Phoradendron liga (Gill.ex H.et al.) eichl. (Viscaceae) used in folk medicine: anatomical, phytochemical and immunochemical studies.

VARELA BEATRIA; FERNÁNDEZ TERESA,; RICCO RAFAEL; ALVAREZ ELIDA; HAJOS SILVIA; GURNI ALBERTO; WAGNER MARCELO

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY

Elseiver

Lugar: Ireland; Año: 2004 vol. 94 p. 109 - 119

0378-8741

Phoradendron liga (Gill. ex H. et A.) Eichl. is a Viscaceae widely distributed in Argentina. It has been commonly used in folk medicine as a substitute of the European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) to decrease high blood pressure due to their external similarity. In this study, the anatomical features as well as micromolecular and macromolecular analysis of this species are reported. Anatomical study has shown that Phoradendron liga presents as anatomic features: papillous cuticle, clusters in leaves and stems, and isodiametric stone cells only in stems. The analysis of flavonoids showed that this species produces C-glycosylflavones and 3-desoxyproanthocyanidins. Protein study showed a protein pattern with components ranging from 14 to 90 kDa and the presence of related epitopes between the species was demonstrated by cross recognition using anti-Phoradendron and anti-Viscum antisera of both species by Western blot assay. In addition, a galactose specific lectin (L-Phl) was isolated form Phoradendron liga extracts. These results are part of a comprehensive project on Argentine hemiparasite species destinated to be applied to quality control of commercial samples and disclosed their potential use as a potential source for immunomodulatory compounds. © 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Anatomical study; Flavonoids; Immunogenic components; Lectin; Phoradendron liga; Viscaceae