Baccharis dracunculifolia
Baccharis dracunculifolia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Baccharis dracunculifolia is a significant botanical species widely recognized for its production of Brazilian green propolis. The leaves of this plant contain a potent array of bioactive chemicals, including artepillin C, baccharin, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid. Various preparations such as hydroalcoholic extracts, hexane fractions, and specialized extracts are utilized to harness these therapeutic properties. Research highlights its diverse pharmacological activities, which include hepatoprotective, antifibrotic, antifungal, and analgesic effects. Consequently, this plant shows great promise in managing medical conditions ranging from anal fistula and arteriosclerosis to cardiometabolic syndrome.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Baccharis dracunculifolia is a versatile plant recognized by a diverse array of local names depending on the region. It is widely known by its common name Chilca Blanca, a term that highlights its distinct botanical identity. In many areas, people affectionately refer to it as alecrim or alecrim-do-campo due to its aromatic qualities. Furthermore, in certain parts of Santa Catarina, it is frequently called vassoureira. These various names reflect the deep cultural and regional connections people have with this unique species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Baccharis dracunculifolia belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of multicellular organisms. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Asterales, which connects it to many other significant flowering species. It falls under the specific family Asteraceae, a group well-known for its complex floral structures. Finally, its botanical identity is defined by its membership in the genus Baccharis.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Baccharis |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Baccharis dracunculifolia is widely distributed across several regions of Southern America. In Brazil, the plant can be found throughout the Southeast, West-Central, and various southern territories. Its range also extends into the southern reaches of the continent, specifically within the neighboring country of Argentina. Within Argentina, it is notably present in both the Northeast and Northwest regions. This broad geographical spread highlights the plant's adaptability to diverse South American environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Baccharis dracunculifolia is a robust, self-supporting shrub that maintains a sturdy structural integrity. This plant can reach a significant maximum height of 7 meters as it matures. Its growth form allows it to stand prominently within its natural environment.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Baccharis dracunculifolia demonstrates a diverse range of therapeutic properties that support its traditional use in medicinal practices. Research indicates that the plant possesses significant hepatoprotective activity, effectively reducing liver enzymes and addressing hepatic lipid metabolism imbalances. Furthermore, its antifibrotic potential is highlighted by its ability to influence hepatic stellate cells and modulate actin filament distribution to combat fibrosis. The plant also exhibits notable antifungal activity, particularly against the pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, without showing toxicity to immune cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that this species is a promising candidate for developing innovative treatments for metabolic and infectious diseases.
Compounds
Baccharis dracunculifolia is a significant medicinal plant native to Brazil that serves as a primary botanical source for various bioactive compounds. Phytochemical analyses have revealed that this plant contains baccharin, which contributes to its diverse pharmacological profile. Additionally, the plant is a rich source of several important phenolic acids, including caffeic acid and cinnamic acid. It also contains p-coumaric acid, a pivotal component identified for its role in gastric healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the presence of coumaric acid within its extracts helps characterize its unique chemical composition and medicinal potential.
Conditions
Baccharis dracunculifolia demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by treating Leishmania amazonensis and the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The plant's extracts also effectively reduce MPO activity, which aids in mitigating intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, Baccharis dracunculifolia treats OA-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in experimental models. Finally, the plant serves to treat OA-induced nociceptive and emotional-like impairments, such as anxiety and depressive-like behaviors.
Preparations
Baccharis dracunculifolia is prepared as an extract to study various therapeutic benefits, such as its potential to treat osteoarthritis, anal fistulas, and cardiometabolic syndrome. This plant serves as the primary botanical source for the production of Brazilian green propolis, a natural product used in foods and beverages. Researchers have also utilized hydroalcoholic extracts of the plant to investigate its gastroprotective properties and ability to recover gastric ulcerated tissue. Furthermore, Baccharis dracunculifolia is prepared as hexane fractions, which have demonstrated significant antifungal activity against the pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Finally, the plant is linked to the production of brown propolis, a substance that shows promising leishmanicidal properties against Leishmania amazonensis.
Parts used
Baccharis dracunculifolia serves as a primary botanical source for the production of Brazilian propolis, particularly within the São Paulo state region. Chemical analysis via GC-MS confirms that this specific plant species contributes significantly to the composition of the bee glue found in this area. Beyond its role in propolis formation, the plant produces distinct secretions that possess notable biological properties. Specifically, research highlights that the leaf exudate of B. dracunculifolia exhibits powerful antibacterial and antifungal activities. These findings underscore the medicinal importance of the plant's leaf components in both natural and pharmaceutical contexts.