Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 28 (1990) 163- 171 163

Elsevier Scientific Publishers Ireland Ltd.

PARAGUAYAN MEDICINAL COMPOSITAE

GUILLERMO SCHMEDA-HIRSCHMANN”.b* and EUGENIA BORDAS’

“Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad National de Asuncidn, Casilla 1055, Asuncidn, binstituto
de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (I.I.C.S.), Rio de la Plats y La Gerenza, Asuncidn and
‘Fact&ad de Farmacia, Universidad Catdlica “Nuestra Setiora de la Asuncidn”, Ciudad de1 Este
(Paraguay)

(Accepted August 6, 1989)

Summary

A survey of the Compositae used in traditional medicine and as economic plants by

Paraguayan country people was undertaken to identify the components of crude
drugs traded by herbalists. Forty-five medicinal and economic species have been
identified through field work in the rural areas and enquiries in the markets, as well
as by examination of the literature in the Spanish language. Some crude drugs are
shown to be mixtures of several closely-related species. The role of indigenous
plant remedies within the local health care system is also discussed.
__

Introduction

The Compositae, a family of some 20,000 species of worldwide distribution, is

well represented in the Paraguayan flora. It is also rich in a variety of biologically
active chemical constituents such as terpenoids, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, poly-
saccharides and alkaloids (Bohlmann, 1986; Rodriguez et al., 1976; Wagner, 1977).
Several species belonging to this family are currently used as herbal remedies, such
as Matricaria chamomilla L. (antiphlogistic and spasmolytic), Cynara scolymus L.,
Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (antihepatotoxic and choleretic), Echinacea angust-
ifoZia DC. and E. purpurea (L.) Moench (immunostimulants) (Wagner, 1977;
Wagner et al., 1985).
As in many developing countries, traditional medicine plays an important role in
Paraguay, and the population relies on it for its health care. At present, the use of

*Correspondence address: Laboratorio de Bio-orgkica Vegetal, Universidad de Talca, Casilla 747, Talca
(Chile).

0378-8741/90/$3.50 /c 1990 Elsevier Scientific Publishers Ireland Ltd.

Published and Printed in Ireland
164

“recipes” derived from plants is widespread in rural and urban areas. Many of these
plants are indigenous, but some are species which were introduced to Paraguay
from Europe by the early Spanish settlers.
In the present study we have tried to assess the nature and extent of knowledge
possessed by folk healers and the lay population and to identify the medicinal plants
and plant material belonging to the family Compositae used by them.
Far too often, studies concerning medical treatment in the developing countries
with pluralistic medical systems have ignored the role of self treatment. Indigenous
plant remedies are an important choice in the range of remedies available to the
individual. A wide variety of plant species are used to treat many common
conditions in rural and urban communities.

Methodology

Field work was carried out from June 1984 to April 1988, covering areas of the
following Departments: Central, Cordillera, Paraguari, Guaira, Misiones, Alto
Parani, Presidente Hayes and Boqueron. Information was collected through verbal
interviews to Paraguayan mestizos in rural areas, as well as in the markets near
Asuncion. Most of the Paraguayan people have some degree of knowledge
concerning medicinal plants.
The voucher specimens on which the following data have been based are
preserved in the Herbario de la Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, San Lorenzo,
Paraguay (FCQ) and in the United States National Herbarium, Smithsonian
Institution (U.S.), and at the Instituto de Botinica de1 Nordeste, Corrientes,
Argentina (CTES).

