Montanoa tomentosa
Species of flowering plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Montanoa tomentosa is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae which is native to Mexico and much of Central America. Its local common name is zoapatle. This small yellow-flowered shrub is best known for its use in traditional herbal medicine.
| Montanoa tomentosa | |
|---|---|
| |
| Montanoa tomentosa var. xanthiifolia | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Tribe: | Heliantheae |
| Genus: | Montanoa |
| Species: | M. tomentosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Montanoa tomentosa | |
Traditional medicine
In Mexico, there is a history of the use of M. tomentosa as a traditional remedy for sexual dysfunction. An extract of the leaves was also used to start uterine contractions to induce menstruation, abortion, and labor, and to slow postpartum bleeding.[1][2] The related species Montanoa frutescens has similar effects in rats, but is much more likely to have contraceptive effects by causing structural changes in the endometrium.[3]
At traditionally medicinally used amounts (75 mg/kg), M. tomentosa increased expression of sexual and mounting behavior in sexually active male rats and also in genitally anesthetized rats which were previously sexually inactive (noncopulators).[4]
