Journal of
Medicinal Plants Research

  • Abbreviation: J. Med. Plants Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0875
  • DOI: 10.5897/JMPR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 3842

Full Length Research Paper

Phytochemical and pharmacology of weed Mexican medicinal flora: State of the art

José Luis Gama Flores
  • José Luis Gama Flores
  • National Autonomous University of Mexico, Campus Iztacala, Av. De los Barrios, No. 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, State of Mexico, Mexico.
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José Guillermo Avila Acevedo
  • José Guillermo Avila Acevedo
  • Division of Research and Graduate Studies, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Campus Iztacala, Av. De los Barrios, No. 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, State of Mexico, Mexico.
  • Google Scholar
Israel Valencia
  • Israel Valencia
  • Division of Research and Graduate Studies, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Campus Iztacala, Av. De los Barrios, No. 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, State of Mexico, Mexico.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 17 May 2024
  •  Accepted: 10 January 2025
  •  Published: 31 January 2025

Abstract

Weeds, often viewed as pests due to their interference with agriculture, are also crucial opportunistic plants that thrive in disturbed environments and secondary successions. They play a vital ecological role and offer numerous benefits, including fodder, green manure, food, and sources of industrial and medicinal chemicals. In Mesoamerican civilizations, weeds serve as a significant medicinal resource. This study compiled data from various sources, including specialized literature, biological research, ethnobotanical theses, congress proceedings, medicinal flora catalogs, and electronic databases such as PubMed and Scopus. The database identified 354 weed species, predominantly native, spanning 45 families, with Asteraceae being the most prominent. These species are widely distributed, with 80% found in seed crops. The study identified five major phytotherapy groups: digestive system disorders, skin and adnexal problems, female reproductive system issues, signs and symptoms, and respiratory system disorders, each with over 120 herbal remedies. Most species (95%) showed a strong correlation between traditional therapeutic use and their chemical and pharmacological profiles, except for those in the grass family. Secondary metabolites identified in weeds include terpenoids, flavonoids, essential oils, saponins, and steroids. This review demonstrates that the traditional uses of Mexican medicinal flora are supported by chemical and pharmacological evidence.

Key words: Ethnobotany, medicinal weeds, phytotherapies, metabolites.