Vassourinha

(Scoparia dulcis)

Family: Scrophulariaceae
Genus: Scoparia
Species: dulcis
Synonyms: Scoparia grandiflora, Scoparia ternata, Capraria dulcis, Gratiola micrantha
Common Names: Vassourinha, ñuñco pichana, anisillo, bitterbroom, boroemia, broomweed, brum sirpi, escobilla, mastuerzo, piqui pichana, pottipooli, sweet broom, tapixava, tupixaba, licorice weed
Phytochemicals: 3'-4'-5-5'-7-8-hexahydroxy flavone, 6-methoxy benzoxazolin-2-one, 6-methoxy benzoxazolinone, 7-O-methyl scutellarein, 7-o-beta-d-glucuronide, Acacetin, Alpha amyrin, Apigenin, Benzoxazolinone, Beta sitosterol, Betulinic Acid, Cynaroside, D Mannitol, Dulcinol, Dulcioic Acid, Gentisic Acid, Glut-5(6)-en-3-beta-ol, Glutinol, Hymenoxin, Ifflaionic Acid, Iso Vitexin, Linarin, Luteolin, Para Coumaric Acid, Scopadiol, Scopadulcic Acid A, Scopadulcic Acid B, Scopadulciol, Scopadulin, Scoparic Acid B, Scoparic Acid A, Scoparic Acid C, Scoparinol, Scutellarein, Scutellarein-7-o-beta-d-glucuronide, Scutellarin, Scutellarin Methyl Ester, Vicenin 2, Vitexin
Parts Used: Leaves, bark, roots

HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS

Main Actions: kills viruses kills leukemia cells inhibits tumors kills germs reduces inflammation relieves pain reduces spasms expels phlegm promotes menstruation reduces blood pressure supports heart

Other Actions: kills bacteria kills fungi reduces fever heals wounds lowers blood sugar lowers body temperature

Standard Dosage: Whole herb. Infusion: 1 cup twice daily; Capsules: 2-3 g twice daily

Vassourinha is an erect annual herb in the foxglove family that grows up to 1/2 m high. It is widely distributed in many tropical countries in the world and is found in abundance in South America and the Amazon rainforest. It can be found as far north as the Southern United States, including Texas, Florida and Louisiana.

Chemical screening of vassourinha has shown that it is a source of novel phytochemicals in the flavone and terpene classification, some of which have not been seen in science before. Many of vassourinha's active biological properties, including its anticancerous properties, are attributed to these phytochemicals. The main chemicals being studied are scopadulcic acids A and B, scopadiol, scopadulciol, scopadulin, scoparic acids A, B, and C, and betulinic acid.

The antitumorous activity of scopadulcic acid B was demonstrated in a 1993 study, and antitumor activity against various human cancer cell lines was reported again in 2001. This chemical and another compound named scopadulin demonstrated antiviral properties in several studies, including against Herpes simplex I . Betulinic acid is another phytochemical that has been the subject of much independent cancer research (beginning in the late 1990s). Many studies report that this phytochemical has powerful anticancerous, antitumorous, antileukemic, and antiviral (including HIV) properties. This potent phytochemical has displayed selective cytotoxic activity against malignant brain tumors, bone cancer, and melanomas (without harming healthy cells).

In addition to its tested anticancerous chemicals, a methanol extract of vassourinha leaves also showed toxic actions against cancer cells (with a 66% inhibition rate) by Japanese researchers. These findings fueled more research on the chemicals in this plant and their activities that is still ongoing today.

Some of vassourinha's other uses in herbal medicine have also been validated by western research. In early research, vassourinha demonstrated a cardiotonic effect. More than 40 years later, researchers reconfirmed its blood pressure lowering properties (while increasing the strength of the heartbeat). It also demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and pain relieving activity. A single chemical called scoparinol was identified by scientists as being responsible for the pain relieving effects. These documented actions could certainly explain its traditional use as a natural remedy for pain of all types (including menstrual pain and cramps as well as during childbirth). In 2002, researchers in India verified vassourinha's antidiabetic and blood sugar-lowering effects. In other in vitro laboratory tests, vassourinha demonstrated antioxidant actions, as well as, active properties against bacteria and fungi (which could explain its sustained use for respiratory and urinary tract infections).

Vassourinha has long held a place in herbal medicine in every tropical country where it grows, and its use by indigenous peoples is well documented.

Following up, a brief summary of worldwide ethnomedical uses of vassouinha.

