USOS DE LAS ESPECIES DEL GÉNERO ASCLEPIAS L. (APOCYNACEAE, ASCLEPIADOIDEAE), INFORMACIÓN DEL HERBARIO NACIONAL DE MÉXICO, MEXU

Abstract

Asclepias is an American genus of wide
geographical distribution. Of the 68 species of Asclepias occurring in Mexico, 17
have reported uses. This article focuses
on 14 species used as medicinal plants by
many social groups, including indigenous
cultures that possess a vast knowledge of
traditional medicine. The medicinal species contain alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins,
and cardiac glycosides and have analgesic,
dermatological, laxative, and respiratory
properties. Some are also considered toxic.
Besides their medicinal uses, Asclepias
species provide food, fodder, ornament,
and fiber for textile production. The uses of
these plants are summarized, emphasizing
their medicinal properties as well as some
of their pharmacological aspects. Most of
the information was extracted from the
Mexican National Herbarium (MEXU),
Mexican Ethnobotanical Plants Database
(BADEPLAM), and thorough bibliographical research covering traditional medicine,
phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the
medicinal species of Asclepias.