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Erschienen in: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 1/2010

Open Access 01.12.2010 | Research

Medicinal plants used in Northern Peru for reproductive problems and female health

verfasst von: Rainer W Bussmann, Ashley Glenn

Erschienen in: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine | Ausgabe 1/2010

Abstract

Infections of the reproductive tract, complications after childbirth, and reproductive problems continue to be a major health challenge worldwide. An impressive number of plant species is traditionally used to remedy such afflictions, and some have been investigated for their efficacy with positive results. A total of 105 plant species belonging to 91 genera and 62 families were documented and identified as herbal remedies for reproductive problems in Northern Peru. Most species used were Asteraceae (9.52%), followed by Lamiaceae and Fabaceae (8.57% and 6.67%). The most important families are clearly represented very similarly to their overall importance in the local pharmacopoeia. The majority of herbal preparations for reproductive afflictions were prepared from the leaves of plants (22.72%), the whole plant (21.97%), and stems (21.21%), while other plant parts were used less frequently. More than 60% of the cases fresh plant material was used to prepare remedies. Over 70% of the remedies were applied orally, while the remaining ones were applied topically. Many remedies were prepared as mixtures of multiple ingredients.
Little scientific evidence exists to prove the efficacy of the species employed as reproductive disorder remedies in Northern Peru. Only 34% of the plants found or their congeners have been studied at all for their medicinal properties. The information gained on frequently used traditional remedies might give some leads for future targets for further analysis in order to develop new drugs.
Hinweise

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.​1186/​1746-4269-6-30) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Declaration of competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors' contributions

RB collected/identified plant material analysis of the data as well as writing the manuscript. AG conducted fieldwork, data analysis and manuscript composition. Both authors have read and approved the final manuscript

Background

According to 1999 WHO estimates reproductive problems, including, 340 million new cases of curable Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs; syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis) occur annually throughout the world in adults aged 15-49 years. In developing countries, STIs and their complications rank in the top five disease categories for which adults seek health care. Infection with STIs can lead to acute symptoms, chronic infection and serious delayed consequences such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, cervical cancer and the untimely death of infants and adults [1].
Traditional Medicine (TM) is used globally and is rapidly growing in economic importance. In developing countries, TM is often the only accessible and affordable treatment available. The WHO reports that TM is the primary health care system for 80% of the population in developing countries. In Latin America, the WHO Regional Office for the Americas (AMRO/PAHO) reports that 71% of the population in Chile and 40% of the population in Colombia have used TM. The WHO indicates that in many Asian countries TM is widely used, even though Western medicine is often readily available, and in Japan, 60-70% of allopathic doctors prescribe TMs for their patients [2].
Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) is gaining popularity in many developed countries. Forty-two percent of the population in the US have used CAM at least once [3], and the use of at least one of 16 alternative therapies increased from 34% in 1990 to 42% in 1997 [4]. The number of visits to providers of CAM now exceeds by far the number of visits to all primary care physicians in the US [5, 6]. The expenses for the use of TM and CAM are exponentially growing in many parts of the world. The 1997 out-of-pocket CAM expenditure was estimated at US$ 2,7 billion in the USA, and the world market for herbal medicines based on traditional knowledge is now estimated at US$ 60 billion [7].
Northern Peru is believed to be the center of the Central Andean Health Axis [8], and traditional medicinal practices in this region remain an important component of everyday life [913]. TM is also gaining acceptance by national governments and health providers. Peru's National Program in Complementary Medicine and the Pan American Health Organization recently compared Complementary Medicine to allopathic medicine in clinics and hospitals operating within the Peruvian Social Security System. The results showed that the cost of using Traditional Medicine was less than the cost of Western therapy. In addition, for each of the criteria evaluated -- clinical efficacy, user satisfaction, and future risk reduction -- Traditional Medicine 's efficacy was higher than that of conventional treatments, including fewer side effects, higher perception of efficacy by both the patients and the clinics, and a 53-63% higher cost efficiency of Traditional Medicine over that of conventional treatments for the selected conditions [14]. According to [6], the sustainable cultivation and harvesting of medicinal species is one of the most important challenges for the next few years.
The present study attempts to give an overview on medicinal plant species employed in Northern Peru in traditional remedies for reproductive problems and female health, and compare this use to the western scientific evidence regarding their efficacy.