Region	Uses
Amazonia	for abortions, aches, bronchitis, contraception, coughs, diarrhea, erysipelas, eye infections, fever, hemorrhoids, kidney disease, liver problems, nausea, pain, sores (gonorrhea), stomach disorders, swelling, wounds
Brazil	for abortions, bronchitis, cardiopulmonary disorders, coughs, diabetes, earache, excessive phlegm, eye problems, fever, gastric disorders, hemorrhoids, hypertension, hyperglycemia, insect bites, jaundice, liver disorders, malaria, menstrual disorders, menstrual promotion, pain, upper respiratory disorders, skin problems, worms, wounds
Central America	for bruises, constipation, diarrhea, fever, flu, gonorrhea, kidney stones, liver disorders, menstrual disorders, menstrual promotion, skin infections, sore throat, stomach disease, stomach pain, wounds, and as an insecticide
Dominican Republic	for diabetes, sore throat
Haiti	for coughs, diabetes, earache, gonorrhea, headaches, inflammation, menstrual disorders, nerves, pain, piles, skin sores, sore throat, spasms, toothache, tumors, and as an antiseptic, astringent and diuretic
India	for diabetes, dysentery, earache, fever, gonorrhea, headaches, jaundice, snake bite, stomach problems, toothache, warts
Nicaragua	for anemia, childbirth, blood cleansing, burns, cough, diarrhea, fever, heart conditions, headache, infections, insect bites & stings, itch, liver disorders, malaria, menstrual disorders, snakebite, stomach disorders, venereal disease
Peru	for abortions, colic, contraception diarrhea, excessive mucus, fever, hemorrhoids, kidney diseases, menstrual disorders, upper respiratory disorders, wounds (infected)
Surinam	for bronchitis, coughs, diabetes, fever, jaundice, rash
Trinidad	for blood cleansing, diabetes, eczema, eye problems, jaundice, malabsorption, mange, menstrual disorders, rashes, sores, wounds
Venezuela	for diarrhea, gonorrhea, menstrual disorders
West Indies	for diarrhea, diabetes, menstrual disorders
Elsewhere	for abortions, aches, albuminuria, anemia, bronchitis, cancer, childbirth, cough, conjunctivitis, contraception, detoxification, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, earache, fever, headache, hyperglycemia, hypertension, kidney disorders, kidney stones, leprosy, liver disease, menstrual disorders, migraine, nausea, pains, retinitis, snakebite, stomachache, swellings, syphilis, toothache, venereal disease, worms, wounds, and as an antiseptic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, expectorant and laxative

VASSOURINHA PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method:	decoction, infusion or capsules
Main Actions (in order):	anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic (pain-reliever), antispasmodic, anticancerous
Main Uses:	for menstrual problems (pain, cramps, premenstrual syndrome [PMS], to promote and normalize menstruation) for upper respiratory bacterial and viral infections to relieve pain of all types (arthritis, migraines and headaches, stomach aches, muscle pain, etc) to tone, balance, and strengthen heart function (and for mild hypertension) for venereal diseases and urinary tract infections
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:	analgesic (pain-reliever), anti-inflammatory, antitumorous, antibacterial, anticancerous, antifungal, antileukemic, antispasmodic, antiviral, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens heart function), central nervous system depressant, diuretic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), sedative
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:	abortive, antimalarial, cough suppressant, antivenin, contraceptive, decongestant, detoxifier, emollient, expectorant, febrifuge (reduces fever), hepatotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the liver), insecticide, menstrual stimulant, refrigerant (lowers body temperature), tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body functions), vermifuge (expels worms), wound healer
Traditional Preparation:	The reported therapeutic dosage generally used in South America is 2-3 g twice daily or 1 cup of a standard infusion twice daily.
Contraindications:	The traditional use as an abortive and/or childbirth aid warrants that vassourinha should not be taken during pregnancy. Avoid combining with antidepressants or barbiturates unless under the supervision of a qualified health care practitioner (see drug interactions below). A vassourinha extract recently demonstrated hypoglycemic activity, significantly lowering blood sugar levels in rats. This plant is probably contraindicated in people with hypoglycemia. Diabetics monitor their blood glucose levels closely if they use vassourinha to monitor these possible effects.
Drug Interactions:	Use with caution in combination with barbiturates and antidepressants. It may potentiate hypoglycemic drugs.

WARNINGS: Information, statements and products on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The natural properties of the botanicals are only referred to their common uses among folk and herbal traditions. Our products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease as well. It's not meant to give any suggestion of diagnosis or disease treatment. Please see a doctor when needed.