Dorstenia contrajerva

Dorstenia contrajerva is a species of flowering plant in the family Moraceae, native to Central and South America. It is commonly known as Contrajerva, and is used in traditional medicine for its various therapeutic properties.

Description

Dorstenia contrajerva is a perennial herb with a thick, fleshy rootstock. The leaves are alternate, simple, and have a serrated margin. The flowers are small, greenish, and are borne in a dense, round, flat inflorescence. The fruit is a small, fleshy capsule containing several seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Dorstenia contrajerva is native to Central and South America, including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. It grows in a variety of habitats, from lowland tropical rainforests to montane forests.

Uses

In traditional medicine, Dorstenia contrajerva is used for a variety of ailments. The root is used as a stimulant, diaphoretic, and expectorant. It is also used to treat snakebites, wounds, and skin diseases. The leaves are used to treat digestive disorders and respiratory ailments.

Pharmacological properties

Studies have shown that Dorstenia contrajerva contains several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and coumarins. These compounds have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

Conservation status

While Dorstenia contrajerva is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, habitat loss due to deforestation is a potential threat to its survival.

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Dorstenia contrajerva

See also

• List of plants used in herbalism
• Medicinal plants
• Traditional medicine