Mikania glomerata
Guaco
Mikania glomerata, commonly known as climber weed or erva-de-kong, is a medicinal climbing plant native to Central and South America. Renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it is traditionally used to treat skin infections, respiratory issues, and wounds, serving as a vital resource in folk medicine.
- Scientific name: Mikania glomerata
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Mikaenia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Mikania | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Mikania glomerata, is widely recognized by its common names in different languages; in Portuguese, it is called Guaco, and in English, it is also referred to as Guaco.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Guaco | Wikidata |
| en | Guaco | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several regions in Central and South America. In Central America, it can be found growing in the countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Its presence extends significantly into Brazil, where it is established in multiple territories. Specifically, the species is documented throughout the Northeast region of Brazil. Additionally, it is also distributed across the Southeast part of the country.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central America | El Salvador | WCVP |
| Central America | Guatemala | WCVP |
| Central America | Honduras | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil South | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina Northeast | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Paraguay | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Mikania glomerata, commonly known as Guaco, utilizes various components for its therapeutic properties. The most significant parts used in traditional medicine are the lush green leaves, which are rich in essential oils and coumarins. While the roots are sometimes studied for their chemical composition, the most common way to consume its medicinal benefits is by preparing teas brewed from the dried or fresh foliage. These infusions are widely used to treat respiratory issues and as an effective remedy for snake bites.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 7
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Teas | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Mikania glomerata has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include coumarin, 1-octadecene, 2-hexenal, O-coumaric acid, carbendazim.
- Total chemicals
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| coumarin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 1-octadecene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 2-hexenal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| O-coumaric acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| carbendazim | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumarins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dimethomorph | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ent-kaurenoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hexanal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Mikania glomerata has 7 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Genotoxic, Analgesic, Antiparasitic, Antiproliferative.
- Total activities
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Genotoxic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiparasitic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bronchodilator | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Expectorant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Mikania glomerata has 19 reported medicinal uses identified across 21 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, bronchitis, analgesic, arthritis, bronchoconstriction.
- Total uses
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 21
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| asthma | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bronchitis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bronchoconstriction | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cough | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coughs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dental caries | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| edema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |