This taxon has not yet been assessed for the IUCN Red List, but given that this species grows in open sites, edges, roadsides (Gargiullo et al. 2008) and it is considered a weed sometimes, it does not have any conservation issues.
Medicinal Uses
The bitter tasting leaves of N. lobata are widely used by indigenous traditional healers for the treatment of several conditions, the leaves often steeped and taken as a tea (Meléndez 1984). An ethnobotanical survey among the Q’eqchi’ Maya healers of southern Belize reported that the leaves ofN. lobataare used to treat fevers and malaria, as well as diarrhea, ulcers and diabetes (Walshe-Roussel et al. 2013). Among the Yucatec Maya, the crushed leaves are used to treat itchy inflamed skin (Arnason et al. 1980).A variety of other conditions, such as diabetes, skin diseases, wounds, and infections, are also treated in many Maya cultures (Arvigo and Balick 1993). In Cuba, N. lobata is used in baths to alleviate rash and chickenpox sores (Morton 1981). The stem is used in Panama to prevent fevers, diabetes, and hypertension. It is also used as an insect repellant and as an antimalarial agent (Gupta et al. 1984, Duke 1970). Alcoholic leaf extracts cause statistically significant decrease in blood glucose levels in mice (Gupta et al. 1984).
A recent ethnopharmacological study found that in Guatemala, where type 2 diabetes accounts for a third of the country’s mortalities, low-income indigenous populations use the leaves as hypoglycemic therapy (Cruz & Andrade-Cetto 2015). Another study in Guatemala has found that N. lobata, in a classic antiviral assay, inhibited Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication (Bedoya et al. 2008). A group of researchers, after surveying a local population of central Honduras, where N. lobata is a common medicinal plant, found that it also demonstrates antimicrobial behavior. With a significant inhibitory effect on bacterial cultures and fungi, it may be effective as a topical treatment in emergency situations when commercially produced antibiotics are not available (Lentz et al. 1998).
In Colombia it is used by traditional healers to cure snakebites, and here is supporting evidence that the extract of N. lobata has the potential to moderately neutralize the haemorrhagic effect of Bothrops atrox venom (Otero et al. 2000). It is also used in Nicaragua as a decoction to reduce pain and fever in victims of fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper) snakebites (Coe and Anderson 2005). Many studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory potential of N. lobata (De Las Heras et al. 199, Muelas-Serrano et al. 20008) as well as its anti-parasitic (Berger et al. 2001, Fujimaki et al. 2005) and anti-malarial activities (Franssen et al. 1997, Gupta 1984).
Hortoculture
Neurolaena lobata has been found to have potential as an antifeedant (Morton 1981, Passreiter and Isman 1997), containing properties that adversely affect various insects. It is used as a natural insecticide in many cultures of the Neotropics (Arvigo and Balick 1993).
Neurolaena lobata is a diploid with n = 11 chromosomal pairs (Torres, and Liogier 1970). Sesquiterpene lactones, and specifically those of the Asteraceae family, are a class of chemical compounds that may play a highly significant role in human health as pharmaceutical agents (Chadwick et al. 2013). Previous phytochemical studies have identified 11 in N. lobata (Passreiter et al. 1995). 12 flavanoids, or plant secondary metabolites, have also been found in the leaves(Kerr et al. 1981).
At least 10 species of Neurolaena are recognized in the genus- N. cobanensis, N. oaxacana, N. venturana, N. macrophylla, N. intermedia, N. balsana, N. fulva, N. lobata, N. macrocephala, and N. schippii (Turner 1982). Neurolaena lobata has been found to occasionally hybridize with N. oaxacana and possibly with N. intermedia (Nash and Williams 1976). It is also widely accepted that Neurolaena is closely related with the genus Schistocarpha, another member of the Asteraceae family (Turner 1982).
Neurolaena lobatais likely sympatric with, or closely related to Pluchea carolinensis (Asteraceae), and the two are often used for similar medicinal purposes (Hodges and Bennet 2006). The pink flowers of P. carolinensis readily distinguishes it from N. lobata.
Neurolaena lobata is a mesophytic plant, able to live in either dry or wet environments (Turner 1982), but occurs mostly in moist to wet regions (Gargiullo et al. 2008). It is often found in secondary growth forests, cultivated fields, and open hillsides or roadsides. It is also a common weed of banana plantations (Nash and Williams 1976).
This shrub-like herb grows between 1.5 to 4 m tall (Meléndez 1984). It is a sparsely branched plant, with simple alternate leaves that are pubescent (hairy) on both sides. The mostly 3-lobed leaves are 8-26 cm long and narrowly oblong, with a sticky underside (Gargiullo et al. 2008).
Neurolaena lobata has small yellow flowers that are tubular and radially symmetrical (Meléndez 1984). The flowers are about 0.3 cm wide and form inflorescences, or large dense clusters of flower heads at the ends of the branches. They bloom all year, most heavily between January and March (Gargiullo et al. 2008). There are no known official pollinators (Gargiullo et al. 2008), though it is has been shown that N. lobata attracts several butterfly species (Solís and Araya 2011) which are common visitors. Additionally, tubular flowers of other genera are often associated with hummingbirds (Kingston and Quillan 2000), which thus might also be a candidate.
