Pseudognaphalium viscosum

Scientific name: Pseudognaphalium viscosum (Kunth) Anderb.

Synonym: Gnaphalium viscosum Kunth

Synonym 2: Pseudognaphalium gracile Kunth

Botanical family: ASTERACEAE

Vernacular names

(In territories with significant traditional TRAMIL use)

Haiti:

kamomy

Other vernacular names

Haiti:

Kamomi
Kamomin

Geographical distribution

Tropical and subtropical America.

Botanical description

Herbaceous annual or biannual from 20 to 80 cm high, stems with hirsute-glandular indumentum. Leaves narrowly sagittal, linear-lanceolate, acute or acuminate apex, margin generally revolute, green beam dense or sparsely hirsute-glandular, underside with woolly indumentum. Simple or corymbose glomerular inflorescence; yellow corolla sometimes with brown apex. Oblong or narrowly obovate, brownish achenes.

Voucher(s)

Jiménez,278,JBSD

nervous breakdown

leaf, decoction, orally¹

TRAMIL Work¹⁰

For ataque de nervios:

prepare a decoction with 5-10 grams of fresh leaves in 1 cup (250 litres) of water, boil for 5 minutes in a covered vessel. Leave to cool, strain (filter) and drink 1 cup 3 times a day.

Preparations must never be stored for more than 24 hours, even if refrigerated.

According to the information available:

The use for ataque de nervios is classified as REC based on the significant traditional use documented in the TRAMIL surveys and the toxicity studies.

If deterioration is observed in the patient or the ataque de nervios persists for more than 7 days, seek medical attention.

Not for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding or in children under 5 years.

TRAMIL Works⁶

The LD50 of the aqueous extract (decoction) of the whole plant, orally in mice, was greater than 25 g/kg. The LD50 intraperitoneally was 1.58 ± 0.35 g/kg (doses expressed in weight of dried plant).

The aqueous extract (decoction) from the whole plant (25 g/kg/day) for 28 days, orally in mice, did not produce death or show histopathological changes after 60 days of observation.

TRAMIL Work⁷

The ethanolic plant extract in vitro on tumour and adherent cells showed cytotoxic activity; it showed no toxic effect on human lymphocytes, nor immunomodulatory activity.

The LD50 of quercetin orally in rats was 161 mg/kg⁸.

Quercetin and kaempferol are attributed with mutagenic activity detected with the Ames test⁹.

There is no information available documenting the safety of use in children, during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

TRAMIL Works^2-³

The aerial parts do not contain alkaloids, nor quinones; but they do contain flavonoids, tannins, saponins and steroids/terpenes.

The plant contains flavonoids: kaempferol, quercetol, apigenin, luteolin, calycopterin and its ether-methyl derivatives⁴.

Many of the Gnaphalium species are attributed with emollient and cough-relieving properties, which is why the decoction and infusion of the leaves or aerial parts are widely used against respiratory conditions. The decoction of this plant is also taken in order to calm the nerves⁵.

We found no published biological studies of the use of the leaves in decoction taken orally to treat ataque de nervios, although it is a widely recognised medicinal plant.

Pharmacopoeia

Ed.3

References

WENIGER B, ROUZIER M, 1986

Enquête TRAMIL. Service Oecuménique d’Entraide SOE, Port au Prince, Haïti.

WENIGER B, SAVARY H, DAGUIHL R, 1984

Tri phytochimique de plantes de la liste TRAMIL. Laboratoire de chimie des substances naturelles, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Université d’Etat d’Haïti, Port au Prince, Haïti.

WENIGER B, 1992

Pseudognaphalium viscosum (H.B.K.) W. A. Weber. Rapport TRAMIL. Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.

SALEH NA, MANSOUR RM, EL-KAREEMY ZA, FAYED AA, 1988

The chemosystematics of local members of the subtribe Gnaphaliinae (Compositae). Biochem Syst Ecol 16(7-8):615-618.

GONZÁLEZ M, LÓPEZ IL, GONZÁLEZ MS, TENA JA, 2004

Plantas medicinales del estado de Durango y zonas aledañas. CIIDIR Durango. Instituto Politécnico Nacional. México.

HERRERA J, 1992

Determinación de parámetros farmacológicos usados en medicina tradicional popular en la cuenca del Caribe. Informe TRAMIL. Dep. de Farmacología, Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.

WENIGER B, 1992

Gnaphalium, preliminary report inform to TRAMIL VI. Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.

CHRISTENSEN H, THOMAS T, (Eds.), 1973

The toxic substances list. Maryland, USA: U.S. Department of Health, Education & Welfare. p1001.

DE MEESTER C, ROLLMANN B, MUPENDA K, MARY Y, 1990

The mutagenicity of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) preparations. Food Addit Contam 7(1):125-136.

CARBALLO A, 1995

Cálculo de concentración y dosis de las drogas vegetales TRAMIL: Mensuraciones farmacognósticas y aproximaciones técnico-clínicas. Laboratorio provincial de producción de medicamentos. Sancti Spiritus, Cuba.

Disclaimer

The information provided is for educational purposes only for the benefit of the general public and health professionals. It is not intended to take the place of either the written law or regulations. Since some parts of plants could be toxic, might induce side effects, or might have interactions with certain drugs, anyone intending to use them or their products must first consult with a physician or another qualified health care professional. TRAMIL has no responsibility whatsoever towards the user for any decision, action or omission made in relation to the information contained in this Pharmacopoeia.

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Pseudognaphalium viscosum

Vernacular names

Haiti:

Haiti:

Geographical distribution

Botanical description

Voucher(s)

Pharmacopoeia

References

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