Materials and Methods

Plant Collections

Plants for the present study were collected in the field, in markets, and at the homes of traditional healers (curanderos) in Northern Peru in 10 2-3 months long field visits between 2001 and 2009, as a larger scale project following initial collections in southern Ecuador (Figure 1). The same 116 informants (healers and market vendors) in the Trujillo and Chiclayo area were repeatedly interviewed during this time, using structured questionnaires. The informants were always provided with fresh (non-dried) plant material, either collected with them, by them, or available at their market stands. The questionnaires did not include any reference as to disease concepts, plant parts or preparations. In contrast, the participants were asked simple questions along the lines "What is this plant used for, which part, which quantity, how is it prepared, are any other plants added to the mixture." All questions were asked in the same order. All informants were of Mestizo origin, and spoke only Spanish as their native language, and all interviews were conducted in Spanish. The study covered the four existing medicinal plant markets of the region, and included all vendors present. All interviews were conducted with the same set of participants. The specimens are registered under the collection series "RBU/PL," "ISA," "GER," "JULS," "EHCHL," "VFCHL," "TRUBH," and "TRUVANERICA," depending on the year of fieldwork and collection location. Surveys were conducted in Spanish by fluent speakers. Surveyors would approach healers, collectors and market vendors and explain the premise for the study, including the goal of conservation of medicinal plants in the area.
Vouchers of all specimens were deposited at the Herbario Truxillensis (HUT, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo), and Herbario Antenor Orrego (HAO, Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego Trujillo). In order to recognize Peru's rights under the Convention on Biological Diversity, most notably with regard to the conservation of genetic resources in the framework of a study treating medicinal plants, the identification of the plant material was conducted entirely in Peru. No plant material collected either in this study in Northern Peru, or the previous study in Southern Ecuador was exported in any form whatsoever.

Species identification and nomenclature

The nomenclature of plant families, genera, and species follows the Catalogue of the Flowering Plants and Gymnosperms of Peru [15] and the Catalogue of Vascular Plants of Ecuador [16]. The nomenclature was compared to the TROPICOS database. Species were identified using the available volumes of the Flora of Peru [17], as well as [1820], and the available volumes of the Flora of Ecuador [21].

Results

A total of 105 plant species belonging to 91 genera and 62 families were documented and identified as herbal remedies for reproductive problems in Northern Peru. Most species used were Asteraceae (9.52%), followed by Lamiaceae and Fabaceae (8.57% and 6.67%). Other families were less important, and 44 contributed only one species each to the pharmacopoeia (Table 1). The most important families are clearly represented very similarly to their overall importance in the local pharmacopoeia (Table 1) [9].
Table 1
Plants used for reproductive issues in Northern Peru and Comparison of reproductive treatments to the ten most important plant families of the medicinal flora of Northern Peru (after Bussmann & Sharon 2006)
Family
Genera
Species
%
Medicinal flora of Northern Peru (most important families)
Asteraceae
9
10
9.52
13.64
Lamiaceae
7
9
8.57
4.87
Fabaceae
6
7
6.67
6.82
Solanaceae
2
4
3.81
4.09
Poaceae
3
3
2.84
2.33
Cucurbitaceae
1
3
2.84
1.75
Plantaginaceae
1
3
2.84
 
Amaranthaceae
2
2
1.92
 
Anacardiaceae
2
2
1.92
 
Boraginaceae
2
2
1.92
 
Brassicaceae
2
2
1.92
 
Euphorbiaceae
2
2
1.92
2.33
Olacaceae
2
2
1.92
 
Rutaceae
2
2
1.92
 
Dioscoreaceae
1
2
1.92
 
Geraniaceae
1
2
1.92
 
Linaceae
1
2
1.92
 
Passifloraceae
1
2
1.92
 
Adiantaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Alstroemeriaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Amaryllidaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Apiaceae
1
1
0.95
2.14
Apocynaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Asclepiadaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Asphodelaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Balanophoraceae
1
1
0.95
 
Bignoniaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Cactaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Convolvulaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Cupressaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Cyperaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Dipsacaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Ericaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Erythroxylaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Gentianaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Illiciaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Isoetaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Krameriaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Lauraceae
1
1
0.95
 
Loganiaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Loranthaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Lythraceae
1
1
0.95
 
Malvaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Menispermaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Moraceae
1
1
0.95
 
Myristicaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Nyctaginaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Orchidaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Oxalidaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Polygonaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Polypodiaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Portulacaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Proteaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Ranunculaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Rosaceae
1
1
0.95
1.75
Rubiaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Thelypteridaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Thymeleaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Typhaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Urticaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Valerianaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Verbenaceae
1
1
0.95
 
