Tonic, fortifier and aphrodisiac: adaptogens in the Brazilian folk medicine

Abstract

In Brazil, many plants are used as tonic, fortifier, aphrodisiac, anti-stress, among other uses that are similar to the indications of an adaptogen. In general, such plants are used unspecifically, in situations of stress and fatigue, in the recovery after a previous pathological or debilitating state, or simply aiming at the maintenance of a healthy state. This article discusses the popular terms employed in the Brazilian folk medicine for the plants with this profile, their particularities and limitations. The article also discusses the possible mechanisms of action of an adaptogen and compares the main Brazilian plants used for that purpose: guarana (Paullinia cupana Kunth, family Sapindaceae), muirapuama (Ptychopetalum olacoides Benth., Olacaceae), catuaba (Anemopaegma arvense (Vell.) Stellfeld & J.F. Souza, Bignoniaceae, and Trichilia catigua A. Juss., Meliaceae), nó-decachorro (Heteropterys aphrodisiaca O. Mach, Malpighiaceae), damiana (Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult., Turneraceae) and pfaffia or Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia sp, Amaranthaceae).

Comparison of the chemical composition and biological effects of the roots, branches and leaves of Heteropterys tomentosa A. Juss

“…The use of plants as tonics, restoratives, aphrodisiacs, to improve memory and to delay the aging process is common in some regions of Brazil. These non-specific uses are characteristic of adaptogenic plants that are used for preventive health maintenance (Wagner et al, 1994;Mendes, 2011). Adaptogens are biologically active substances that improve an organism's non-specific resistance to multiple stress factors and promote adaptation to an exceptional situation (Wagner et al, 1994;Rege et al, 1999;Carlini, 2003).…”

Informal Trade of Psychoactive Herbal Products in the City of Diadema, SP, Brazil: Quality and Potential Risks

“…Stellfeld & JF Souza (Bignoniaceae), Erythroxylum vacciniifolium Mart., E. subracemosum Turcz (Erythroxylaceae), Tetragastris catuaba Soares da Cunha (Burseraceae), and Trichilia catigua A. Juss. (Meliaceae) [50–52]. Although the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia first edition has certificated the subterranean organs of Anemopaegma mirandum (Cham.)…”

<htm>Flora das microrregiões Quirinópolis e Sudoeste Goiano, com potencial econômico (Goiás, Brasil) </htm>

“…Anemopaegma arvense, subarbusto comum do cerrado típico ocorre principalmente no domínio Cerrado é uma das plantas brasileiras conhecidas como "catuaba"; citada em revisões etnobotânicas de longa data como energética, afrodisíaca e estimulante do SNC, atualmente está sendo estudada pelas suas propriedades adaptógenas (MENDES, 2011). Pode também compor a ornamentação de pequenos jardins a pleno sol, devido ao seu porte, suas inúmeras e grandes flores e pouca necessidade de tratos silviculturais.…”