Results

Expertise in the use of plants among the Paraguayan country people is limited to
the curandero or me’dico Fzanti (herbalist), who are mainly concerned with pre-
scription, preparation and treatment. Most treatment is in the form of drinking
either an infusion or a decoction of the plant. Frequently, the ground plant material,
fresh or dried (preferably fresh), is added to matt or terere’. Mate’ and terera are a
type of drink prepared in a gourd, made of the emptied dry fruit of Lagenaria sp.
(Cucurbitaceae); the yerba matk (ground leaves of Zlex paraguariensis St. Hil.) is
placed into the gourd together with some additives, usually medicinal plants. Hot
water is poured into the mixture in the case of matd, while cold water is used to
prepare tererk. The water (hot or cold) is added in quantities of 30--5Oml per
drink, adding up to a total of OS- 1 1 or more per person. Mat6 is drunk early in the
morning, while tererk at resting time, before the siesta (afternoon nap), and often
during hot weather. Matd and tererd are “social” drinks, where several people
usually share a drink, using a single gourd and bombilla (a special type of straw).
The results of the field study are presented below. The plants are listed
alphabetically by genus. Each entry consists of the following sequence of in-
formation: the scientific name of the plant; the Guarani (aboriginal) and/or Spanish
 165

name(s) as recorded by us; plant part used; method of preparation; purpose for
which the medication is given; and information given by previous authors. Voucher
specimens (collector’s name and number) are given immediately following the
scientific name, using the following abbreviations: B, Bordas; S, Schmeda; BS,
Bordas and Schmeda.

Acanthospermum hispidum DC. BS-4204; S-942.

Toro rati: the root infusion or the ground root is used as an additive in mate or
tererd, for cooling, as a diuretic and a depurative. Decoction of the aerial parts is
used to wash wounds and as a vaginal bath. Indigenous herb, common in grasslands
and disturbed soils.

Achyrocline alata (HBK) DC. B-1297; S-938.

Yatei kaa: the aerial portion or the flowering parts in infusion are used to treat
appendicitis, liver ailments and sometimes diabetes. It is also used as an additive in
mate and tererd. Indigenous herb, scattered in humid grasslands.

Achyrocline (Lam.) DC. B-1856, 1938; S-929, 937.

satureioides
Marcela, several Achyrocline
Marcelita: species are used in Paraguayan folk
medicine under that name. Marcela flowering parts or aerial parts in infusion are
taken after meals as a digestive and cholagogue. An infusion of the aerial parts or
flowering tops is used as a vaginal wash. It is also used as an additive in mate and
tererk. Gregarious herb, abundant in grasslands and disturbed soils. Indigenous.

Achyrocline DC. BS-4265; S-809, 888.

vargasiana
Marcela, this plant is used for the same purpose as A. satureioides.
Marcelita: A
gregarious herb. Indigenous.

Ambrosia elatior L. S-466, 941.

Altamisa: the aerial parts or the leaves, either in infusion or as a mate additive,
are used as a contraceptive. The same uses has been recorded by Arenas and
Moreno (1976). Indigenous herb, scattered in grasslands.

Ambrosia Spreng. S-954.

tenuifolia
Altamisa: the aerial parts or the leaves in infusion are taken as a tonic, febrifuge
and appetizer. A decoction of the fruits is reputed as a vermifuge, while the
decoction of the aerial parts is used to wash the hair, and an infusion of the aerial
parts as an abortifacient. This use has also been reported previously by Arenas and
Moreno (1976). Indigenous herb, common in disturbed places, sandy soils, and
grasslands.

Austroeupatorium inulaefolium (HBK.) K. et R. B-1887, 3805; S-51, 896. Syn.:

Eupatorium inulaefolium HBK.
Doctorcito: an infusion of the leaves is used as a digestive, and as an additive to
mate. The decoction of the aerial parts or the leaves is reputed to be abortive. This
166

last use has also been recorded by Arenas and Moreno (1976). Shrub, abundant in
disturbed soils and grassland. Indigenous.

Baccharis articulata (Lam.) Pers. S-927, 906.

Chirca melosa: the decoction of the stems or roots is drunk as a digestive and as a
choleretic, and is indicated in liver and gallbladder diseases. Shrub, found in certain
disturbed, sandy soils. Indigenous.

Baccharis cylindrica (Less.) DC. S-930, 936.

Yaguaretd kaa: the infusion or decoction of the aerial parts is used to treat renal
and urinary infections, as a powerful digestive, as a remedy for hepatic troubles, and
as an aphrodisiac. An infusion of the leaves or the aerial parts, or when added to the
mate, is reputed to be an abortifacient. The use of Yaguarete kaa in controlling
fertility has been reported by Arenas and Moreno (1976). Indigenous, scattered in
disturbed soils and grasslands.