The fruit is dry and 1-seeded, with a tuft of long white bristles at the end of the seed used for dispersal by wind (Gargiullo et al. 2008).
Neurolaena lobata is most commonly found in lower, montane habitats. It is distributed throughout much of northwestern South America, Central America, and southern Mexico. It can also be found in most of the Caribbean Islands (Turner 1982). This is the only species of Neurolaena that can be found in Costa Rica (Gargiullo et al. 2008).
Neurolaena lobata, a member of the Asteraceae family, is a widespread Central American plant found in the Caribbean islands and from southern Mexico to northern parts of South America (Turner 1982). It is the correct name for the plant once known as Pluchea symphytifolia (Khan and Jarvis 1989). It is a perennial weedy species that grows best in humid places, from lowland to pre-montane habitats up to 1400m (Nash and Williams 1976). About 4m tall, it is characterized by yellowish-green trilobate leaves that end in sharp points as well as yellow flowers that form a terminal inflorescence year-round (Pöll 1997). Commonly known as Tres puntas, Mano de lagarto, and gavilana (Cáceres et al. 1998), this bitter tasting herb is widely used in Mesoamerica as traditional medicine and as a treatment for several diseases (Girón 1966). It also reportedly has insecticide properties (Morton 1981, Passreiter and Isman 1997).
Se ha usado como aperitivo, diurético, antibilioso, para resfriados, diabetes, dismenorrea, fiebre ,agrandamiento cirrótico del mesenterio (Gupta, 1995). También considerada como estomáquico y febrífugo. En medicina folklórica se reporta con propiedades anticancerígenas (Hartwell, 1968; citado por Gupta, 1995).
Es empleada como estomáquica y febrífuga (Roig & Mesa, 1974; citado por Gupta, 1995). Es un tónico poderoso y se usa en baños para los granitos y la varicela (Gupta, 1995). Se reporta que la infusión de la raíz se ha empleado como tónico, colagogo y diurético, particularmente en malestares acompañados de un hígado congestionado y entorpecido (Núñez, 1975; citado por Gupta, 1995). También se utiliza contra las calenturas, para combatir picazones, sarna o alergias, dolor de cabeza y estómago, contra las amebas y para la diarrea (Gupta, 1995). Se rocomienda para presión alta, paludismo, entuertos y granos. También se registra su uso contra la diabetes. La infusión con manzanilla (Matricaria recutita) se emplea como repelente de insectos (Gupta, 1995).Se reporta su uso en las afecciones hepáticas y biliares, en diabetes e hipertensión, contra la malaria.
En Colombia se cree que cura las mordeduras de serpientes (García-Barriga, 1975; citado por Gupta, 1995).
Se menciona uso ictiocóxico e insecticida (Lewis & Lewis, 1977; citado por Gupta, 1995). También, tiene reputación como antipirética (Morton, 1977; citado por Gupta, 1995).
La infusión de hojas por vía oral se ha usado en el tratamiento de afecciones gastrointestinales (diarrea, cólicos), diabetes, malaria y otros procesos febriles, gonorrea e inflamaciones. Las hojas frescas machacadas se aplican tópicamente en picazones; a la vez, el jugo es aplicado en la piel como repelente de garrapatas; la infusión se utiliza para sanar diversos tipos de heridas, lesiones y úlceras. Además, se le atribuye propiedad antibiótica, antimalárica, aperitiva, carminativa, diúretica, espasmolítica, hipoglicémica, hipotensora y tónica (Cáceres, 1996).
Neurolaena lobata, commonly known as jackass bitters,[1] is a species of perennial flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is found in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the West Indies.
Neurolaena lobata occurs from southern Mexico to South America, and in the West Indies. In Mexico it has been reported from the states of Campeche, Chiapas, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, and Oaxaca.[2] It is found throughout Central America.[2][3] In South America, it has been reported from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and the Guyanas.[3] In the Caribbean, it has been reported from Cuba, Trinidad, and the Bahamas.[3]
Neurolaena lobata grows in a wide variety of habitats including fields, pastures, riverbanks, roadsides, clearings, and sometimes in oak forests.[1][3] It is found from sea level to 1,400 meters in elevation.[3]
Neurolaena lobata is an herb which grows 1–4 meters tall.[1] The leaves are long and slender when young, but typically have three points when mature.[4] The flowers, which appear in clusters at the end of stems, are small and yellow.[4]
Neurolaena lobata is considered an important plant in folk medicine[1] and is one of the most commonly used plants in Maya medicine.[4] Traditional uses include: the treatment of wounds and infections; the prevention and treatment of a variety of parasitic ailments such as malaria, ringworm, and amoebiasis; treatment of inflammatory conditions; and as an insect repellent or fungicide.[1][4][5] The leaves are known to contain flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones.[1][5]
Neurolaena lobata, commonly known as jackass bitters, is a species of perennial flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is found in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the West Indies.
