Bitter plants used as substitute of Cinchona spp. (quina) in Brazilian traditional medicine.

摘要: Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Bitter tasting plant species are used as tonics and have been previously to treat intermittent fevers in Brazil, the principal symptom of malaria. Many these were named quina substitutes Cinchona spp., source quinine. Aim study To present data on bitter discuss their potential sources bioactive substances. Materials methods Data about plants obtained from a survey literature documents written by early naturalists clinical doctors living 18th 19th centuries Brazil. Correlated pharmacological studies different scientific databases. Results A total 29 recorded. The largest number belonged Rubiaceae family (14), being Remijia ferruginea (A. St.-Hil) DC. most representative. Strychnos pseudoquina A. St.-Hil. (Loganiaceae), Hortia brasiliana Vand. ex (Rutaceae) Solanum (Solanaceae) also frequently mentioned historical bibliography. Pharmacological shown presence substances useful digestive disorders and/or with antimalarial activities, all recorded botanic families. Conclusion This shows that several past substitute spp. studying can lead development new products.