is a less explored research field. The aim of our study was to identify and determine the quantity of the bioactive compounds of both the leaf and the flower and prepare a lyophilized product of them, from which medical ointments were formulated, since the topical application of P. coronarius has also not been studied. In vitro drug release, texture analysis and biocompatibility experiments were carried out, as well as the investigation of microbiological, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to our results the composition and the selected excipients of the ointments have a great impact on the drug release, texture and bioavailability of the preparation. During the microbiological testing, the P. coronarius leaf was effective against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, but it did not significantly decrease IL-4 production when it was tested on HaCaT cells. P. coronarius is a promising herb, and its topical application in antimicrobial therapy can be a useful addition to modern medical therapy.

MEDICINAL DANDELION-TARAXACUM

The article describes the anatomy and morphology of the dandelion plant, the places of growth, medicinal properties and preparation of infusion, jam, salad. The chemical composition of Tagahasim, medicinal properties, and use in folk medicine are described.

Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) as a source of bioactive compounds for health benefits: A review

• E. uniflora presents a significant amount of bioactive compounds beneficial for health. • Little is known about the potential toxicity induced by E. uniflora . • The application of E. uniflora shows a range of biological properties. • Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant are some of the properties of E. uniflora. • In vivo studies of E. uniflora are incipient and may be the target of new research. The pitangueira ( Eugenia uniflora ) is a tree native to Brazil but is cultivated in several subtropical countries. A great diversity of nutrients and bioactive compounds have been found in the leaves and fruits of E. uniflora , which supports its use in folk medicine to treat diseases such as stomach and intestinal disorders, fever and general inflammation. Antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant effects on metabolism have been reported for this plant. This review discusses the phytochemical profile, toxicity and pharmacological action of E. uniflora leaves and fruits and points out that gaps in the literature that need to be investigated further. This review also discusses studies developed with E. uniflora demonstrating its promising therapeutic potential for several diseases with an apparent low toxicity in mammals. The compilation of the main pharmacological and toxicological results, as well as the phytochemical characterization of the varieties and constituents of E. uniflora are general aspects that this review attempts to demonstrate in order to contribute to the new approaches and developments to plant-derived natural product drug discovery. However, further studies are required to establish the nutraceutical effects and uses of E. uniflora as an important and safe supplement for human health.

Secondary Metabolism Compounds Study of Essential Oils for the Mentha spicata L. and Ocimum basilicum L.

Background: The mint and basil plants (M. spicata L. and O. basilicum L.) of the labiate family were used in the study. Methods: A qualitative chemical detection regarding several active chemicals in the leaves of M. spicata L. and O. basilicum L. was part of the investigation. Results: The findings revealed that both species include flavonoids and glycosides, yet tannins and saponins were not found in the leaves extract of O. basilicum, and volatile oils were found in the alcoholic extract at a rate of 4.5% in the leaves of O. basilicum. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) was used to detect six chemical active groups include (O-H, C=H, C=C, C=N, C-O, C-N). Our findings revealed the presence of alkaloid; the extraction yield for volatile oils in M. spicata species is 3%. As for the presence of nutrients in the type, the highest percentage of Calcium is in species O. basilicum. Conclusions: The presence of effective chemical compounds in O. basilicum and M. spicata leaves indicates its importance as a source of useful drugs and the importance of chemical components in the pharmaceutical industries, as well as enhancing the importance of its use in folk medicine as a safe treatment for many diseases.

Hydro-ethanol extract of Holarrhena floribunda stem bark exhibits anti-anaphylactic and anti-oedematogenic effects in murine models of acute inflammation

BackgroundHolarrhena floribunda (G.Don) T.Durand & Schinz stem bark has anecdotal use in Ghanaian folk medicine for the management of inflammatory conditions. This study was conducted to investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the bark extract using models of acute inflammation in male Sprague Dawley rats, C57BL/6 mice and ICR mice.MethodsA 70% hydro-ethanol extract of the stem bark (HFE) was evaluated at doses of 5–500 mg/kg bw. Local anaphylaxis was modelled by the pinnal cutaneous anaphylactic test. Systemic anaphylaxis or sepsis were modeled by compound 48/80 or lipopolysaccharide, respectively. Clonidine-induced catalepsy was used to investigate the effect on histamine signaling. Anti-oedematogenic effect was assessed by induction with carrageenan. Effects on mediators of biphasic acute inflammation were studied using histamine and serotonin (early phase) or prostaglandin E2 (late phase).ResultsHFE demonstrated anti-inflammatory and/or anti-oedematogenic activity comparable to standard doses of aspirin and diclofenac (inhibitors of cyclooxygenases-1 and -2), chlorpheniramine (histamine H1-receptor antagonist), dexamethasone (glucocorticoid receptor agonist), granisetron (serotonin receptor antagonist) and sodium cromoglycate (inhibitor of mast cell degranulation). All observed HFE bioactivities increased with dose.ConclusionsThe data provide evidence that the extract of H. floribunda stem bark has anti-anaphylactic and anti-oedematogenic effects; by interfering with signalling or metabolism of histamine, serotonin and prostaglandin E2 which mediate the progression of inflammation. The anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic activities of HFE may be relevant in the context of the management of COVID-19.

