Mexican Medicinal Plants
Ancient knowledge of pre-Columbian cultures
∘ Use of medicinal plants by pre-Columbian cultures
∘ Modern Importance of Mexican Medicinal Plants
∘ Some Mexican Plants Used in Traditional Medicine
Use of medicinal plants by pre-Columbian cultures
Mexico is globally recognized as a pivotal geographic point for plant-human interaction [1]. It is one of the main centers of origin of agriculture and Mexican plants are recognized as an important source of germplasm for world exploitation [2].
For several centuries, medicinal plants have played an important part in the cultural baggage of the indigenous pre-Columbian peoples of Mexico.
The Aztecs (the dominant civilization of Mexico at the arrival of the Spanish colonizers) had a unique and extensive inventory that consisted of hundreds of different herbs and medicinal plants.
Healers used these plants, and according to the patient, their treatment was carried out by different types of specialists. There were physicians, surgeons, midwives, “hueseros” (bone healers), “sobadores” (masseurs), among others [3,4]. They used medicinal plants through poultices, concoctions, dry powders, oils, and infusions [4].
Inventories of medicinal plants were recorded by Aztecs in “codices” (or codex, plural in Latin). Handwritten pictorial documents that were made by Mesoamerican cultures before the arrival of European colonizers.
Codices containing information about Aztec medicinal plants were considered magical and superstitious, and most of them were burned by Spanish missionaries. This led to the punishment of many people and thus resulted in the practice of these traditions in secret.
Despite the prohibitions that the Spanish had established in the beginning, interest in commercializing the native plants of the New World in Europe continued.
Several attempts to survey the medicinal flora have been documented since Mexico’s early colonial period [5].
One of the most important works compiled during the first half-century was made by Martin de la Cruz. This herbal manuscript was known as the “Badianus Manuscript” because it was translated into Latin from Nahuatl (the language of Aztecs) by Juan Badiano.
The original document prepared in 1552 became the first bilingual publication of the New World and contained 263 plants along with remedial animals, stones, and soil [6].
Many of the ethnomedical concepts are native in origin; thus this document probably is the closest of all post-Conquest material to the pre-Hispanic view of illnesses and curatives [5,6].
European culture, mainly represented by the Spaniards, also introduced new plants such as chamomile, rosemary, basil, thyme, marjoram, wormwood, English marigold, fennel, mint, peppermint, among others [5]. While these plants are not native, nowadays some of them are deeply rooted in Mexican culture.
Modern Importance of Mexican Medicinal Plants
The diversity of medicinal plant species in Mexico is comparable to China and India (Ayurvedic) [7,8]. In terms of traditional medicinal knowledge, Mexico is recognized as the second most important country in the world, with a great ancestral tradition and richness in the use of medicinal plants, just after China.
Modern surveys show that Mexico has between 3,000 and 5,000 different plant species (native and introduced) with medicinal use [3,5,9].
There is no exact number of Mexican endemic species with medicinal uses, but there are more than 3,000 different species reported. There are 1,549 species used in the Mayan culture, 816 in the Nahuas, and 3,059 in the Zapotecs [10].
Mexican endemic plants have shown a pharmacological relevance that is still relatively unexplored.
Compounds of some native species are already being semi-synthesized for medical use. The Taxol, for example, is extracted from Taxus globosa by in vitro plant cell cultures to be commercialized and used in cancer treatments all over the world [11].
Some Mexican Plants Used in Traditional Medicine
1. Mexican arnica
In ointment, it is used to heal bruises, contusions, burns, and lacerations. Gargling with tea can ease a sore throat [12].
It is potentially toxic. Avoid oral use during pregnancy and lactation.
2. Mexican valerian
Valeriana edulis subsp. procera
The infusion of valerian root has sedative activity. It is prescribed in cases of nervousness, anxiety, and sleep disorders [13].
3. Cuachalalate
The bark is used to harden the gums, wash wounds, and treat stomach cancer [14].
4. Alucema
It is used in infusions for the treatment of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and stomach ache [15].
5. Zarsaparilla
It is used to treat leprosy, tumors, cancer, psoriasis, and rheumatism. It is reported to have anti-inflammatory, testosterogenic, aphrodisiac, and progesterogenic effects [16].
When it is taken as a drink it has a diuretic effect and is also used to treat gastrointestinal diseases [17].
6. Mexican oregano
It has antiseptic and diuretic properties, among others [18]. Tea is used to treat menstrual cramps and colds.
Mexican oregano infusions can cause abortion, therefore avoid their use during pregnancy.
Because national and international demand for Mexican medicinal plants is growing, some species are at risk of being overexploited.
About 90% of the plants are collected from the wild, and the remaining 10% are cultivated [3]. Due to this, species such as the Cuachalalate and the Mexican valerian are now vulnerable to extinction.
It is needed that secretariats and institutes in charge of the care and promotion of the diversity of Mexican plant species enforce the laws and regulations that are already in place, to preserve these natural resources [3,19].
For more information about Mexican medicinal plants, check out these links [3,4,5,10,20].
I do not recommend the use of any medicinal plant without a medical prescription or specialist consultation.
Remember that the misuse of medicinal plants is usually associated with liver damage, among other health problems [21,22].
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