Cockleburr (Xanthium strumarium).Plant Part Used: Leaf, root.Dominican Medicinal Uses: The leaf and root are traditionally prepared as a tea by decoction and taken orally for kidney, gallbladder, liver disorders and hepatitis.Safety: No data on the safety of this plant has been identified in the available literature. Animal toxicity studies suggest that therapeutic use of this plant may be considered safe in moderation.Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In animal studies the leaf extract has shown antitrypanosomal and cytotoxic effects and the fruit extract has exhibited CNS depressant and antidiabetic activity. In vitro, isolated plant constituents have shown anti-tumor, antimalarial and antimicrobial effects and the leaf extract has demonstrated cytotoxic effects.* See entry for Cadillo de gato in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.
Gingerbush (Pavonia spinifex).Plant Part Used: Leaf, root.Dominican Medicinal Uses: The leaf and root are traditionally prepared as a tea by decoction and administered orally for disorders of the kidney, gallbladder or liver, blood in the urine, hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, uterine fibroids, tumors, cysts and menopausal hot flashes.Safety: Insufficient information identified.Contraindications: Unknown; insufficient information identified in the available literature.Drug Interactions: Unknown; insufficient information identified in the available literature.Laboratory & Preclinical Data: The chloroform extract of the plant has shown antibacterial activity in vitro.* See entry for Cadillo de gato in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... cadillo tres pies
Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa).Plant Part Used: Inner bark, stem, root.Dominican Medicinal Uses: Bark, root, stem: infusion or multi-herb tincture, orally, for arthritis, cancer, diabetes, kidney disorders, leukemia, obesity and women’s health.Safety: No toxicity shown in clinical and animal studies; long-term use may affect hormone levels.Contraindications: Pregnancy, lactation; autoimmune disorders or implanted organs (immune stimulating properties).Drug Interactions: Anticoagulants, antiplatelet and thrombolytic agents and low molecular weight heparins (potential risk of excessive bleeding); immunosuppressants (may interfere with drug); P450 3A4-metabolyzed drugs (potential inhibition).Clinical Data: Clinical: DNA repair, immune enhancement, immunostimulant, rheumatoid arthritis treatment (bark extract).Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In vivo: anti-amnesic (alkaloids), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimutagenic, antinociceptive, DNA repair, immune enhancement, immunomodulatory (plant extracts).In vitro: anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, cytoprotective, immunomodulatory (bark or leaf extracts).* See entry for Uña de gato in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... uña de gato
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