Montanoa tomentosa

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Montanoa tomentosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Montanoa
Species: M. tomentosa
Binomial name
Montanoa tomentosa
Cerv.

Montanoa tomentosa is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family which is native to Mexico and much of Central America. This small yellow-flowered shrub is best known for its use in traditional herbal medicine. Its local common name is zoapatle and the most active compound is called zoapatanol.[1] An extract of the leaves is used as an aphrodisiac[2] and to start uterine contractions to induce menstruation, abortion, and labor, and to slow postpartum bleeding.[3][4] The related species Montanoa frutescens has similar effects in the reproductive tract but is much more likely to have contraceptive effects by causing structural changes in the endometrium.[5]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Phytochemistry Database retrieved April 5, 2008.
  2. ^ Carro-Juárez, M., et al. (2004). Aphrodisiac properties of Montanoa tomentosa aqueous crude extract in male rats. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior 78(1) 129-34.
  3. ^ Landgren, B. M., et al. (1979). Clinical effects of orally administered extracts of Montanoa tomentosa in early human pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 135(4) 480-4.
  4. ^ Robles-Zepeda, R. E., et al. (2005). Volatile organic compounds of leaves and flowers of Montanoa tomentosa. Flavour and Fragrance Journal 21(2) 225-27.
  5. ^ Pedrón N., et al. (1985). The zoapatle. VII. Antiimplantation effect in the rat of zoapatle aqueous crude extract (ZACE) from Montanoa tomentosa and Montanoa frutescens. Contraception 31(5) 499-507.

[edit] External links

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