Chiricaspi (Brunfelsia grandiflora, Solanaceae), a Pharmacologically Promising Plant

Abstract

This study’s objective was to evaluate the rescued traditional knowledge about the chiricaspi (Brunfelsia grandiflora s.l.), obtained in an isolated Canelo-Kichwa Amazonian community in the Pastaza province (Ecuador). This approach demonstrates well the value of biodiversity conservation in an endangered ecoregion. The authors describe the ancestral practices that remain in force today. They validated them through bibliographic revisions in data megabases, which presented activity and chemical components. The authors also propose possible routes for the development of new bioproducts based on the plant. In silico research about new drug design based on traditional knowledge about this species can produce significant progress in specific areas of childbirth, anesthesiology, and neurology.

Teaching Down to Earth—Service-Learning Methodology for Science Education and Sustainability at the University Level: A Practical Approach

“…Previous research [77] has shown that some botanical practices are unique in this indigenous community. These practices were never registered and could offer significant progress in various medical fields [81]. Conservation of this traditional knowledge must be taken into account [82] and is a priority according to several international agreements [83].…”

“…Social and economic justice refers to the exploitation of territories and military occupation (which is often exercised with strong repression and violence on indigenous peoples, in order to obtain raw materials and control the territory) [102]. It is also possible to question aspects related to the need to conserve biodiversity [103][104][105] and, at the same time, the importance of research for knowledge and the development of new products to improve the quality of life of human beings [81]. For patents, in the field of ethnobotany, the main beneficiaries are usually pharmaceutical companies, which in many cases take advantage of the botanical knowledge that communities have on the use or application of plants and their components with little or no impact in terms of economic benefits on indigenous communities [106,107].…”

Identification, Quantification, and Characterization of the Phenolic Fraction of Brunfelsia grandiflora: In Vitro Antioxidant Capacity

“…Ever since ancient times, people have looked for drugs in nature to face different diseases. Brunfelsia grandiflora is an excellent example of folk medicine used for ages with successful results against rheumatism, arthritis, cold, tiredness, pain of ovaries, sexual potency, pain in bones, laziness, and cancer of uterus [ 2 ], although limited scientific studies confirm these effects [ 10 , 11 ]. Even in our time, when there is increasing awareness of the importance of diet quality to prevent chronic disease, and although the main sources of phenolic compounds are fruits and vegetables, more and more studies refer to woody vascular plants, especially bark [ 12 ], directing the interest to the traditional herbal as a source of antioxidants with potential health-promoting properties.…”

Production of phenolics and flavonoids with antioxidant evaluations of Brunfelsia pauciflora (Cham. &Schltdl.) Benth. through in vitro propagated cultures.

“…Brunfelsia L. is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Solanaceae. Different Brunfelsia species have traditionally been used as an additive in the hallucinogenic drink "ayahuasca" by the indigenous cultures in the Ecuadorean Amazon region, often added to deepen the effects of the psychedelic beverage [1]. Certain Brunfelsia species are also used in the treatment of rheumatism, fever, cold, and arthritis, as well as acting as a tonic, laxative, antipyretic, anesthetic, and larvicidal agents [2,3].…”