La gavilana, capitana, botoncillo salvia cimarrona, retama o sepí (Neurolaena lobata) es una especie de arbusto de la familia Asteraceae que se encuentra en el bosque húmedo y en la vegetación de laderas y riscos, desde México hasta Bolivia y las Guayanas y en las Antillas, a menos de 1.500 m de altitud.
Planta perenne que alcanza entre 1,5 y 3 m de altura. Tallos erectos, muy ramificados. Hojas alternas, lanceoladas, pubescentes, escabrosas, acuminadas en el ápice, estrechadas en la base; las inferiores hasta de 30 cm de longitud por 8 cm de anchura, pecioladas; las superiores mucho más pequeñas, sésiles. Inflorescencias corimbosas paniculadas; corola terminal de 8 cm de ancho, en promedio; bracteadas. Flores tubulares, amarillas, todas fértiles. Tubo de la corola delgado, el limbo un tanto expandido. Anteras sagitadas; aquenios estrechados en la base, pubescentes. Vilano blanco a parduzco, formado por muchas cerdas capilares, persistentes, algo desiguales.[2] El fruto es un aquenio pardusco.[3]
La medicina tradicional le atribuye a la decocción de sus tallos, hojas y flores antes de abrir, propiedades como antipirético y para aliviar los brotes,[2] la diabetes,[3] la gastritis y la bronquitis, así como para tratar las mordeduras de serpientes.[4] Experimentalmente se obtuvieron resultados positivos aplicando extractos de hojas, ramas y tallos en la neutralización de las hemorragias causadas por el veneno de Bothrops atrox.[5][6]
Se utiliza como repelente de insectos y en la agricultura orgánica como insecticida.[7]
La infusión de esta planta se utiliza como tónico estomacal, febrífuga y antidiarréico. En conocimiento, se ha empleado como amebicida, además contra la calentura y en el tratamiento de las diarreas, acompañadas de dolor de estómago. Se considera que combate la malaria. En cataplasma, en Venezuela lo mencionan como tratamiento contra veneno de las serpientes, de la planta fresca que se coloca sobre la herida. En maceración, se utiliza como antidiarréico.[8]
La gavilana, capitana, botoncillo salvia cimarrona, retama o sepí (Neurolaena lobata) es una especie de arbusto de la familia Asteraceae que se encuentra en el bosque húmedo y en la vegetación de laderas y riscos, desde México hasta Bolivia y las Guayanas y en las Antillas, a menos de 1.500 m de altitud.
Neurolaena lobata, également appelée Herbe-à-pic (zèb a pik en créole[1]) est une plante herbacée arbustive d'une hauteur de 2 à 4 m, originaire des Antilles et d’Amérique centrale.
Les feuilles sont alternes lancéolées, irrégulièrement dentées, laissant une trace jaune quand on les touche, panicules terminales de petites fleurs jaunes, le fruit est un akène brunâtre à aigrette[2].
La morphologie foliaire change lors de l’évolution de la plante. Dès l'apparition des premières fleurs, les feuilles deviennent très petites, la priorité physiologique est donnée aux fleurs et non plus aux feuilles.
La médecine traditionnelle des Caraïbes, d'Amérique centrale, de Colombie ou du Venezuela attribue à la décoction de ses tiges, de ses feuilles et de ses fleurs (avant l'ouverture) des propriétés comme antipyrétique et pour soulager le diabète,[2] la gastrite et la bronchite, ainsi que pour traiter les morsures de serpent.[3] Expérimentalement, des résultats positifs ont été obtenus en appliquant des extraits de feuilles, branches et tiges pour neutraliser les hémorragies provoquées par le venin du fer de lance commun (Bothrops atrox)[4],[5].
Elle est utilisée comme répulsif anti-insectes, et dans l'agriculture biologique comme insecticide[6].
L'infusion de cette plante est utilisée comme stimulant de l'estomac, fébrifuge et antidiarrhéique. Elle est connue pour son utilisation comme traitement contre les amibes. Elle est considérée comme un moyen de combattre le paludisme. En cataplasme, au Venezuela, elle est mentionné comme traitement contre le venin de serpent, à partir de la plante fraîche que l'on place sur la plaie[7].
Il n’y a pas réellement d’effet indésirable découvert aujourd’hui cependant elle est déconseillée chez l’enfant en bas âge et la femme enceinte. Elle peut causer des brulures d’estomac du fait de l'amertume de ses feuilles consommées sous forme d'infusion.
Neurolaena lobata, également appelée Herbe-à-pic (zèb a pik en créole) est une plante herbacée arbustive d'une hauteur de 2 à 4 m, originaire des Antilles et d’Amérique centrale.
Neurolaena lobata là một loài thực vật có hoa trong họ Cúc. Loài này được (L.) R.Br. ex Cass. mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 1825.[1]
Neurolaena lobata là một loài thực vật có hoa trong họ Cúc. Loài này được (L.) R.Br. ex Cass. mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 1825.