Eryngium foetidum L. (Apiaceae): A Literature Review of Traditional Uses, Chemical Composition, and Pharmacological Activities.

Eryngiumfoetidum L. is popularly known as chicória-do-Pará, is native to the Amazon region, and is widely distributed in Northern Brazil. It is considered a versatile species due to its diversified uses in ethnomedicine, gastronomy, and pharmaceutical industry. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological activities of E. foetidum based on information published in national and international scientific articles between the years 2011 and 2021. Literature searches were performed with the combination of the expressions “Eryngium foetidum L.,” “chicória-do-Pará,” “traditional uses,” “ethnobotany,” “volatile compounds,” and “essential oil.” The species is widely used as a flavoring condiment in beans, meat, duck, and fish, and in the preparation of tucupi (cassava sap), showing to have great importance for the Amazonian food culture. In traditional medicine, it has analgesic, antibacterial, antiflu, and antipyretic applications. The chemical profile is characterized by the presence of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, mainly (2E)-2-dodecenal in leaves and 2,3,4-trimethylbenzaldehyde in roots, in addition to fixed compounds such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenols. These compounds have shown diverse biological activities and potential antibacterial, anthelmintic, and antioxidant applications, confirming their potential for use in folk medicine. Therefore, it is inferred that this aromatic plant has vast potential uses and is an important alternative as a natural resource for the food and pharmaceutical industries in view of its antioxidant capacity and bioactive compounds.

Lippia origanoides essential oil induces tocolytic effect in virgin rat uterus and inhibits writhing in a dysmenorrhea mouse model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe species Lippia origanoides Kunth, popularly known as “salva-de-marajó”, is used in Brazilian traditional “quilombola” communities to treat menstrual cramps and uterine inflammation. Aim of the studyEvaluate the spasmolytic activity of Lippia origanoides essential oil (LOO) on experimental models of uterine conditions related to menstrual cramps and investigate its mechanism of action. Materials and methodsVirgin rat-isolated uterus was mounted in the organ bath apparatus to evaluate the spasmolytic effect of LOO on basal tonus and contractions induced by carbachol, KCl, or oxytocin. We used pharmacological agents to verify the relaxation mechanism of LOO. The evaluation of uterine contractility in virgin rats, after treatment with LOO for three consecutive days, was carried out by the construction of a concentration-response curve with oxytocin or carbachol. The primary dysmenorrhea animal model was replicated with an injection of estradiol cypionate in female mice for three consecutive days, followed by intraperitoneal application of oxytocin. ResultsLOO relaxed the rat uterus precontracted with 10−2 IU/mL oxytocin (logEC50 = 1.98 ± 0.07), 1 μM carbachol (logEC50 = 1.42 ± 0.07) or 60 mM KCl (logEC50 = 1.53 ± 0.05). It was also able relax uterus on spontaneous contractions (logEC50 = 0.41 ± 0.05). Preincubation with glibenclamide, propranolol, phentolamine or L-NAME in contractions induced by carbachol did not alter significantly the relaxing effect of LOO. However, in the presence of 4-aminopyridine, CsCl or tetraethylammonium there was a reduction of LOO potency, whereas the blockers methylene blue, ODQ, aminophylline and heparin potentiated the LOO relaxing effect. Preincubation with LOO in a Ca2+ free medium at concentrations of 27 μg/mL or 81 μg/mL reduced the contraction induced by carbachol. The administration of LOO for 3 days did not alter uterus contractility. The treatment with LOO at 30 or 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally, or 100 mg/kg orally, inhibited writhing in female mice. The association of LOO at 10 mg/kg with nifedipine or mefenamic acid potentiated writhing inhibition in mice. ConclusionsThe essential oil of L. origanoides has tocolytic activity in rat isolated uterus pre-contracted with KCl, oxytocin, or carbachol. This effect is possibly related to the opening of potassium channels (Kir, KV, and KCa), cAMP increase, and diminution of intracellular Ca2+. This relaxant effect, probably, contributed to reduce the number of writhings in an animal model of dysmenorrhea being potentiated by nifedipine or mefenamic acid. Taken together, the results here presented indicate that this species has a pharmacological potential for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, supporting its use in folk medicine.

