Achyrocline satureioides herb is known as Marcela in Brazil, benefit of the plant
Aerial parts of Achyrocline satureioides (Lam) D. C. (Asteraceae) are used in
folk medicine as infusions or decoctions for the management of several diseases
including gastrointestinal and liver disorders and also as an anti-inflammatory
herb. Ethanol extract of the aerial
parts of Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC. (Asteraceae) ahve a significant,
dose dependent, relaxant effect on the smooth muscle of corpus cavernosum.
Achyrocline satureioides is the botanical name for the herb in
Brazil called marcela.
As of Jan 2010, we did not find clinical published studies with Achyrocline satureioides herb in humans.
Chemcial composition of Achyrocline satureioides
herb
The aerial parts of this herb have flavonoids such as quercetin, luteolin and
3-O-methylquercetin, caffeoyl derivatives such as caffeic acid, and a prenylated dibenzofuran called
achyrofuran. The essential oils of the aerial parts of Achyrocline satureioides (D.C.)
Lam., have monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons.
Aphrodisiac herbs available over
the counter
These include maca extract, tongkat ali, butea superba, cnidium monnieris, tribulus terrestris extract,
mucuna pruriens, horny goat weed, avena sativa, LJ100, muira puama, catuaba, and
yohimbe bark extract.
Differentiation induced by Achyrocline satureioides
(Lam) infusion in PC12 cells.
Phytother Res. 2009 Sep; Blasina MF, Vaamonde L, Morquio A, Echeverry C,
Arredondo F, Dajas F. Department of Neurochemistry, Instituto de Investigaciones
Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Epidemiological studies have shown that flavonoid-rich plants induce beneficial
health effects that are likely beyond their potent antioxidant capacity. Thus,
the mechanisms by which Achyrocline satureioides, a popular South American
medicinal plant, protects cells and neurons in culture, are still unclear. In
this sense, a recently described trophic capacity for flavonoids, similar to
that evoked by growth factors, could be one of the mechanisms involved in
cellular protection. Since this trophic activity causes differentiation of PC12
cells, the cell differentiation capacity of this herb and some of its flavonoids
were evaluated. PC12 cells were treated with Achyrocline satureioides infusion
(10 or 20 microg/mL of total polyphenols), quercetin (Q) (12.5 or 25 microm),
luteolin (L) (25 microm), Q + L (12.5 microm each one) or nerve growth factor (NGF)
for 3 days. Four morphological parameters (percentage of cells with neurites
longer than one cell body diameter, percentage of cells with neurites, average
number of neurites per cell and percentage of fusiform cells) were explored. The
AS infusion showed differentiation capacity on all parameters with similar
potency when compared with NGF. Besides, Achyrocline satureioides was more
potent than some of its constituent flavonoids: Q, L or their combination.
Achyrocline species
Achyrocline alata
Achyrocline satureioides
Achyrocline tomentosa
Aphrodisiacs natural home supplement herb