Parastrephia lucida

Parastrephia lucida, commonly known as the "maguey de monte," is a resilient medicinal shrub native to Mexico. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is traditionally used to treat respiratory ailments, inflammation, and digestive issues. This botanical specimen offers significant potential for pharmacological research and holistic wellness applications.

  • Scientific name: Parastrephia lucida
  • 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 and the family Asteraceae, it is classified under the genus Parastrefia. Its specific scientific designation is Parastrefia lucida.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Parastrephia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Parastrephia lucida, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as goldenbush or goldenbush herb, while in Spanish, it is commonly called palo santo or palo santo de monte. In Portuguese, the plant is known as palo santo.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is primarily located within the diverse landscapes of Western South America. Specifically, its presence can be identified in the territories of Bolivia and Peru. The species also extends into the southern regions of Brazil, covering both the Southeast and South areas. Furthermore, its range reaches into Southern South America, specifically within the Northwest of Argentina. Together, these locations define the unique geographical footprint of Parastrephia lucida.

Region Area Source
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Western South America Peru WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil South WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northwest WCVP
Southern South America Chile North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Parasatrephia lucida or "hierba de san juan," is a medicinal herb where the primary therapeutic components are derived from its aerial parts. These above-ground structures, which include the leaves, stems, and flowers, are typically harvested and processed to extract their bioactive compounds. In certain preparations or specific varieties, the plant may also yield a resin, which contributes to its complex chemical profile used in traditional healing practices.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
resin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Parastrephia lucida has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, apigenin, apigenin trimethyl ether, cinnamic acid, coumarines.

Total chemicals
9
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
apigenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
apigenin trimethyl ether 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cinnamic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coumarines 1 ★☆☆☆☆
kaempferol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
luteolin methyl ether 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
vanillin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Parastrephia lucida has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiseptic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiseptic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Parastrephia lucida has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antiseptic, bacterial infections, pain.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antiseptic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bacterial infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