Abstract

In Brazilian folk medicine, stems of Davilla rugosa, locally known as cipó-caboclo, are known for their anti-inflammatory and antiulcer uses, as well as their use as a laxative, stimulant, aphrodisiac, and tonic. The plant is also important in religious rituals. Previous studies showed that the stem contains flavonoids and terpenes. The ethnomedicinal use of D. rugosa has been reported all over Brazil. Plants of the genus Davilla are used to make safe herbal medicines with only few and insignificant side effects. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, six species of Davilla occur: Davilla glaziovii, Davilla grandifolia, Davilla latifolia, Davilla nitida, D. rugosa, and D. tintinnabulata. The stems of all these species have very similar external morphology. We emphasize that D. glaziovii is an endangered species and must not be sold. The stems of cipó-caboclo are sold in major herb markets in Rio de Janeiro State and open-air street markets in the City of Rio de Janeiro. The present study aimed at assessing the stem anatomy of cipó-caboclo sold commercially in these markets to unveil which species are being traded under this name. We conclude that some of the species sold are of the genus Davilla, but it is not possible to separate them at species level. We also found species of the families Aristolochiaceae and Bignoniaceae. These results are alarming, as the possibility of selling either D. glaziovii or species of other families as cipó caboclo can represent a risk to consumer health.

Key words: Anatomy, cipó-caboclo, Davilla rugosa, Dilleniaceae, medicinal plants.