Lycopodiaceae
0
0
0.00
1.95
TOTAL
91
105
100
 
The majority of herbal preparations for reproductive issues were prepared from the leaves of plants (22.72%), the whole plant (21.97%), and stems (21.21%), while other plant parts were used much less frequently (Table 2). This indicates that the local healers count on a very well developed knowledge about the properties of different plant parts. In almost 62% of the cases fresh plant material was used to prepare remedies, which differs little from the average herbal preparation mode in Northern Peru. Over 70% of the remedies were applied orally, while the remaining ones were applied topically. Many remedies were prepared as mixtures of multiple ingredients by boiling plant material either in water or in sugarcane spirit.
Table 2
Plant part used
Plant part
%
Species
Leaves
22.72
30
Whole plant
21.97
29
Stems
21.21
28
Flowers
9.85
13
Root
8.33
11
Seeds
6.82
9
Bark
4.55
6
Fruit
2.27
3
Latex
1.52
2
Wood
0.76
1
A complete overview of all plants encountered is given in Table 3.
Table 3
Species encountered and used in Northern Peru for reproductive problems
Family/Genus/Species
Indigenous name
Plant part used
Admin.
Use
Coll. #
ADIANTACEAE
     
Adiantum concinnum Wild. ex H.B.K.
Culantrillo del Pozo, Culantrillo
Leaves and Stems, fresh or dried
Oral
Menstrual regulation
VFCHL29, TRUBH17, RBU/PL265, JULS149
AMARANTHACEAE
     
Alternanthera porrigens (Jacquin) Kuntze
Sanguinaria, Moradilla, Lancetilla
Whole plant, fresh or dried
Topical
Cleansing womb after childbirth
EHCHL142, ISA56, RBU/PL301, RBU/PL324, EHCHL93, GER117
Iresine diffusa H.B.K. ex Willd.
Paja Blanca, Sangrinaria
Whole plant, fresh
Oral
Inflammation of the ovaries, Menstruation symptoms in adolescents
JULS75, ISA62
ALSTROEMERIACEAE
     
Bomarea angustifolia Benth.
Cachuljillo
Whole plant, dried
Oral
Infertility in women
ISA27
AMARYLLIDACEAE
     
Eustephia coccinea Cav.
Tumapara, Pomanpara, Puma Para, Para Para
Bark, fresh or dried
Oral
Inflammation of uterus
RBU/PL313, GER71, EHCHL68
ANACARDIACEAE
     
Mauria heterophylla H.B.K.
Shimir, Tres Hojas, Trinidad, Chacur, Ahimir, Feregreco
Leaves, fresh
1. Oral
2. Topical
1. Inflammation of uterus, Inflammation of the ovaries, Cysts, Fibroids
2. Vaginal cleansing
ISA24, JULS17, EHCHL83
Schinus molle L.
Molle, Moy
Bark and Latex, fresh
Topical
Vaginal infection
EHCHL123, JULS196, GER13
APIACEAE
     
Petroselinum crispum (Miller) A.W. Hill
Perejil
Whole plant, fresh
Oral
Regulation of menstrual cycle
ISA80, EHCHL31, ISA117, RBU/PL278, JULS225
APOCYNACEAE
     
Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) Schum.
Mailchin, Maichil, Camalonga, Cabalonga
Seeds, dried
Oral
Menopause
EHCHL162, TRUVan/Erica19, JULS187, EHCHL174, GER225
ASCLEPIADACEAE
     
Sarcostemma clausum (Jacquin) Schultes
Marrajudio
Leaves, Stems, fresh
Oral
Promoting lactation in women after birth
JULS121, GER43
ASPHODELACEAE
     
Aloe vera (L.) Burm f.
Sabila, Zabila, Aloe, Hojas de Sabila, Aloe Vera
Leaves, fresh
Topcial
Vaginal inflammation, Vaginal ulcers, Vaginal cancer
JULS274, GER22, EHCHL165, VFCHL10
ASTERACEAE
     
