From “traditional” to modern medicine: A medical and historical analysis of Tagetes erecta L. (Cempasúchil)
The medicinal value of herbal products is often rooted in their “traditional” use, recontextualized by modern biomedical research granting them certain medical uses. Tagetes erecta L. (Asteraceae), native to Mexico, exemplifies such historical developments of a species that played a key role in deve...
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2025-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411024000920 |
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| author | Daniel López Estrada Wen-Te Chang Michael Heinrich |
| author_facet | Daniel López Estrada Wen-Te Chang Michael Heinrich |
| author_sort | Daniel López Estrada |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The medicinal value of herbal products is often rooted in their “traditional” use, recontextualized by modern biomedical research granting them certain medical uses. Tagetes erecta L. (Asteraceae), native to Mexico, exemplifies such historical developments of a species that played a key role in developing a major pharmacologically active compound – lutein.T. erecta (Cempasúchil in Nahuatl) has held ritual and medicinal importance in Mesoamerica and was associated with the rain god Tláloc. The species’ historical use spans ancient texts with varied medicinal applications, including treating cold-related ailments and promoting menstruation and urination.However, the Spanish conquest redefined it culturally, medicinally, and religiously, mainly as an ornamental flower. The discovery of lutein in T. erecta marked a significant shift, emphasizing its role in macular health and preventing aging-related macular degeneration. Clinically, lutein trials reveal cognitive, visual, cardiovascular, and systemic health enhancements, substantiating its potential therapeutic benefits. Pharmacologically, it demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and anticancer properties. Today, T. erecta is recognized globally for its rich carotenoid content. This multifunctional metabolite is also used in poultry feed and health supplements.In contemporary culture, cempasúchil, also known as the “flower of the dead,” has been adapted for ornamental, medicinal, ceremonial, and industrial uses. However, its traditional medicinal uses in pre-Conquest Mexico remain largely unexplored, with its current applications influenced by global research.T. erecta's evolution beyond traditional medical and ritual uses in Mesoamerica demonstrates the dynamic development of a medicinal plant's role in medicine, as well as a range of other spheres of daily life. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cbaeea43469a479cbbf6b87041d2f5eb |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2225-4110 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
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| series | Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine |
| spelling | doaj-art-cbaeea43469a479cbbf6b87041d2f5eb2024-12-18T08:49:02ZengElsevierJournal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine2225-41102025-01-01151614From “traditional” to modern medicine: A medical and historical analysis of Tagetes erecta L. (Cempasúchil)Daniel López Estrada0Wen-Te Chang1Michael Heinrich2Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, TaiwanDepartment of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, TaiwanDepartment of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan; Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy London WC1N 1AX, England, UK; Corresponding author. Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.The medicinal value of herbal products is often rooted in their “traditional” use, recontextualized by modern biomedical research granting them certain medical uses. Tagetes erecta L. (Asteraceae), native to Mexico, exemplifies such historical developments of a species that played a key role in developing a major pharmacologically active compound – lutein.T. erecta (Cempasúchil in Nahuatl) has held ritual and medicinal importance in Mesoamerica and was associated with the rain god Tláloc. The species’ historical use spans ancient texts with varied medicinal applications, including treating cold-related ailments and promoting menstruation and urination.However, the Spanish conquest redefined it culturally, medicinally, and religiously, mainly as an ornamental flower. The discovery of lutein in T. erecta marked a significant shift, emphasizing its role in macular health and preventing aging-related macular degeneration. Clinically, lutein trials reveal cognitive, visual, cardiovascular, and systemic health enhancements, substantiating its potential therapeutic benefits. Pharmacologically, it demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and anticancer properties. Today, T. erecta is recognized globally for its rich carotenoid content. This multifunctional metabolite is also used in poultry feed and health supplements.In contemporary culture, cempasúchil, also known as the “flower of the dead,” has been adapted for ornamental, medicinal, ceremonial, and industrial uses. However, its traditional medicinal uses in pre-Conquest Mexico remain largely unexplored, with its current applications influenced by global research.T. erecta's evolution beyond traditional medical and ritual uses in Mesoamerica demonstrates the dynamic development of a medicinal plant's role in medicine, as well as a range of other spheres of daily life.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411024000920Tagetes erecta L.CempasúchilLuteinTraditional medicineMedicinal plantsMacular degeneration |
| spellingShingle | Daniel López Estrada Wen-Te Chang Michael Heinrich From “traditional” to modern medicine: A medical and historical analysis of Tagetes erecta L. (Cempasúchil) Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Tagetes erecta L. Cempasúchil Lutein Traditional medicine Medicinal plants Macular degeneration |
| title | From “traditional” to modern medicine: A medical and historical analysis of Tagetes erecta L. (Cempasúchil) |
| title_full | From “traditional” to modern medicine: A medical and historical analysis of Tagetes erecta L. (Cempasúchil) |
| title_fullStr | From “traditional” to modern medicine: A medical and historical analysis of Tagetes erecta L. (Cempasúchil) |
| title_full_unstemmed | From “traditional” to modern medicine: A medical and historical analysis of Tagetes erecta L. (Cempasúchil) |
| title_short | From “traditional” to modern medicine: A medical and historical analysis of Tagetes erecta L. (Cempasúchil) |
| title_sort | from traditional to modern medicine a medical and historical analysis of tagetes erecta l cempasuchil |
| topic | Tagetes erecta L. Cempasúchil Lutein Traditional medicine Medicinal plants Macular degeneration |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411024000920 |
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