Aristolochia trilobata
| Aristolochia trilobata | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Magnoliids |
| Order: | Piperales |
| Family: | Aristolochiaceae |
| Genus: | Aristolochia |
| Species: | A. trilobata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Aristolochia trilobata | |
Aristolochia trilobata, commonly known as contribo[2] or Bejuco de Santiago,[3] is a perennial herb in the Dutchman's pipe family Aristolochiaceae. A.trilobata is endemic to the Caribbean and is found in both Central America and South America.[1]
Description[edit]
Aristolochia trilobata is a climbing vine species that typically reaches a length of up to three meters. The leaves are characterized by dark green coloration and have three lobes. The bark is coarse, readily sheds, and emits a distinctive, potent odor.[2]
In traditional folk medicine, the whole plant is used to create a tea or an extract. It is recommended to consume the tea in moderation (once a week) to prevent other health complications. Teas and extracts are known to increase immune health, increase appetite/energy, and fight fatigue.[2] It has been commonly used to treat conditions such as flu, gastritis, parasites, fevers, constipation, stomach ache, and indigestion.[4]
Habitat[edit]
Aristolochia trilobata is a tropical plant native to the Caribbean. Its populations extend from Mexico to Brazil and grows best in a wet, tropical climate.[5]
Conservation[edit]
Some herbalists in Belize claim that it is harder to find an abundance of A. trilobata due to habitat destruction.[2]
However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) most recently (December 2020) assessed the status of A. trilobata as "Least Concern (LC)".[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Bárrios, S.; Copeland, A. (2021). "Aristolochia trilobata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T170643357A192146840. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T170643357A192146840.en. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d Arzu, Yakini; Thiagarajan, Thippi (August 4, 2016). "Medicinal plants used by the Rastafarian community in Belize". International Journal of Herbal Medicine. 4 (3): 15–20. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
- ^ "Aristolochia trilobata". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. ITIS. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
- ^ Balick, Michael J. (1996). "Transforming Ethnobotany for the New Millennium". Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden. 83 (1): 63. doi:10.2307/2399968. JSTOR 2399968. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
- ^ "Aristolochia trilobata L." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 18 April 2024.