The Essential Oil Components of Helichrysum pallasii Flowers

The genus Helichrysum contains many species displaying therapeutical effects and use in folk medicine. Helichrysum pallasii (Spreng.) Ledeb. is one of these species, used in the region for traditional medicine and ornamental purposes. Plants have been used in the treatment in folk medicines since the earliest times of human history. Chemical composition, antimicrobial and other medicinal properties of plants are being investigated in laboratories throughout the world using the extracts and essential oils derived from medicinal plants. Essential oils are usually complex mixtures of natural compounds of both polar and apolar structure. Essential oils consist mainly of terpenoids and their oxygenated derivatives. Essential oils, which have antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, have therapeutic properties and are the raw materials of cosmetics, as well as acting as natural additives in foods and food products. In this study, the volatile components of the H. pallasii plants were investigated which collected from its natural habitat in the Armutlu district of Bayburt province (Turkey) at the time of flowering. The proportion of essential oils of the plant harvested during the full flowering period and the aromatic components in the essential oil of the plant were determined using the SPME (Solid Phase Microextraction) method in a Gas Chromatography (GC-MS) device. Almost 37 different components were found as a result of the analysis. The main components were found as α-Springene (34.89%), (-)-Isoledene (7.11%), δ-Selinene (5.79%) and Aristolene (5.09).

Ethnobotanics of Certain Medicinal Plants of Bukhara Region (Uzbekistan)

The article presents data on the ethnobotanical characteristics of 12 species of medicinal and food plants in the Bukhara region, where the climatic conditions are specific, hot and dry. These plants were used by the local population in ancient times and now as food and natural remedies. As a result of the study, data on the use of medicinal plants in food were collected on the basis of surveys of rural residents, housewives and elderly people of the city of Bukhara and the region. It is worth noting that due to the demand of the modern era, the study of the nutritional and therapeutic aspects of medicinal plants that grow naturally, their scientific and practical significance, determines the possibility of their use in folk medicine.

Volatile Composition and Biological Activities of Tagetes (Marigold): An Overview

Tagetes commonly known as wild marigold is a plant belonging to family Asteraceae. Tagetes minuta L., commonly known as African marigold, is reputed as a source of ‘Tagetes oil’ of trade that finds an extensive use in food, flavoring, pharmaceutical, perfumery and cosmetic industry. The plant is valued for its essential oil, which is present almost in every part of the plant with little percentage in the stem and roots. The plant is native to South America and has been introduced to many countries since the time of Spanish conquest. Many species of this genus, such as T. minuta, T. erecta, T. patula, and T. tenuifolia, are cultivated as ornamental plants and studied for their medicinal properties based on the basis of their use in folk medicine. Different parts of the Tagetes species are used as remedies to treat various health problems, including dental, stomach, intestinal, emotional, and nervous disorders and muscular pain, across the world. Furthermore, these plants are studied in the field of agriculture for their fungicidal, bactericidal, and insecticidal activities. The plant occurs in temperate forests and mountain regions of the world. Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand and Jammu & Kashmir are the main sources of “Tagetes oil” in India where it occurs at an altitude of 1000 to 2500m AMSL. The major constituents (90-95%) of Tagetes minuta essential oil are Z-ß-ocimene, limonene (hydrocarbons) and acyclic unsaturated monoterpenes ketones, dihydrotagetone, tagetones (E, Z) and ocimenones (E, Z). The plant possess pharmacological, phytotoxic effect, antibacterial and antifungal effect, insecticidal properties, nematicidal properties, antiviral and antimicrobial activity and also find use in perfume and flavour industry. Its oil has a great demand, so the species holds a lot of potential for undertaking its large-scale cultivation.

STUDY OF VITAMINS CONTAINED IN MELON PEEL AND ITS USE IN FOLK MEDICINE

STUDY OF VITAMINS CONTAINED IN MELON PEEL AND ITS USE IN FOLK MEDICINE

Toxicological and Pharmacokinetic Analysis by Insilico Bioinformatics Tools of an Ancient Medicine Compound Cantharidin Derived from Spanish fly