Ambrosia peruviana Willd.
Altamisa, Marco, Artamisa, Manzanilla del Muerto, Ajenjo, Llatama Negra Malera, Llatama Roja Malera
Leaves and Stems, fresh
Topical
After birth to reduce inflamation and prevent spasms in the woman's womb
JULS108, TRUBH18, RBU/PL370, TRUBH15, JULS90, GER9, GER110
Artemisia absinthium L.
Ajenco
Whole plant, preferably Leaves and Stems, fresh
Oral
Menstrual colics, Menstration, Regulating the menstrual cycle
ISA66, RBU/PL363, GER146
Chuquiraga spinosa sp. huamanpinta C. Ezcurra
Chuquiragua, Huamanpinta
Leaves, dried
Oral
Prostate, Prostate inflammation, Sexual impotence
EHCHL168, TRUBH9, JULS276, RBU/PL373
Clibadium cf. sylvestre (Aubl.) Baill.
Flor de Novia
Flowers, Leaves and Stems, fresh or dried
Topical
Before marriage
EHCHL80
Matricaria frigidum (HBK) Kunth
Manzanilla
Whole plant, fresh or dried
Topical
Inflammation of the vagina
JULS22, EHCHL1, TRUBH7
Matricaria recutita L.
Manzanillon, Agua de la Banda, Manzanilla Blanca, Manzanilla Amarga, Manzanilla
Whole plant, fresh
Topical
1. Vaginal cleansing
2. Menstrual colics
JULS192, RBU/PL306, ISA120, ISA76, GER145
Monactis flaverioides H.B.K.
Hierba del Susto (Amarillo), Malva, Mocura, Hierba del Susto, Hierba Susto
Stems and Leaves, fresh
1. Topical
2. Oral
1., 2. Vaginal cleansing
EHCHL19, RBU/PL274, TRUVan/Erica7, ISA104, ISA72
Paranephelius uniflorus Poepp. & Endl.
Pacha Rosa, Carapa de Chancho
Whole plant, fresh or dried
Oral
Inflammation of the ovaries, Uterus, Inflammation (internal female parts
EHCHL133, JULS125
Schkuhria pinnata (Lam.) Kuntze
Canchalagua, Canchalagua (Chica)
Whole plant, fresh
Oral
Menstrual delay, Allergies, Menstruation
RBU/PL266, JULS42, VFCHL27, GER228
Taraxacum officinale Wiggers
Diente de Leon, Amargon
Whole plant, fresh
Topical
Ovaries
RBU/PL252, JULS150, GER62, GER189
BALANOPHORACEAE
     
Corynaea crassa Hook. F.
Huanarpo (hembra & macho)
Tuber/Root, fresh
Oral
Fertility, Sexual potency, Male impotence
JULS171, VFCHL52
BIGNONIACEAE
     
Crescentia cujete L.
Higueron
Latex from Leaf, fresh
Topical
Healing of belly button after birth
JULS164
BORAGINACEAE
     
Cordia lutea Lam.
Overo, Flor de Overo, Overal
Flowers, fresh or dried
Oral
Prostate inflammation.
ISA125, EHCHL77, JULS62, GER10
Tiquilia paronychoides (Phil.) Rich.
Flor de Arena, Paja de Lagartija, Mano de Raton
Flowers, fresh or dried
Oral
Inflammation of the ovaries
JULS154, EHCHL107, ISA58, GER20
BRASSICACEAE
     
Brassica rapa L.
Nabo
Root, fresh
Topical
Ovaries
JULS201
Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic.
Bolsita del Pastor, Hierba del Pastor, Bolsa de Pastor
Whole plant, fresh or dried
Oral
Prostate
JULS7, VFCHL42, VFCHL12, RBU/PL257, EHCHL6
CACTACEAE
     
Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller
Tuna
Leaves, fresh
Topical
Hair loss
JULS263, GER3
CONVOLVULACEAE
     
Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lamarck
Camote
Whole plant, fresh
Oral
Promoting lactation in women after giving birth
JULS120
CUCURBITACEAE
     
Cucumis dipsaceus Ehrenb.
Jaboncillo de Campo, Jaboncillo, Patito de Campo
Fruits, fresh
Topical
Hair loss (prevention), Stopping baby from breastfeeding
JULS174, GER35, JULS221
Cucurbita maxina Duch.
Zapallo
Flowers and joints of Stems, fresh or dried
Oral
Preventing miscarriage
JULS272
Cucurbita moschata Duch.
Zapallo
Flowers and joints of Stems, fresh or dried
Oral
Preventing miscarriage
GER32
CUPRESSACEAE
     
Cupressus lusitanica Miller
Cipre, Cipres
Whole plant, fresh
1. Oral
2. Topical
1. Vaginal hemorrhage
2. Hair loss
RBU/PL288, JULS302
CYPERACEAE
     
Oreobolos goeppingeri Sues
Hierba Chupaflor, Hierba de Suerte, Hierba del Carpintero
Leaves, dried
1. Topical
Aphrodisiac
EHCHL149, TRUVan/Erica17, EHCHL67, GER119
DIOSCOREACEAE
     
Dioscorea tambillensis Kunth
Papa Semitona
Tuber, fresh
Oral
Inflammation of ovaries
JULS283, GER140
Dioscorea trifida L.f.
Papa Madre, Papa Pacta
Tuber, fresh
1. Oral
2. Topical
1. Uterus disease and discharge, Cysts, Cancer of the Uterus, Inflammation of the ovaries, Vaginal discharge,
2. Fungus, Vaginal cleansing, Cancer of the Uterus
JULS214, EHCHL40, JULS212, GER142, JULS213
DIPSACACEAE
     
Scabiosa atropurpurea L.
Ambarina, Ambarina Negra, Flor de Ambarina
Flowers, fresh
1. Oral
2. Inhaled
Menstrual regulation
JULS100, EHCHL111, RBU/PL372, ISA50
ERICACEAE
     
