Full Length Research Paper
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.
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