Family Currently accepted name Species found in the literature Vernacular name Possible medicinal and/or toxic properties “ETHNO” data (ethnobotany/ethnopharmacology) Pharmacological data Achariaceae (2 species)Asclepias campestris Vell. Asclepias curassavica L.Cega-olhos POI (cega-olhos = blind eyes) May cause corneal edema , used for fever, bleeding control, and as a purgative [18 –23 ] Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and cardiovascular properties [24 ] Carpotroche brasiliensis (Raddi) A Gray♦Carpotroche brasiliensis (Raddi) A. GrayFructa-de-arara-de-lepra INF (lepra = Hansen’s disease) Antileprosy [25 ] Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties [26 ] Herva-de-piolho DER (herva-de-piolho = herb of lice) Treatment of skin conditions [27 ] Amaranthaceae (3 species)Blutaparon vermiculare (L.) Mears♦Gomphrena vermicularis L . PAR (vermicularis = worm-like) Dysentery , diarrhoea , stomach and kidney problems [28 ] ND Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & ClemantsChenopodium anthelminticum L . PAR (anthelminticum = vermifuge, worm expelling) Antiparasitic , analgesic, antiasthmatic, digestive, and antihemorrhoidal activities [29 –32 ] Antiparasitic, trypanocidal, and antileishmanial activities [33 ] Gomphrena antilethargica SilveiraGomphrena antilethargica Silveira NER (anti-lethargica = antilethargic) ND ND Amaryllidaceae (3 species)Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb.Brunsvigia toxicaria (L.f. ex Aiton) Ker Gawl. POI (toxicaria = toxic, containing a poisonous substance) hallucinations , stupor and coma , hysteria, headaches, used for boils, burns and abdominal pain [34 –37 ] Depressive effects on the central nervous system , can cause seizures and difficulty breathing [38 ] Crinum asiaticum L.Crinum toxicarium Roxb. POI (toxicarium = toxic, containing a poisonous molecule) Edema, fever, bruises, fractures, rheumatism, earache, mumps, tonsillitis, gastrointestinal complaints, hernia, to treat vomiting and urinary difficulties [39 –41 ] Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities in wound healing [42 ] Haemanthus toxicarius L.f. ex AitonHaemanthus toxicarius L.f. ex Aiton POI (toxicarius = toxic, containing a poisonous molecule) Urinary diseases, skin diseases, swelling, hematoma, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal problems, used as a dart poison [43 , 44 ] Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, causes hallucinations , treatment for anxiety, stress, and Alzheimer’s disease [45 ] Anacardiaceae (2 species)Persea caustica Spreng.Persia caustica = Persea caustica Spreng. POI (caustica = with caustic taste, mouthburn) ND ND Toxicodendron pubescens Mill.Rhus toxicarium Salisb. POI (toxicarium = toxic, containing a poisonous molecule) Causes skin irritation , used for swelling, antiseptic activity, used as poison [46 ] Protection against inflammatory lesions, hematologic alterations, and arthritis pain [47 ] Rhus toxicodendron L.POI (toxicodendron = poison tree) Annonaceae (1 species)Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. ♦Uvaria febrifuga Humb. & Bonpl. ex DC. MET (febrifuga = fever-dispelling) malaria and fever [48 ]. in vitro activity against Plasmodium falciparum [49 ]Apocynaceae (3 species)Allamanda schottii Pohl ♦Allamanda cathartica Schrad. GAS (cathartica = purgative, purging, cathartic) Cathartic , emetic, colic , antifungal and antiviral activities, used to treat fever, diabetes, reduces inflammation, diuretic, and increases blood flow [50 –55 ] Compounds