Bejaria aestuans L.
Pullunrosa, Cadillo, Payama, Hierba de la Postema, Purenrosa, Rosada, Hierba del buen querer
Flowers, Leaves and Stems, fresh or dried
1. Oral
Prostate, Menstrual regulation, Inflammation of uterus, Cysts, Inflammation of ovaries, Inflammation of the womb, Uterus, Menstrual pain
VFCHL22, JULS50, EHCHL39, ISA114, ISA43, JULS234, GER121
ERYTHROXYLACEAE
     
Erythroxylon coca Lam.
Coca
Leaves, dried
Oral
Induce child birth, Strength for woman during childbirth, Helping delivery of newborn
JULS144, GER201
EUPHORBIACEAE
     
Chamaesyce hypericifolia (L.) Millspaugh
Lecherita, Lechera
Whole plant, fresh
Oral
Promoting lactation in women after birth
JULS67, GER41
Manhiot esculenta Crantz
Yuca
Tuber, fresh
Oral
Vaginal infection, Vaginal discharge
GER192
FABACEAE
     
Caesalpinia spinosa (Molina) Kuntze
Tara, Talla, Chanchalagua
Seeds pods, fresh or dried
Topical
Fungus, Inflammation of ovaries, Inflammation of uterus, Inflammation of the vagina
ISA55, EHCHL27, VFCHL21, JULS255, GER143
Desmodium molliculum (H.B.K.) DC.
Pie de Perro, Pata-Perro, Pata de Perro, Chancas de Comida, Muña, Manayupa
Whole plant, fresh or dried
Topical
Inflammation of the ovaries, Inflammation of the womb
JULS41, RBU/PL268, GER135, JULS44, EHCHL109, RBU/PL256
Indigofera suffruticosa Miller
Añil
Stems, fresh
Oral
Cleaning of the woman, Expelling placenta from woman after giving birth
GER198
Inga edulis C. Martius
Huaba, Pacae, Guava, Pacai
Flowers, fresh
Topical
Hair growth
JULS168, JULS304, GER17
Inga feuillei DC.
Huaba, Pacae, Guava, Pacai
Flowers, fresh
Topical
Hair growth
JULS168, JULS304, GER17
Mimosa nothacacia Barneby
Uña de Gato de la Costa
Bark, dried
Topical
Anus cyst, Vaginal pimples, Anal pimples
JULS265, GER199
Prosopis pallida (H. & B. ex Willd.) H.B.K.
Algarrobo
Seeds, dried
Oral
Sexual potency
JULS97, GER8
GENTIANACEAE
     
Gentianella bruneotricha (Gilg.) J.S. Pringle.
Anga Macha
Whole plant, fresh
Oral
Infection of the uterus, After giving birth
JULS282
GERANIACEAE
     
Pelargonium odoratisimum (L.) L'Herit.
Malva de Oro, Malva de Olor, Malva Olorosa
Whole plant, fresh or dried
Oral
Inflammation of the ovaries, Inflammation of the womb
TRUVan/Erica14, TRUBH6, EHCHL89, JULS188
Pelargonium roseum Willd.
Geranio
Flowers and Leaves, fresh
Oral
Hemorrhages, Uterus pain, Inflammation of the uterus
JULS84
ILLICIACEAE
     
Illicium verum Hook. f.
Anis Estrella
Seeds, dried
Oral
Expel residues of feces in stomach of newborn babies
JULS102
ISOETACEAE
     
Isoetes andina R. & P.
Piri Piri
Stems, fresh
Oral
Male impotence
ISA100
KRAMERIACEAE
     
Krameria lappacea (Dombey) Berdet & B. Simpson
Ratania, Raima
Leaves and Root, fresh
Oral
Inflammation of the ovaries
JULS53
LAMIACEAE
     
