<i>Bredemeyera floribunda</i> Wild Elemental Content and Comparison with Nutritional Recommendation for Adults: Medicinal Plant Used by the Brazilian Rural Population to Treat Fatigue and Exhaustion

Abstract

Bredemeyera floribunda Wild (Polygalaceae), also known as pau-de-ovo is a medicinal plant used to treat snakebites, as tonic and fortifiers to treat fatigue and exhaustion. The aim of the present study was to document the knowledge of herbal sellers in the preparation of the so-called "B. floribunda fortifier" and to compare the plant root content with the recommended nutritional values and the permitted limit for medicinal plants. The study revealed that, unlike other regions of Brazil, in the Midwest region, the root of the plant is used as food to treat fatigue and exhaustion. The contents in B. floribunda root decreased in the following order: Ca > K > P > Na > Fe > Mg > Si > Mn > Zn > Cu. Daily intake of 30 grams of B. floribunda roots are considered as an excellent source of Cr, Cu, Mn and Se for people 19 to 50 years of age according to the RDA. In addition, Cu and Fe showed content above the established limit for medicinal plants stipulated by other countries. The root of the plant has low K, Mg, P, Na and Zn content. When the contents in roots of the plant are below the oral dose of reference, consumption of this plant can be considered safe and without risk to human health. On the other hand, concentration of elements such as Cu, Fe, Ni, Al, Cr and Se exceeding the allowable limit may cause serious health problems due to prolonged ingestion

Acute Toxicity of Aqueous Extract from Bredemeyera floribunda Root Bark in an Animal Model

“…According to Judith [ 9 ], the crystals present in these plants are calcium oxaloacetate, which is found in greater quantities in the bark than in the root wood. In this way, our results showed that it was possible to obtain the extract and aerated cream, mimicking the popular tradition used to treat chronic fatigue, excessive tiredness, and low libido, as described by Tschinkel et al [ 17 ].…”

“…Parts of this plant can be prepared in the form of decoction, infusion, maceration, and as juice, having applications in the treatment of diseases such as high blood pressure, liver, lung, and cardiovascular diseases [ 12 – 14 ], insect bites, snakes, and gynecological diseases [ 15 , 16 ]. In addition, in popular medicine, the bark of the root of B. floribunda is used against fatigue and exhaustion, increasing work activity and libido [ 17 ]. The root bark, when scraped and mixed with water, produces an aerated cream with a firm texture, which is ingested daily in the first meal of the day in rural areas [ 17 , 18 ].…”

“…In addition, in popular medicine, the bark of the root of B. floribunda is used against fatigue and exhaustion, increasing work activity and libido [ 17 ]. The root bark, when scraped and mixed with water, produces an aerated cream with a firm texture, which is ingested daily in the first meal of the day in rural areas [ 17 , 18 ].…”

“…The chemical extraction methods for obtaining medicinal plant extracts and the type of organic solvents used (ethanol, methanol, and acetone, among others) directly influence the concentration of secondary metabolites and other bioactive compounds present in the final product [ 20 – 22 ]. However, such methods do not reproduce the prevalent popular use, which in turn uses plants in the form of teas [ 17 ], juices and macerates; or immersion of dried or fresh plant parts in water [ 23 , 24 ]. In this sense, components such as saponins, xanthones, rutin, cinnamic acid, and flavonoids [ 19 , 25 , 26 ], as well as the already elucidated effects and actions of the root of B. floribunda , refer to the ethanolic extract [ 10 , 11 , 14 , 15 ].…”