with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities, cause infertility, purgative and wound healing [56 ] Aspidosperma illustre (Vell.) Kuhlm. & Pirajá♦Aspidosperma illustre (Vell.) Kuhlm. & PirajáErva-venenosa POI (erva-venenosa = poison weed) ND ND Schubertia multiflora Mart.Schubertia multiflora Mart.Maria-da-costa- peidorreira GAS (peidorreira = farting) Abortive and emmenagogue [57 ] ND Aquifoliaceae (1 species)Ilex diuretica Mart. ex Reissek♦Ilex diuretica Mart. ex Reissek URO (diuretica = diuretic) diuretic and used for urinary infections, used for high blood pressure and wound healing [58 ] ND Araceae (1 species)Anthurium parasiticum (Vell.) Stellfeld ♦Pothos parasiticus Vell. PAR (parasiticus = living at the expense of another, parasitic) ND ND Aristolochiaceae (2 species)Aristolochia theriaca Mart. ex Duch. ♦Aristolochia theriaca Mart. ex Duch . GYN (Aristolochia = best-childbirth, abortifacient property)/ANT (theriaca = antidote, theriacs are antidotes to poisons and bites of wild beasts) Antiophidic action [59 ] ND Aristolochia triangularis Cham. ♦Aristolochia antihysterica Mart. ex Duch. GYN (Aristolochia = abortive)/NER (antihysterica = antihysteria) Hysteria attacks , soothing nerves , antiseptic use, infections, skin diseases, ulcers, diuretic, edema, malaria, parasites, hypertension, dysentery, diarrhoea, abortive and antirheumatic [27 , 60 , 61 ] Anti-inflammatory activity [61 ] Bignoniaceae (4 species)Cybistax antisyphilitica (Mart.) Mart. ♦Bignonia antisyphilitica Mart. INF (syphilitica = to treat syphilis) Antisyphilitic activity, lotions against syphilitic ulcers , decoction and infusion to treat dysuria, swelling, and water retention [62 ] Larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti [63 ] Cybistax antisyphilitica (Mart.) Mart. Phryganocydia antisyphilitica Mart. ex DC. Handroanthus barbatus (E.Mey.) Mattos ♦Couralia toxophora (Mart.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex K.Schum. POI (toxophora = toxic, containing a poisonous substance) Antimalarial activity [64 ] ND Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos ♦Tecoma impetiginosa Mart.ipê-contra-sarna DER (sarna = scabies) Fever reducer, venereal and rheumatic disorders, for skin disorders (eczema, herpes, and mange) and ulcers [64 ] Anti-inflammatory, antiautoimmune activities , and anticancer [60 , 65 , 66 ] Kordelestris syphilitica ArrudaKordelestris syphilitica Arruda INF (antisyphilitica = anti- syphilis) Treatment of skin diseases (scarring) , respiratory and digestive disorders [67 ] ND Cactaceae (2 species)Rhipsalis baccifera (J.S.Muell.) Stearn ♦Rhipsalis parasitica (Lam.) Haw. PAR (parasitica = living at the expense of another, parasitic) ND ND Rhipsalis undulata Pfeiff.Cactus parasiticus L. PAR (parasiticus = living at the expense of another, parasitic) ND ND Caryocaraceae (1 species)Caryocar glabrum (Aubl.) Pers.Caryocar toxiferum Barb.Rodr. POI (toxiferum = toxic, containing a poisonous substance) ND ND Celastraceae (1 species)Monteverdia truncata (Nees) BiralMonteverdia truncata (Nees) BiralErva-botão-cancerosa/erva-botão-cancrosa CAN (cancerosa /cancrosa = cancerous) Stomach problems [68 ] ND Commelinaceae (1 species)Tripogandra diuretica (Mart.) Handlos ♦Tradescantia diuretica Mart. URO (diuretica = diuretic) Diuretic, urinary , liver, disorders [69 ]. ND Compositae (5 species)Achillea ptarmica L.Achillea ptarmica L. DER (Achillea = used by Achilles to staunch wounds)/RES (ptarmica = causing sneezes) ND ND Mikania cynanchifolia Hook. & Arn. ex