Luehea divaricata is a species of tree native to the cerrado area of Brazil, particularly the states of Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul. It is known by various local names including "açoita-cavalo", "açoita-cavalo miúdo", "ibatingui", "ivatingui", "pau-de-canga", and "caiboti".[1]

Luehea divaricata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Luehea
Species:
L. divaricata
Binomial name
Luehea divaricata
Synonyms
  • Alegria divaricata
  • Brotera mediterranea
  • Thespesia brasiliensis
Luehea divaricata leaves, Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Traditional uses

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Luehea divaricata is regarded as a medicinal plant in traditional Brazilian medicine.[2] The stems are used to relieve inflammation,[2] the leaves are used as a diuretic[2] while a bark decoction is used in the treatment of arthritis.[1] The wood can also be fashioned into whips.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Felício, L.P.; Silva, E.M.; Ribeiro, V.; Miranda, C.T.; Vieira, I.L.B.F.; Passos, D.C.S.; Ferreira, A.K.S.; Vale, C.R.; et al. (2011). "Mutagenic potential and modulatory effects of the medicinal plant Luehea divaricata (Malvaceae) in somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster: SMART/wing". Genetics and Molecular Research. 10 (1): 16–24. doi:10.4238/vol10-1gmr982. PMID 21218382.
  2. ^ a b c d Tanaka, Júlio C. A.; Vidotti, Gentil J.; Silva, Cleuza C. da (2003). "A New tormentic acid derivative from Luehea divaricata Mart. (Tiliaceae)". Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society. 14 (3): 475. doi:10.1590/S0103-50532003000300024.
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