Diversidad, endemismos y usos potenciales de Solanáceas en Argentina

BARBOZA G. E.

Joao Pessoa

Simposio; IV Simposio Nacional de Produtos Naturais; 2012

The Solanaceae represent 3,32 % of the Argentinean vascular flora and occupy the fourth place in number of species, the fifth in number of endemism and the third in number of medicinal plants. The aims of this contribution are: a) to know the biodiversity of the Solanaceae at regional scale (expressed in species richness, number of taxa at different taxonomical levels and number of endemic taxa), b) to identify areas of biodiversity and areas of endemism, and c) to evaluate potential uses of the species. Thirty five genera and ca. 350 species grow in Argentine. The genera more representative are Solanum (142 spp.), Lycium (23), Jaborosa (22), Nicotiana (19), Nierembergia (15), Benthamiella (12), Cestrum (11), Fabiana (10), and Calibrachoa (10); 14 genera are represented with a unique species. Northwestern Argentine is the area with the highest taxonomical richness and endemic species (103) while the Patagonia is the area with the lowest biodiversity and relatively with few endemic taxa (23). Pantacantha and Eriolarynx are exclusive endemic genera. Among the 52 medicinal Solanaceous species, the popular uses are highly diverse. Out of this total, the 44 % (23 spp.) has been pharmacologically tested being the most reported activities the antimicrobial, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory ones whereas the 71 % (37 spp.) has at least a chemical data. Thirteen species (Cestrum, Fabiana and mostly Solanum) have neither biological activity nor chemical data reported.