Clinical uses of herb whale (Varronia curassavica jacq.): literature review

Abstract

Aim: Black Sage (Varronia curassavica Jacq.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant originally from Brazil. The species belongs to the Boraginaceae family and has great economic relevance due to the essential oil from in its leaves. The plant has important actions, such as activity against the Aedes aegypti mosquito, however, its main feature is its anti-inflammatory effect. The purpose of this literature review was to list the main features and therapeutic effects of Varronia curassavica Jacq. Methods: This bibliographic review was carried out through the online search, between June and August 2020, of scientific articles published in English and Portuguese between 2000 and 2020 in the public health databases “PubMed”, “LILACS” and “SciELO”, Using the following descriptors: Cordia; Medicinal plants; Phytotherapy. Results: There are records of the use of Black Sage by traditional communities to treat inflammation, myalgia, arthritis, rheumatism, stomach ulcers and as a tonic for bruises. It is also used for healing wounds and inflamed areas. Popularly, the plant is utilized through its leaves in the form of infusion, decoction, ointments, tinctures, hydroalcoholic extracts and poultices. Conclusion: Black Sage is a medicinal plant with a major phytotherapic use. Its use comes mainly because of its great anti-inflammatory effect. Further studies on the therapeutic properties of Black Sage should be carried out to explore its potential clinical applicability and to scientifically corroborate the use of the already popularly established herb.