Parastrephia lucida (Meyen) Cabrera

Abstract

Parastrephia lucida, known as “romero”, “tola” o “t’hola”, “chachakoa”, “tola de río”, “tola de agua”, is a medicinal plant found in large areas in the semi-arid Puna of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru. It is part of the landscape called “tolar”, with other species of Parastrephia, Baccharis, and Fabiana. The “tolares” have been a very important fuel sources and sometimes the only one available. Currently its use as firewood is limited for greater access. Although its resources are protected by both legal and police protection measures, still it is occasionally used as firewood. P. lucida is resistant to cold, high ultraviolet radiation, drought and salinity. Since ancient times, P. lucida is widely used as medicine by the local communities of the Puna region, mainly for dislocations, traumatism, pain, as anti-inflammatory, febrifuge, antibiotic, acaricide, among others. Progress has been made in the scientific validation of its medicinal properties and in the knowledge of the chemistry of this plant, demonstrating that hydroalcoholic extracts could be used as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, potent antibiotics, and acaricides. Furthermore, the infusion showed potent antioxidant capacity. No toxic, mutagenicor pro-mutagenic effects have been described. Although in vivo studies would be necessary to fully demonstrate the safety of the extracts, prolonged traditional use by local communities could support their safe to use locally. The use of native plant species from South America as an alternative to commercial plant species could have a positive impact on the economies of local communities.

P. lucida from Argentine Puna. Antofagasta de la Sierra, Catamarca, Argentina. (Photo: Soledad Cuello)