Pharmacological aspects and therapeutic use of Erva-de-santa-maria (Chenopodium ambrosioides) in humans and animalsOuvir

Abstract

The herbal medicine is defined as the branch of medical science that uses plants, herbal drugs and their preparations for the treatment of diseases. Some plants commonly used in herbal medicine is the Chenopodium ambrosioides. It is a native species in tropical America, and Mexico as botanical indicate place of origin. The essential oil is toxic, mainly due to ascaridol. The toxicity of these oils is a protection against plant pests and weeds, attractive for their pollination, insect repellent against herbivores. The Chenopodium ambrosioides has a stock ownership as anthelmintic, especially for the parasites of the small intestine. The interest of the veterinary community has emerged as a result of the identification of traditional methods in the treatment of parasitic diseases in animals. It is imperative due to the great discomfort caused, such as intestinal pain, anal itching and fever can lead to seizures, growth retardation, anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, intestinal obstruction, bleeding and even death to the animal. The increased use of plants to treat diseases is rising, in place of allopathic medicines which have high toxicity. It is therefore of vital importance to study and mastery of the possible uses of the herb-de-santa-maria in the treatment of diseases of both animals and humans.