Baccharis microcephala (Less.) DC. S-3183.

Yaguaretk kaa: this plant is used for the same purpose as B. cylindrica.

Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. S-893.

Yaguaretd kaa: used for the same purpose as those of B. cylindrica and B.
microcephala. Herb, scattered in grasslands.

Bidens pilosa L. S-935.

Kapiz’una: a decoction or infusion of the whole plant or the aerial parts is taken as
a diuretic and is indicated in liver diseases. Herb, common in grasslands and
disturbed soils.

Campuloclinium macrocephalum (Less.) DC. B-1857, 3117; S-692, 916. Syn.:

Eupatorium macrocephalum Less.
Teyti kaa: an infusion or decoction of the aerial parts is recommended for heart
troubles, to improve the eyesight, and as an anthelmintic. Herb, scattered,
sometimes gregarious, in grasslands. Indigenous.

Carthamus tinctorius L. S-955.

Arazd, Alhazor, Alazor, Azafran Paraguayo: the flowers are used as a substitute
for Spanish saffron (Crocus sativus L.). An introduced herb, cultivated in southern
Paraguay.

Chaptalia nutans (L.) Polak. S-913.

Cerraja: the leaves are used in infusion as a diuretic. Herb, abundant at edges of
disturbed forests. Indigenous.

Chromolaena christieana (Baker) K. et R. S-701; B-3887, 3980. Syn.: Eupatorium

christieanum Baker.
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Typychapito: the leaves are used to impart fragrance to tobacco. Shrub, common
in grasslands. Indigenous.

Chromolaena laevigata (Lam.) K. et R. S-684,690; B-1528,3213. Syn.: Eupatorium

laevigatum Lam.
Sanalotodo, Doctorcito: the infusion of the aerial parts is taken as a diuretic,
sudorific and depurative, while the decoction is used to wash sores and eczemas.
Shrub, common in grasslands.

Chromolaena odorata (L.) K. et R. S-681; B-1303, 3850, 3917. Syn.: Eupatorium

odoratum L.
Teyu kaai: infusion of the aerial parts is recommended for heart troubles, heart
palpitations, as a sedative and for asthma. Herbs, gregarious, in grasslands.

Centratherum punctatum Cass. S-671, 807.

Akai resa: the whole plant in decoction is topically used for washing sores and as
a wound healer. Herb, scattered in grasslands.

Elephantopus mollis HBK.

S-72, 76, 92; BS-4172.
Llanten hu: an infusion or decoction
of the aerial parts or leaves is taken as a
expectorant and as a febrifuge. Herb, common in grasslands and disturbed soils,
growing in partial shade.

Gamochaeta pennsylvanica(Willd.) Cabr. S-716, 928; B-1783.

Vira-vira: the whole plant in infusion is used as a sedative, a cardiotonic, to treat
bronchitis and to treat catarrh and asthma.

Gochnatia polymorpha (Less.) Cabr. S-675, 827.

Cambara, tatark moroti: the leaf decoction or infusion is taken to relieve cough,
asthma and as an expectorant. Tree, scattered in forest. Cambara can also be found
as a shrub in grasslands.

Jungia jloribunda Less. S-908.

Jaguarete pd: an infusion or decoction of the leaves is used to wash snake bites by
the Mbya aborigines. Herb, scattered in humid grasslands.

Hypochoeris brasiliensis (Less.) Benth. et Hook. ex Griseb. B-3093.

Chicoria, Achicoria: the root infusion is taken to relieve cough, as a laxative and
as purgative. Arenas and Moreno (1976) reported that the decoction of the roots
together with the leaves is used as a contraceptive. Herb, common in grasslands.

Mikania micrantha HBK. S-678, 699.

According to Michalowski (1954), M. micrantha is used as a febrifuge and to
treat wounds. Our inquiries indicated that the plant is not used medicinally.
168

Pectis odorata Griseb. S-688.

