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Neurolaena lobata, commonly known as gavilana, is a resilient very bitter tasting plant that thrives in disturbed areas such as roadsides, empty lots, and riverbanks. It is also abundant around Lake Arenal in El Castillo, Costa Rica, where it is a familiar plant to locals for its use as a bitter tonic, food poisoning, anti inflammation and fever medicine. Recognized for its versatility and strength, N. lobata has inspired the local community permaculture movement, which adopted its name as a symbol of resilience and sustainability. Beyond its ecological role, N. lobata is deeply rooted in traditional medicine, known for its potent antiparasitic effects. Indigenous communities in Central and South America have long relied on this plant to treat a variety of parasitic infections affecting both internal and external body systems. In recent years, scientific studies have begun to validate these traditional uses, demonstrating N. lobata’s potential as a natural remedy against a wide range of parasites. The plant’s efficacy is primarily attributed to its bioactive compounds, particularly sesquiterpene lactones such as neurolenins, which exhibit strong antiparasitic activity (Cáceres et al., 1995). This essay explores the role of N. lobata in combating parasitic infections, its applications across different body systems, and the need for further research to fully harness its medicinal potential.
Internal Parasites
One of the primary medicinal applications of N. lobata is its ability to combat internal parasites, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal tract and bloodstream.
Intestinal Parasites
N. lobata has been traditionally used to treat intestinal parasitic infections such as amebiasis, giardiasis, and helminth infections. Amebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is a widespread parasitic disease that can lead to severe dysentery and gastrointestinal distress. Traditional healers have utilized N. lobata as a natural remedy for dysentery, and scientific research supports its antimicrobial properties (Wright et al., 2000). Similarly, giardiasis, an intestinal infection caused by Giardia lamblia, has been treated with N. lobata in folk medicine. Although specific studies on its efficacy against Giardia are limited, the plant’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects suggest potential activity against this parasite (Mendoza et al., 2015). Additionally, extracts of N. lobata have demonstrated anthelmintic activity against certain nematodes, such as Strongyloides stercoralis, making it a promising natural deworming agent (Zolezzi et al., 2018).
Blood Parasites
Beyond intestinal parasites, N. lobata has shown potential in combating blood-borne parasites, including those responsible for malaria and trypanosomiasis. Malaria, caused by Plasmodium species, remains one of the deadliest parasitic diseases worldwide. Research has demonstrated that N. lobata exhibits antiplasmodial activity, suggesting its potential as a complementary treatment for malaria (Rath et al., 2014). Similarly, studies indicate that extracts from N. lobata can inhibit the growth of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, a severe illness prevalent in Latin America (Rivera et al., 2016). These findings highlight the plant’s potential role in treating life-threatening parasitic infections.
External Parasites
In addition to its internal applications, N. lobata is highly valued for its ability to treat external parasitic infections affecting the skin and hair.
Skin Parasites
Cutaneous infections such as leishmaniasis and fungal conditions have been treated with N. lobata in traditional medicine. Leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania species, results in painful skin ulcers and remains a significant public health concern. Extracts from N. lobata have demonstrated effectiveness against Leishmania promastigotes, indicating its potential in treating this disease (Cruz et al., 2013). Additionally, the plant has been traditionally used to treat fungal skin infections such as ringworm. While limited research has specifically examined its antifungal properties, its traditional use suggests promising antimicrobial potential (Bussmann & Sharon, 2006).
Ectoparasites
N. lobata has also been used to combat ectoparasites, including mites, ticks, and lice. Although direct research on its acaricidal activity is scarce, related plants in the Asteraceae family have exhibited effectiveness against mites and ticks, suggesting similar properties in N. lobata (Mendes et al., 2021). In many cultures, a decoction of the plant is used as a hair wash to eliminate head lice, demonstrating its role in personal hygiene and parasite control.
Applications Across Body Systems
The diverse applications of N. lobata extend across multiple body systems, making it a versatile natural remedy. In the gastrointestinal tract, it is used to treat parasitic infections and alleviate digestive discomfort. On the skin and hair, it is applied topically to treat infections, wounds, and infestations caused by ectoparasites. In the bloodstream, it has been employed in the treatment of malaria and trypanosomiasis, showcasing its potential in combating serious parasitic diseases.
Conclusion
Neurolaena lobata has a long history of use as a powerful antiparasitic agent, supported by both traditional knowledge and emerging scientific research. Its effectiveness against a wide range of parasites, from intestinal worms to blood-borne pathogens and external skin infections, makes it a valuable natural remedy. However, while initial studies are promising, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and develop standardized treatments. As interest in plant-based medicine continues to grow, N. lobata stands out as a potential key player in the fight against parasitic diseases.
References
Bussmann, R. W., & Sharon, D. (2006). Traditional medicinal plant use in Northern Peru: Tracking two thousand years of healing culture. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2(47).
Cáceres, A., Cano, O., Samayoa, B., & Aguilar, L. (1995). Plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 46(3), 127-134.
Cruz, G. L., Pereira, P. V. S., Rodrigues, V. P., & Nascimento, M. S. (2013). Antileishmanial activity of medicinal plant extracts from the Brazilian flora. Phytotherapy Research, 27(5), 791-796.
Mendoza, L., Henríquez, M., & Rodríguez, J. (2015). Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 15(256).
Mendes, L. F., Silva, R. B., & Costa, J. C. (2021). Acaricidal properties of plants from the Asteraceae family. Veterinary Parasitology, 294(109), 1-10.
Rath, G., Mishra, S. B., & Sahu, M. C. (2014). Antiplasmodial activity of medicinal plants: A review. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 13(2), 189-195.
Rivera, L., Jiménez, C., & Gaitán, I. (2016). In vitro activity of Neurolaena lobata against Trypanosoma cruzi. Revista de Biomedicina, 27(4), 113-122.
Wright, C. W., Linley, P. A., Brun, R., & Wittlin, S. (2000). Natural products as sources of antiprotozoal agents. Current Organic Chemistry, 4(11), 1003-1030.
Zolezzi, M., Amadio, L., & López, J. (2018). Anthelmintic activity of medicinal plant extracts from Latin America. Phytomedicine, 49(12), 215-223.
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