Lepechinia meyenii (Walpers) Epling
Salvia, Salvia Real
Whole plant, fresh or dried
1. Oral
2. Topical
1. Menstruation
2. Hair loss
RBU/PL303, VFCHL17, ISA91
Mentha spicata L.
Hierba Buena, Hierba Buena Silvestre, Menta
Whole plant, fresh
Oral
Aphrodisiac
RBU/PL308, EHCHL74, RBU/PL267, JULS72, VFCHL3, JULS20, GER15, GER134, JULS20
Ocimum basilicum L.
Albaca Mistura, Albaca Negra, Albaca, Albaca Morada, Albahaca (costa)
Whole plant, fresh
Oral
1. To promote dialation of the uterus, Hasten delivery, Preventing infections related to birth, Refreshing womb, Reducing inflammation after birth
2. After birth
JULS54, EHCHL48, VFCHL13, RBU/PL284, TRUVan/Erica8, GER191
Origanum majorana L.
Mejorana
Leaves and Stems, fresh
Oral
Menstration
EHCHL88, JULS19, RBU/PL317, GER165
Origanum vulgare L.
Oregano
Leaves and Stems, fresh or dried
Oral
Menstrual cramps, Menstration, Lower stomach cramps related to PMS
JULS205, GER114
Rosmarinus officinalis L.
Romero, Romero Castilla
Leaves, fresh or dried
Topical
Hair loss
RBU/PL329, ISA78, TRUBH11, EHCHL3, JULS27, VFCHL2, ISA105
Salvia discolor H.B.K.
Palmeras (Chica), Llatama, Yatama
Stems, fresh
1. Topcial
2. Oral
1. Preventing infections related to birth, Fright/Susto in children
2. Preventing infections related to birth
ISA93, ISA151(93a), ISA25
Salvia officinalis L.
Salvia
Whole plant, fresh or dried
Oral
Control and regulate menstrual cycle
JULS241
Satureja pulchella (H.B.K.) Briquet
Panizara, Panisara
Leaves, fresh or dried
Oral
Menstrual delay
GER148, JULS43
LAURACEAE
     
Persea americana Mill.
Palta
Seeds, fresh
Oral
Contraceptive, Sterilization for women only
JULS211, GER18
LINACEAE
     
Linum sativum L.
Linaza
Seeds, dried
Oral
Inflammation of the prostate
EHCHL1599
Linum usitatissimum L.
Linaza
Seeds, dried
Oral
Inflammation of the prostate
JULS185, GER139
LOGANIACEAE
     
Buddleja utilis Kraenzl.
Flor Blanca
Flowers, fresh or dried
Oral
Menstruation, Inflammation of the womb, Ovarian cysts, Inflammation of uterus
RBU/PL333, EHCHL38, ISA60, JULS155, GER136
LORANTHACEAE
     
Tristerix longibracteatus (Des.) Barlow & Wiens
Suelda con Suelda
Whole plant, dried
Oral
Vaginal discharge (white or yellow)
JULS296, GER74
LYTHRACEAE
     
Cuphea strigulosa H.B.K.
Lancetilla, Gacetilla, Sanguinaria, Gansetilla, Hierba del Toro
Leaves and Stems, fresh
Oral
Discharges
GER104, EHCHL35, VFCHL34, JULS33, ISA51, RBU/PL259, EHCHL43, JULS59, ISA53, GER147
MALVACEAE
     
Malva sylvestris L.
Malva (Chica), Malva Blanca
Leaves and Stems, fresh or dried
Topical
Vaginal cleansing
VFCHL49, EHCHL29
MENISPERMACEAE
     
Abuta grandiflora (Mart.) Sand.
Abuta (male and female)
Root and Stems, fresh or dried
Oral
Contraceptive
JULS88, RBU/PL312
MORACEAE
     
Brosmium rubescens Taubert
Palo Sangre, Palo de la Sangre, Ablita
Wood and Bark, fresh or dried
Oral
1. Fertility, Sexual potency
2. Haemorrhages (prevention and healing
JULS209, ISA49, EHCHL64, RBU/PL311, GER86, EHCHL62
MYRISTICACEAE
     
Myristica fragrans L.
Nuez Moscada, Ajonjoli
Seeds, dried
Oral
Fertility, Sexual potency
RBU/PL385, EHCHL155, JULS292, GER197
NYCTAGINACEAE
     
Mirabilis jalapa L.
Buenas Tardes
Root, fresh
Oral
Prostate, Pre-prostate cancer
JULS116, GER185
OLACACEAE
     
Heisteria acuminata (H. & B.) Engler
Chuchuasi, Chuchuhuasi
Bark, fresh or dried
Oral
Sexual potency
RBU/PL287, JULS138, GER164
Ximenia americana L.
Limoncillo
Whole plant, fresh or dried
Oral
Menstrual regulation
JULS184
ORCHIDACEAE
     
Aa paleacea (H.B.K.) Rchb. f.
Hierba de la Soledad, Hierba Sola
Leaves, fresh
Oral
Contraceptive, Sterilization of women
ISA141, EHCHL75
OXALIDACEAE
     
Oxalis tuberosa Molina
Oca Rosada
Tuber, fresh
Oral
Sexual potency
JULS203
PASSIFLORACEAE
     
Passiflora quardrangularis L.
Hojas de Tumbo
Leaves, fresh
Oral
Menstrual pain
EHCHL135
Passiflora sp.
Chulgan
Leaves and Stems, dried
Oral
Promoting vaginal dilation during childbirth.
JULS279
PLANTAGINACEAE
     