Guazzi kaa: a decoction of the whole plant is taken as a digestive. Herb,
gregarious, in grasslands.

Pluchea sagittalis (Lam.)

Cabrera. S-698, 731.
Yerba the aerial parts in decoction or infusion, or as an additive in mate
lucero:
and terere, are reputed as a digestive, liver tonic and antidiarreic. Arenas (1981)
stated that the Lengua-Maskoy aborigines use the plant as a perfume. Herb,
common in grasslands.

Porophyllum DC. B-302 1.

lanceolatum
Curupay mi: a decoction
of the whole plant is taken as an antirheumatic and to
treat tuberculosis and other lung diseases. Arenas (1983) reported that Maki
aborigines use the ground leaves or aerial parts topically for furunculosis, and the
root juice for conjunctivitis. Herb, gregarious, in grasslands.

Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass. S-691, 819.

Yryvti kaa: the leaf juice is used to treat sore eyes, whereas a decoction of the
aerial parts is taken for tuberculosis. Herb, gregarious, in grasslands.

Stevia aristata D. Don. S-710, 723, 724.

Charrzia kaa: the root infusion or decoction is taken to treat children’s diarrhea
and diabetes, and as a digestive.

Stevia entreriensis Hieron. B-3022.

Charrua kaa: same uses as for S. aristata above.

Stevia amambayensis B. L. Robinson. S-677.

Charrua kaa: used as a substitute for S. aristata and S. entreriensis.

Stevia balansae Hieron. B-1985, 3922.

Char&a kaa: as Stevia roots are morphologically very similar, those of S.
balansae are sometimes employed instead of S. aristata or S. entreriensis. The four
listed species of Stevia are scattered herbs, rare, in grasslands.

Schkuhria abrotanoides Roth. B-4367. Syn.: Schkuhria pinnata (Lam.) Kuntze var.
abrotanoides Roth.
Canchalagua: the infusion or decoction of the whole plant is taken as a digestive
and as a bitter tonic. It is also used as an insecticide. Herb, rare, in grasslands.

Tagetes minuta L. S-720.

Suico: an infusion or decoction of the aerial parts or leaves is taken as a
vermifuge, in cases of diarrhea, and to treat gastrointestinal troubles. Herb,
common in distributed soils and grasslands.
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Pterocaulon polystachyumDC. B-3070; S-837.

Toro kaa: a decoction of the whole plant or aerial parts is recommended for
relieving “black diarrhea” in cattle, and is taken orally (in human) as a diuretic and
is recommended in cases of gastrointestinal disorders. Herb, scattered in
grasslands.

Pterocaulonpurpurescens Malme. S-696.

The mashed leaves are locally used to treat horse miasis and to relieve toothache
by the Maka aborigines (Arenas, 1983).

Senecio grisebachii Baker. S-725, 736, 737.

Agosto poty, Flor de Agosto: the flowering tops in infusion or decoction,or as an
additive to mati and terere, are taken orally as a token of good fortune in order to
help depurate the blood. Herb, common in burnt-out grasslands. Indigenous.

Senecio brasiliensis (Spreng.) Less. S-742, 744.

Used as S. grisebachii in eastern Paraguay. Herb, gregarious, in grasslands.

Solidago chilensis Meyen. S-454, 512, 774; B-3919, 4002.

Mbuy, Mbuy saiyti, Typycha moroti, Cohete ruguay : an infusion or decoction
of
the flowers or roots is taken as a diuretic and as an anthelmintic; the mashed root is
used as an additive in terert, as a diuretic, and for cooling. Herb, common in
disturbed soils and grasslands.

Sonchus oleraceus L. B-3274.

Cerraja: an infusion or decoctionof the leaves is taken as a diuretic. Herb,
common in grasslands and disturbed soils.

Trixis pallida Less. BS-4270.

Urusu cati: the root decoction is taken as a digestive. Herb, rare, in grasslands.

Vernonia niederleinii Hieron. B-1836, 3173.

According to Arenas (1981), the Lengua-Maskoy aborigines use the mashed
aerial parts as a poultice to treat burns. Herb. Scattered in grasslands.