B.L.Rob. ♦Mikania cynanchifolia Hook. & Arn. ex Baker POI (cynanchifolia - cynanchicus = of quinsy, literally dog throttling, from its former medicinal use) ND ND Solidago chilensis Meyen♦Solidago vulneraria Mart. ex Baker DER (vulneraria = wounds, healing wounds) Anti-inflammatory , diuretic, and gastrointestinal disorders [70 ] Decreased gastric lesions [71 ] Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip.Parthenium matricaria Gueldenst. GYN (matricaria = maternal care, former medicinal use in treatment of uterine infections; parthenium = for labor) Fevers, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, toothache, stomach pain, insect bites, infertility, and problems with menstruation or during childbirth [72 –77 ] Treatment for smooth muscle spasms, prophylactic treatment for migraine, inhibition of histamine release (inflammatory processes) , uterine-stimulant activities [78 , 79 ] Xanthium catharticum KunthXanthium catharticum Kunth GAS (catharticum = purgative, purging, cathartic) ND ND Convolvulaceae (2 species)Ipomoea dumosa (Benth.) L.O. Williams ♦Exogonium purga (Wender.) Benth. GAS (purga = purgative) purgative [80 ] ND Operculina macrocarpa (L.) Urb.♦Ipomoea operculata Mart. & SpixBatata-aipo-de-purga GAS (purga = purgative) Purgative , anthelmintic, blood purifier and treatment for uterine infection [81 ] It has resin glycosides known as purgative ingredients [82 ]. Cucurbitaceae (3 species)Ecballium elaterium (L.) A.Rich.Ecballium purgans Schrad. GAS (purga = purgative) ND ND Luffa sepium (G.Mey.) C.JeffreyLuffa purgans (Mart.) Mart. GAS (purga = purgative) Swelling, chronic ophthalmia (eye diseases), and emetic properties [62 ] ND Momordica anthelmintica Schumach. & Thonn.Momordica anthelmintica Schumach. & Thonn. PAR (anthelmintica = vermifuge, worm expelling) ND ND Erythroxylaceae (1 species)Erythroxylum cataractarum Spruce ex Peyr.♦Erythroxylum cataractarum Spruce ex Peyr. EYE (cataractarum = cataract) The snuff protects people from bad weather, such as cold and rain, and from long, sleep-disturbing activities [83 –85 ] ND Euphorbiaceae (4 species)Cnidoscolus urens (L.) Arthur♦Cnidoscolus urens (L.) ArthurQueimadeira POI (urens = queimadeira = acrid, stinging, burning, to burn) Antiparasitic, to treat boils and “ringworm” (superficial skin mycoses), itching, injuries, skin infections, skin wounds, stomach pain, uterine infections, and blood purification [86 ] Contains several toxins, such as curcin (toxalbumin phytotoxin), hydrocyanic acid, atropine, tetramethylpyrazine, glycoside, and curcanoleic acid [87 , 88 ] Jatropha urens L.Croton antisyphiliticus Mart. ♦Croton antysiphiliticus Mart. INF (antisyphilitica = anti-syphilis) Syphilis , rheumatisms, ulcerative lesions, inflammatory diseases, genital infections, and venereal cancers and to treat infections of the urogenital tract [89 –91 ] Nematocidal activity in vitro [92 ] Euphorbia ophthalmica Pers. ♦Euphorbia ophthalmica Pers. EYE (ophthalmica = ophtalmic) ND ND Jatropha podagrica Hook.Jatropha podagrica Hook. MET (podagrica = snare, of gout, used to treat gout) Antipyretic, diuretic, choleretic and purgative, to cure oral candidiasis in infants, to treat worms, skin diseases, and as a wound dressing [93 , 94 ] Antitumor, antimicrobial, molluscicidal, and insecticidal activities [95 ] Fabaceae (5 species)Andira fraxinifolia Benth. ♦Andira fraxinifolia Benth.Mata-baratas POI (mata-baratas = insecticide) Antihelminthic activity (the genus Andira is still used despite its toxic effects) [96 ] ND Andira anthelmintica Benth. PAR (anthelmintica = vermifuge, worm expelling) Andira vermifuga Benth. ♦Geoffroea vermifuga Mart. PAR (vermifuga = vermifuge, worm expelling) Andira species are commonly used for their antihelminthic properties [97 ]ND Andira vermifuga Benth. Chamaecrista cathartica (Mart.