Plantago major L.
Llantén
Leaves, fresh
Topical
Vaginal cleansing
VFCHL50, EHCHL11, TRUVan/Erica13
Plantago sericea R. & P. var. lanuginosa Grieseb.
Pajilla Blanca
Whole plant, fresh or dried
Oral
Vaginal discharge
JULS207
Plantago sericea R. & P. subsp. sericans (Pilger) Rahn
Paja Blanca
Stems, fresh or dried
Oral
Ovarian pain, Inflammation of the ovaries, Inflammation of the womb
RBU/PL335, EHCHL96
POACEAE
     
Cynodon dactylon (L.) Persoon
Grama Dulce
Stems, dried
Oral
Cysts of the ovary, Cysts of the uterus, Uterus, Fibroids, Uterus prolapse
ISA61, JULS73, ISA106, GER151
Saccharum officinarum L.
Azucar de Caña, Caña de Azucar, Caña Dulce
1. Fresh sugar
2. Stems, fresh
1. Topical
2. Oral
1. Aphrodisiac
2. Inflammation of the prostate
VFCHL4, JULS123, GER208
Triticum sativum L.
Trigo
Seeds, dried
Topical
Vaginal infection, Vaginal discharge
GER182
POLYGONACEAE
     
Rumex crispus L.
Acelga, Lengua de Vaca, Hojas de Mala Hierba
Whole plant, fresh
1. Oral
2. Topical
1. Infection of the uterus
2. Inflamation (internal woman parts), Vaginal inflammation
JULS70, EHCHL173
POLYPODIACEAE
     
Polypodium crassifolium L.
Lengua de Ciervo, Calaguala
Stems, fresh
Oral
Prostate
EHCHL71, TRUBH38, RBU/PL331, RBU/PL332, JULS52, JULS303
PORTULACACEAE
     
Portulaca villosa H.B.K.
Verdolaga
Root and Stems, fresh
Topical
Hair loss
GER171
PROTEACEAE
     
Oreocallis grandiflora (Lam.) R.Br.
Rumilanche, Bunbun, Huaminga
Leaves and Stems, fresh or dried
Oral
Inflammation of the ovaries, Inflammation of uterus
EHCHL127, JULS31, ISA28, ISA70
RANUNCULACEAE
     
Laccopetalum giganteum (Wedd.) Ulbrich
Huamanripa, Pacra, Flor de Guarmarya
Leaves, fresh or dried
Oral
Fertilization (Heat Ovaries)
VFCHL53, RBU/PL321, EHCHL42, JULS284, GER162
ROSACEAE
     
Sanguisorba minor Scop.
Pimpinela, Flor de Overa
Whole plant, fresh
Oral
Menstrual regulation
EHCHL117, TRUBH35, RBU/PL262, ISA57, JULS25, ISA147(103a), VFCHL20, GER170
RUBIACEAE
     
Cinchona officinalis L.
Cascarilla, Quinuagiro
Bark, dried
Oral
Fertility, Sexual potency
RBU/PL314, JULS127, ISA19, GER167
RUTACEAE
     
Ruta graveolens L.
Ruda, Ruda (Macho y Hembra), Hierba del Quinde
Whole plant, fresh
1. Oral
2. Topical
1. Abortion
2. Aphrodisiac.
ISA152, JULS1, TRUVan/Erica20, EHCHL128, VFCHL16, ISA145(108a), GER24
Pouteria lucuma (R. & P.) Kuntze.
Lucuma
Fruit, fresh
Oral
Promoting lactation on women after giving birth
JULS186
SOLANACEAE
     
Cestrum auriculatum L'Herit
Hierba Santa, Agrasejo
Leaves, fresh or dried
Topical
Preventing spasms after giving birth, Warming women
JULS166, RBU/PL281, EHCHL172, ISA122, GER174, EHCHL102
Cestrum strigilatum R. & P.
Santa María
Flowers, leaves and Stems, fresh or dried
Oral
Control and regulate menstrual cycle
JULS245
Cestrum undulatum R. & P.
Santa María
Flowers, leaves and Stems, fresh or dried
Oral
Control and regulate menstrual cycle
JULS246
Solanum tuberosum L.
Chuno de Papa
Tuber, dried
Oral
After childbirth complications
JULS140, JULS141
THELYPTERIDACEAE
     
Thelypteris cf. scalaris (Christ.) Alton
Helecho Macho
Whole plant, fresh or dried
Oral
Contraceptive
JULS291
THYMELEACEAE
     
Daphnopsis weberbaueri Domke
Los Cholitos, Cholitos
Seeds, dried
Oral
Infertility in women
EHCHL153, JULS137, GER216
TYPHACEAE
     
Typha angustifolia L.
Chante
Stems, dried
Oral
Prostate
ISA45
URTICACEAE
     
Pilea microphylla (L.) Lieberman
Contra Hierba
Whole plant, fresh
Oral
Prostate, Cysts
RBU/PL282, EHCHL33
VALERIANACEAE
     