Vernonia tweediana Baker. B-3812.

Yagua pety: the root decoction is used in a bath against temoi (itching). Shrub,
scattered in grasslands.

Xanthium spinosum L. B-3023.

Cepa caballo: the root is used as an additive in mate and tererd; the infusion or
decoction is used as a refreshing drink, a diuretic, a febrifuge and “for the liver”.
Herb, common in disturbed soils.
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Discussion

Almost 60°, of the population of Paraguay live in rural areas. Deficient

education and basic sanitary services, as well as inadequate availability of public
health programs, have led to a general use of folk medicinal practices as the most
easily available alternative for healing. Peasants depend almost exclusively on folk
medicine for their primary health care needs.
Our field studies showed that forty-five different species of the Compositae have
been identified as medicinal and economic plants among Paraguayan peasants. Of
these, only Carthamus tinctorius L. has been introduced by the early Spanish
settlers. The most traded crude drugs were shown to be Yaguarett kaci and
Marcela. The first comprises three closely related species, Baccharis trimera, B.
microcephala and B. cylindrica, while the second comprises Achyrocline satureioides
and A. vargasiana. As plants are sold in the market places, and several proprietary
herbal preparations contain Yaguareta kaci and Marcela, it is necessary to consider
the extent and specific composition of crude drugs for defining the preparation of
ingredient(s) as well as for assessing their safety and efficacy.
Paraguayan folk medicine recognizes “hot” and “cold” remedies, whose uses
dictate the manner of preparation and administration, namely, either in matd or
terert.
The majority of the recorded plants were recommended for use to treat several
conditions. The main indications were digestive system complaints, diuresis and
fertility control. The digestive and choleretic properties ascribed to these plants
appear to be related to their bitter taste. As regards fertility control, however, the
large number of children in Paraguayan rural families, suggests the low effective-
ness of these herbal preparations.
Achyrocline species are widely used as medicinal plants in South America.
According to Oliveira Simoes et al. (1986), the extract of the flowering tops of A.
satureioides displayed several biological activities, such as spasmolytic, anti-
inflammatory, analgesic and sedative properties, supporting their use in folk
medicine. Similarly, flavonoids have been characterized as the antihepatotoxic
constituents of Baccharis trimera by Soicke and Leng-Peschlow (1986), supporting
their folk use as a digestive.
The use of several species of Senecio in folk medicine in Paraguay, however,
should be discouraged because they contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Schmeda-
Hirschmann and Cespedes, 1986; Schmeda-Hirschmann et al., 1987a,b), even if the
reason for their use is magical rather than medicinal.

Conclusions

The presented information on the uses of plants belonging to the Compositae in

Paraguay applies to both peasants and city dwellers, but not to the pharmacopoeias
developed by several ethnic groups found in the country. Most indigenous
pharmacopoeias remain to be studied. There is no doubt that they will yield many
exciting data for further investigation. Much pharmacological work has also to be
done for confirming the biological activities claimed for the Compositae in
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Paraguayan folk medicine, as well as studies to establish their safety and efficacy
levels.
The possibility of discovering new, useful drugs from the Paraguayan medicinal
Compositae cannot be discounted. On the basis of available information, Marc&z,
comprising Achyrocline species, and Yaguaretk kaci, comprising Baccharis trimera,
B. microcephala and B. cylindrica, look promising as possible sources of digestive
and hepatoprotective crude drugs. The discovery of artemisinin from Artemisia
annua, based on ethnobotanical information (Klayman, 1985) serves as a demon-
stration that it is possible to find new, effective drugs using data from traditional
medicine.

Acknowledgements

We wish to acknowledge Drs. Robert M. King and Harold Robinson, United

States National Herbarium of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
(U.S.A.) and Dr. Aurelio Schinini, Instituto de Botanica de1 Nordeste, Corrientes,
Argentina, for their kind help in identifying the plant material used in this study.
We also want to acknowledge Dr. D.D. Soejarto and the referees for their
corrections and useful suggestions.

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