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby ♦Cassia cathartica Mart. GAS (cathartica = purgative, purging, cathartic) ND Purgative properties [98 ] Chamaecrista nictitans var. jaliscensis (Greenm.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby ♦Cassia hypnotica Vell. NER (hypnotica = hypnotic) ND ND Vouacapoua vermifuga (Mart. ex Benth.) KuntzeVouacapoua vermifuga (Mart. ex Benth.) Kuntze PAR (vermifuga = vermifuge, worm expelling) ND ND Hypericaceae (1 species)Vismia latifolia (Aubl.) Choisy ♦Vismia latifolia (Aubl.) ChoisyPau-alazão-de-febre MET (febre = antipyretic) Tonic and febrifugal agent [99 ] Vasodilator effect [100 ] Iridaceae (2 species)Trimezia cathartica (Klatt) Niederl.Cypella cathartica (Klatt) Mart. ex Klatt GAS (cathartica = purgative, purging, cathartic) ND ND Lansbergia catartica Klatt Trimezia juncifolia (Klatt) Benth. & Hook.f. ♦Cypella purgans Mart. ex Klatt GAS (purga = purgative) For blood clearance, for intermittent wounds and as an anti-inflammatory [101 ] ND Ferraria purgans Mart. Lansbergia purgans Klatt Lamiaceae (1 species)Leonurus cardiaca L.Leonorus cardiaca L. CAR (cardiaca = heart conditions) Cardiac , nervous system problems, digestive disorders, bronchial asthma, climacteric symptoms, amenorrhoea, skin wounds, and inflammation [102 ] Antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, as well as effects on the heart and circulatory system , hypotensive effect , sedative and analgesic activities [103 ] Lobariaceae (1 species)Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm.Sticta pulmonaria (L.) Biroli RES (pulmonaria = lungwort, the signature of the spotted leaves as indicative of efficacy in the treatment of respiratory disorders) Used in pulmonary disorders [104 ] ND Loganiaceae (3 species)Spigelia anthelmia L. ♦Spigelia anthelmia L.Lombrigueira/erva-das-lombrigas PAR (lombrigueira; erva- das-lombrigas = roundword weed) Anthelmintic and fish poison [105 , 106 ] Neuralgic and heart diseases [107 ] Strychnos nux-vomica L.Strychnos nux-vomica L. POI (Strychnos = poisonous, solanaceous plants) /GAS (nux-vomica = emetic nut) Eye infection, emetic and snake bites [108 ] Nervous system stimulant, analgesic action, aid in alcohol dependence, anti-inflammatory action, affects the immune system, antitumor activity, snake antivenom, effects on pathogenic microorganisms, toxic [47 , 131 ] Strychnos pseudoquina A. St.-Hil. ♦Geniostoma febrifugum Spreng. MET (febrifugum = antipyretic) Abortive [9 ] Mutagenic activity (leaves), antimalarial [9 , 111 ] Lythraceae (2 species)Heimia salicifolia (Kunth) Link ♦Ginoria syphilitica Moc. & Sessé ex DC. INF (syphilitica = to treat syphilis) Antimicrobial activity [112 ] Antihypertensive, vasorelaxant effect [113 ] Nesaea syphilitica (DC.) SteuHeimia syphilitica DC. INF (syphilitica = to treat syphilis) ND ND Nesaea syphilitica (DC.) Steud. Malvaceae (1 species)Pavonia sidifolia Kunth ♦Pavonia diuretica A.St.-Hil. URO (diuretica = diuretic) Emollient, diuretic, and dysuria [114 ] ND Melastomataceae (1 species)Miconia tomentosa (Rich.) D. Don ex DC. ♦Micania tomentosa (Benth.) FritschOiti-cagão GAS (cagão = laxative) Genital steam baths [115 ] ND Meliaceae (1 species)Guarea guidonia (L.) Sleumer ♦Guarea purgans A.Juss. GAS (purga = purgative) Malaria, flu and fever [116 ] Wound-healing properties [117 ] Moraceae (3 species)Antiaris toxicaria Lesch.Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. POI (Antiaris = against association). The Javan upas tree, Antiaris toxicaria , reputedly causes the death of anyone who sleeps under it Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, febrifuge, antifungal, antibacterial, and for the treatment of dysentery [118 ] Anticonvulsant activity, toxic [119 ] Ficus adhatodifolia Schott ♦Ficus anthelminthica Mart. PAR (anthelmintica = vermifuge, worm expelling) Vermifuge [120 , 121 ] Antioxidant and mutagenic activity [122 ] Ficus vermifuga (Miq.) Miq. Pharmacosycea anthelmintica (rich. ex DC.) Miq. Pharmacosycea vermifuga Miq. Ficus gomelleira Kunth & C.D. Bouché ♦Ficus gomelleira Kunth & C.D. BouchéGameleira-de-purga GAS (purga = purgative) vermifuge and purgative [114 ] Modulator of bacterial activity [123 ] Myrtaceae (3 species)Eugenia dysenterica DC. ♦Eugenia dysenterica DC. GAS (dysenterica = disinteric) Hookworm (anemia), high blood pressure, inflammation, vaginal discharge, diarrhoea , depurative, diabetes, malaria, and hepatic disease [86 ] Antifungal activity, molluscicidal activity, therapeutic benefits in recovery from chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome , anticancer effects; hepatoprotection; antidiabetes; antimicrobials; and cardioprotective [124 , 125 ] Stenocalyx dysentericus (DC.) O.Berg Eugenia myrcianthes Nied. ♦Campomanesia cagaiteira Kiaersk. GAS (cagaiteira = cathartic) ND ND Myrtus dysenterica Mart. ♦Myrtus dysenterica Mart. GAS (dysenterica = disinteric) Diabetes, malaria, jaundice, and hepatic disease [124 ] Anticancer effects, hepatoprotection, antidiabetes, antimicrobials, and cardioprotective [124 ] Passifloraceae (2 species)Passiflora coccinea Aubl. ♦Passiflora toxicaria Barb. Rodr. POI (toxicaria = toxic, containing a poisonous substance) Psychoactive, hallucinogenic, stimulating, anxiolytic, dysmenorrhea of the genitourinary system, kidney stones, kidney disorders, and fever [126 ] ND Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. ♦Turnera aphrodisiaca Ward NER (afrodisíaca = aphrodisiac) Aphrodisiac, stimulant, nervous tonic , laxative, also acts in kidney, menstrual, and pregnancy disorders [127 , 128 ] Hypoglycemic activity, aphrodisiac activity [129 ] Phyllanthaceae (1 species)Phyllanthus urinaria L. ♦Phyllanthus urinaria L. URO (urinaria = diuretic) Diabetes , malaria, jaundice, and liver disease [130 –132 ] Anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic , antimicrobial, and cardioprotective effects [133 ] Phytolaccaceae (1 species)Microtea debilis Sw. ♦Microtea debilis SwartzHerva-mijona URO (mijona = diuretic) proteinuria [134 ] proteinuria [135 ] Poaceae (1 species)Digitaria setigera RothPanicum pruriens Trin. POI (pruriens = irritant, stinging, itch-causing) ND ND Polygonaceae (1 species)Polygonum antihaemorrhoidale Mart.Polygonum antihaemorrhoidale Mart. GAS (antihemorrhoidale = antihemorrhoidal) Depurative, hemorrhoids, and diarrhoea [86 ] Hemorrhoids and vermicide [136 ] Ranunculaceae (2 species)Handroanthus barbatus (E.Mey.) MattosTecoma toxophora Mart. POI (toxophora = toxic, containing a poisonous substance). Antimalarial [137 ] Cytotoxic activity [138 ] Helleborus foetidus L.Helleborus foetidus L. POI (Helleborus = poison-food) ND ND Resedaceae (1 species)Reseda odorata L.Reseda odorata L. DER (Reseda = the name, resedo , in Pliny refers to its use in treating bruises) Stomach