Pharmacological and Cardiovascular Aspects of Ligaria cuneifolia Infusions

Abstract

Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh. (Loranthaceae), known as "Argentine mistletoe," is used in folk medicine as a hypotensor. It is a hemiparasite, so the pharmacological actions could be influenced by the host plant on which it grows. This survey shows that the decrease of blood pressure appears secondarily, after increasing it. The action on heart rate is variable. There is a close relationship between the pharmacological actions according to the host tree, as shown when comparing the effects of extracts from Acacia caven (Mol.) Molina (Mimosaceae) with those obtained from the parasite. The use of the Argentinian mistletoe to treat high blood pressure is therefore considered very risky.

Keywords: :

• Acacia Caven
• Folk Medicine
• Hypertension
• Ligaria Cuneifolia
• Parasitism