Phyllactis rigida (R. & P.) Persoon
Hornamo Estrella, Siete Sabios, Valeriana Estrella, Valeriana, Hierba de la Estrella
Stems, fresh
Oral
Menopause
EHCHL163, TRUBH30, JULS57, EHCHL44, JULS46, ISA137, RBU/PL365, RBU/PL355, GER187
VERBENACEAE
     
Lantana scabiosaefolia H.B.K.
Mastrando, Mastrante
Leaves and Stems, fresh or dried
Oral
Cold of the ovaries, Menstruation, Women after childbirth to avoid colds
VFCHL51, GER6

Discussion

Little scientific evidence exists to prove the efficacy of the species employed as reproductive disorder remedies in Northern Peru. Only 34% of the plants found or their congeners have been studied at all for their medicinal properties. Aloe spp. are known to have oestrogenic activity [22, 23]. [24] reported that Artemisia spp. had effects on female health amongst the Cumash. A variety of other Asteraceae has been shown to be used against menopausal symptoms (Clibadium: [25]; Matricaria: [2628]; Taraxacum: [29, 30]. [23] found hormonal effects in Cordia sp., while [3135] reported on anti-fertility effects of Dioscorea sp. Cupressus sp. are well known abortifacients (e.g. [36]), while pumpkin seed oil showed testosterone-inhibitory effects (e.g. [23, 3739]). Chamaesyce sp. showed promise in the treatment of male infertility, while Mimosa sp. on the contrary are used to reduce spermal fertility [23, 40].
A wide range of Lamiaceae have been shown to exhibit contraceptive efficacy, and the same species are used in Peru for similar purposes (Mentha spp.: [4144]; Ocimum spp.: [4548]; Origanum majorana: [44, 49, 50]; Rosmarinus officinalis: [40]). Similar efficacy has been shown for Sanguisorba officinalis [51], and Ruta graveolens [23, 5255].
Various species of Passiflora have aphrodisiac activity [5660], and Myristica fragrans as well as Syzygium aromaticum [61, 62], and extracts of Lantana camara [63, 64] and Pilea spp. [23] fulfil the same purpose, while Portulaca oleracea showed efficacy in relieving uterine bleeding [65, 66].

Conclusions

Infections of the reproductive tract, complications after childbirth, and reproductive problems continue to be a major health challenge worldwide. An impressive number of plant species is traditionally used to remedy such afflictions, and some have been investigated for their efficacy with positive results. An often-limiting factor to these investigations is lack of comprehensive ethnobotanical data to help choose plant candidates for potency/efficacy tests. Since the plant parts utilized in preparation of the remedies are reported in this survey, it serves as an indication of species that may need further ecological assessment on their regeneration status.
The results of this study show that both indigenous and introduced species are used for the treatment of reproductive system problems. The information gained on frequently used traditional remedies might give some leads for future targets for further analysis in order to develop new drugs. However, more detailed scientific studies are desperately needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the remedies employed traditionally.

Acknowledgements

The presented study was financed through MIRT/MHIRT (Minority Health Disparity International Research and Training) a grant from the National Institutes of Health (Fund: 54112B MHIRT Program, Grant: G0000613). Fieldwork for this project was supported through the assistance of a large number of MIRT/MHIRT students and volunteers. Thanks to all of them. None of the work would have been possible without the invaluable collaboration of Douglas Sharon and our Peruvian colleagues, especially curanderas Julia Calderón, Isabel Chinguel, and Olinda Pintado, curanderos Germán Santisteban and Leoncio Carrión, and herbalists Manuel Bejarano, Elmer Cruz, and Iván Cruz. Thanks also go to Eric Rodriguez (Herbarium Truxillense, HUT) and Abundio Sagastegui, Segundo Leiva, and Mario Zapata (Herbario Antenor Orrego, HAO) for the use of their facilities and their assistance in plant identification.
This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://​creativecommons.​org/​licenses/​by/​2.​0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Declaration of competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors' contributions

RB collected/identified plant material analysis of the data as well as writing the manuscript. AG conducted fieldwork, data analysis and manuscript composition. Both authors have read and approved the final manuscript
Anhänge

Authors’ original submitted files for images

Below are the links to the authors’ original submitted files for images.
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Metadaten
Titel
Medicinal plants used in Northern Peru for reproductive problems and female health
verfasst von
Rainer W Bussmann
Ashley Glenn
Publikationsdatum
01.12.2010
Verlag
BioMed Central
Erschienen in
Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine / Ausgabe 1/2010
Elektronische ISSN: 1746-4269
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-6-30

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