A new Brazilian study has provided important scientific evidence on a plant widely used in folk medicine. Researchers have shown that the Alternanthera littoralisknown as beach parakeet, actually has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-arthritic action.
The results were published by Agência Fapesp and published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. The species is typical of the Brazilian coast and for decades has been part of the repertoire of plants used by the population to relieve pain and inflammation, although until now rigorous tests to prove its effectiveness were lacking.
The research, carried out by teams from UFGD, Unigran, Unesp and Unicamp, evaluated the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of the plant in experimental models of arthritis.
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Effects proven in experimental models
Before testing, scientists mapped the chemical compounds present in the extract to understand what types of molecules might be linked to the therapeutic effect. They then observed how this influenced inflammatory parameters.
According to Arielle Cristina Arena, professor at Unesp responsible for toxicological analyses, the results showed a significant reduction in edema, improvement in joint function and modulation of inflammatory mediators, in addition to evidence of an antioxidant effect that helps protect inflamed tissues.
These discoveries provide scientific support for the traditional use of the plant and reinforce the potential of Brazilian biodiversity as a source of new therapies. However, the researchers caution that the extract is not yet ready for clinical use.
Why the plant cannot yet be used as a treatment
Before that, more comprehensive toxicological analyzes are needed, standardization of the extract – a step that guarantees the stability, safety and adequate concentration of the compounds – and clinical studies in humans to confirm effectiveness and safety.
The work also draws attention to the importance of studying plants used in traditional medicine with modern methods. For the authors, better understanding how compounds act in the body, identifying safe doses and establishing reliable production methods are essential so that in the future, species such as Alternanthera littoralis can be transformed into validated medicinal plants.
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