Background: Cantharidin, a vesicant released by spanish fly belongs to species beetles of zoological order Coleoptera. It has a long history in both folk and traditional medicine use for topical cantharidin to treat warts and molluscum and as an aphrodisiac. They are also known to cause poisoning by the presence of toxic principle.Aims and Objectives: The aims of the study were to study possible drug likeness, pharmacokinetic and toxicological profiling of known toxicological active principle cantharidin by insilico analysis and prediction tools.Materials & Methods: This study was investigated on web-based tools PubChem to extract the chemical structure, followed by authentication and validation with the chemical formula. The two-dimensional structures are further converted to three-dimensional (3D) structure with ChemSketch software; The structures are then screened for molecular properties with Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System, followed by absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity through SWISS ADME software web based tool. The reports are analyzed and predicted for drug likeness, pharmacokinetic and toxicity characters of cantharidin.Results: The compounds screened cantharidin for drug likeness had a Log P score of >4.15, Bioavailability Score of 0.55, +ve blood brain barrier +ve Intestinal penetration and -ve to Cytochrome P450 enzyme induction and inhibition. The toxic hazard classification by Cramer resulted as HIGH –CLASS III with Skin Sensitization score of 0.861Conclusion: The insilico analysis predicts cantharidin belongs to class III Toxic hazard classification but potential as drug like candidate for topical administration due to its high skin sensitivity and irritation ability as a vesicant in treatment of warts and molluscum.

Study of the scientific production of the antibacterial activity of the chemical compounds of the essential oil of Lippia sidoides

Lippia sidoides Cham. has widespread use in folk medicine because its essential oil (EO) presents great antibacterial properties. In Brazil, this plant has been introduced in governmental programs for herbal medicine, due to its recognized therapeutic activities. This promoted greater interest in the search for new molecules with antimicrobial activity in this EO which have been described by several authors. Thus, this work aimed to present a study of the scientific production of antibacterial activity of the chemical compounds from L. sidoides essential oil (LSEO). The inclusion criteria were articles which assessed the chemical components and antibacterial activity through the inhibition diameter, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), published between 2000 and 2020. Of the 996 studies identified, 55 met the inclusion criteria. In descending order, the most frequently detected chemical components found in LSEO were: thymol, p-cymene, and caryophillene. Regarding to the origin, the results showed that the extraction of EO were carried out mainly in the Northeast (55.5%) and Southeast (19%) regions of Brazil; and the part of the plant most used for the production were the leaves. In addition, the essential oil showed strong antibacterial activity against most of the bacteria tested.

Study of the scientific production of the antibacterial activity of the chemical compounds of the essential oil of Lippia sidoides

Lippia sidoides Cham. has widespread use in folk medicine because its essential oil (EO) presents great antibacterial properties. In Brazil, this plant has been introduced in governmental programs for herbal medicine, due to its recognized therapeutic activities. This promoted greater interest in the search for new molecules with antimicrobial activity in this EO which have been described by several authors. Thus, this work aimed to present a study of the scientific production of antibacterial activity of the chemical compounds from L. sidoides essential oil (LSEO). The inclusion criteria were articles which assessed the chemical components and antibacterial activity through the inhibition diameter, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), published between 2000 and 2020. Of the 996 studies identified, 55 met the inclusion criteria. In descending order, the most frequently detected chemical components found in LSEO were: thymol, p-cymene, and caryophillene. Regarding to the origin, the results showed that the extraction of EO were carried out mainly in the Northeast (55.5%) and Southeast (19%) regions of Brazil; and the part of the plant most used for the production were the leaves. In addition, the essential oil showed strong antibacterial activity against most of the bacteria tested.

A Narrative Review of Libidibia ferrea: Botanical Aspects, Ethnopharmacological Properties, Phytochemical Characteristics, Toxicity, and Experimental Tests

Introduction: Jucá or pau-ferro (Libidibia ferrea) is an arboreal plant from the Fabaceae family. It is commonly used in traditional medicine in the treatment of various diseases, including inflammatory process.
 Aims: The objective of this narrative review is to present botanical aspects, ethnopharmacological properties, phytochemical characteristics, toxicity highlighting, and experimental models with L. ferrea.
 Results: Botanical Aspects: Jucá has several uses such as in landscaping (stem and canopy), in arborization of urban areas. Ethnopharmacological Properties: It is used in the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes, flu, asthma and, inflammatory processes of which different parts are used (root, stem bark, leaves, fruits, seeds). Phytochemical Characteristics: Phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and terpenoids are among the compounds monthly used. Toxicity: In vivo models have been used to verify toxicity and in most studies the plant presented no toxicity in its use. Experimental studies: Animals, such as mice, dogs, rats, etc. and different models of studies to analyze the action of the plant were used.
 Conclusions: Such low toxicity, associated with its widespread use in folk medicine and its various effects demonstrated in the studies included in this Review have corroborated for the continuity of the research with L. ferrea. New studies, however, ought to follow methodological guidelines, such as the Animal Research: reporting in vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) so that, a methodological design secures more homogeneous studies capable of quantifying the actual size of the effect in the plant may have in clinical studies.