cramps [139 ] anti-inflammatory and diuretic activities [140 , 141 ] Rhamnaceae (1 species)Discaria americana Gillies & Hook. ♦Discaria febrifuga Mart. MET (febrifuga = antipyretic) Tonic and febrifuge [142 ] Antimicrobial activity [143 ] Rubiaceae (3 species)Palicourea rigida Kunth ♦Palicourea diuretica Mart. URO (diuretica = diuretic) Kidney disease, inflammation, and urinary tract infections and female genital tract, hepatitis, and malaria [144 –146 ] Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities [147 ] Richardia brasiliensis Gomes ♦Richardsonia emetica Mart. GAS (emetica = emetic) Expectorant, diaphoretic, vermifuge, emetic , and to treat hemorrhoids [148 ]. Emetic , treat hemorrhoids, antidiabetic, vermifuge, eczema treatment, burns, bronchitis, flu, and avian malaria [149 , 150 ]. Ronabea emetica (L.f.) A.Rich. ♦Cephaelis emetica (L.f.) Pers. GAS (emetica = emetic) emetic , anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic , expectorant, to treat hemorrhoids , diaphoretic, and vermifuge [151 , 152 ] Antimicrobial, antitumor, and antiproliferative activities [153 ] Psychotria emetica L.f. Rutaceae (4 species)Angostura trifoliata (Willd.) T.S.EliasCusparia febrifuga Humb. ex DC. MET (febrifuga = antipyretic) Tonic, antidiarrhoeal, diaphoretic, sweating , and bronchitis [154 ] ND Conchocarpus toxicarius (Spruce ex Engl.) Kallunki & Pirani ♦Cusparia toxicaria Engl. POI (toxicaria = toxic, containing a poisonous substance) ND ND Galipea toxicaria Spruce ex Engl. Esenbeckia febrifuga (A.St.-Hil.) A.Juss. ex Mart. ♦Evodia febrifuga A.St.-Hil. MET (febrifuga = antipyretic) Fevers , adenitis, dyspepsia, malaria , and constipation [155 ] Antimalarial [156 , 157 ] Esenbeckia febrifuga (A.St.-Hil.) A.Juss. ex Mart. Galipea jasminiflora (A.St.-Hil.) Engl.♦Galipea febrifuga (A.St.-Hil.) Baill. MET (febrifuga = antipyretic) Against venereal warts, astringent, intermittent fevers , dyspepsia, antidiarrhoeal, infections, malaria, and venereal warts [158 , 159 ] Treatment for intermittent fever [86 ] Ticorea febrifuga A.St.-Hil. Salicaceae (1 species)Xylosma salzmannii (Clos) Eichler ♦Xylosma salzmanni Eichl.Quarenta- feridass/sessenta- feridas INF (feridas = wounds) Astringent and dye [160 ] ND Sapindaceae (1 species)Matayba purgans (Poepp.) Radlk. ♦Matayba purgans (Poepp.) Radlk. GAS (purga = purgative) ND ND Scrophulariaceae (1 species)Capraria biflora L.♦Capraria biflora L.chá-bravo POI (chá-bravo = wild tea) For kidneys, stomach pains, ulcers, hemorrhoids, diarrhoea, vomiting, pain, flu, fever, rheumatism [161 , 162 ] Antibacterial, antitumor, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activity [163 ] Solanaceae (1 species)Solanum stagnale Moric. ♦Solanum stagnale Moric.não-me-toque POI (não-me-toque = do not touch me) ND ND Tropaeolaceae (1 species)Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. ♦Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam.Chagas/chagueira INF (chagas/chagueira = Chagas disease) Cold and diabetes [164 ] Anticoagulant [165 ] Urticaceae (2 species)Urera caracasana (Jacq.) Gaudich. ex Griseb. ♦Urera caracasana (Jacq.) Griseb.Urtiga-brava-de-fogo POI (urtiga = Nettle) Relief from inflammation, diabetes, blood purification [166 –168 ] ND Urtica urens L.Urtica urens L. POI (Urtica = sting; urens = acrid, stinging, burning, to burn) Allergy and atopic dermatitis antidiabetic, diuretic, depurative, and antirheumatic [169 ] Tonic, sedative, analgesic, chemoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity, phytodermatoses [169 , 170 ]