Brickellia

Brickellia is a plant genus from the daisy family (Asteraceae) with over 100 species, which are native primarily to North, Central, and South America. In the traditional healing practices of indigenous cultures, Brickellia has been valued for centuries – especially in Mexico and the southern United States. Some species, such as Brickellia cavanillesii or Brickellia veronicaefolia, are still used today in ethnobotanical medicine.

What benefits does Brickellia offer?

Brickellia is valued in traditional medicine for various properties, especially for chronic and internal complaints. Studies point to various effects that may be potentially health-promoting. However, these studies should be viewed critically, as the results of the studies are not readily transferable.

  • Blood sugar regulation: In Mexican folk medicine, Brickellia is known as a supportive remedy for diabetes mellitus, as certain constituents can help regulate blood sugar levels; studies support this use (1,2,3).
  • Blood pressure-lowering effect: Results of scientific investigations point to a blood pressure-lowering effect (2).
  • Antioxidant effect: Studies link active compounds from the plant genus to an antioxidant effect (3).
  • Anti-inflammatory action: According to one study, the plant possesses potentially anti-inflammatory properties that could be helpful for rheumatic complaints, gastrointestinal inflammation, and skin problems (4).
  • Liver and bile support: Brickellia is traditionally used to promote liver function, for bile disorders, and to detoxify the body.

How does Brickellia work?

The effect of Brickellia is based on a combination of active plant compounds. Chief among them are flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, tannins, and bitter compounds.

Side effects and risks

Although Brickellia has traditionally been used for a considerable time, the following aspects should be taken into account, and its use should always be supervised by medical professionals:

  • Allergic reactions: As with many members of the daisy family, there is a certain risk of allergic skin or mucous membrane reactions.
  • Interactions: If taken at the same time as medications such as antidiabetics, a doctor should be consulted.
  • Not suitable for pregnant women: Due to the lack of data, use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.

Conclusion

Brickellia is a little-known but powerful medicinal plant with a long history of traditional use. Its various effects make it a valuable component of naturopathic applications. Nevertheless, it should be used with care and only under professional guidance.

Sources:

  1. Masiello P. Animal models of type-2 diabetes with reduced pancreatic-cell mass. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2006;38: 873 – 893.
  2. Avila Villarreal, G. M., Estrada Soto, S., Aguilar Guadarrama, A. B., & Villalobos Molina, R. (2014). Antidiabetic and antihypertensive effect of Brickellia cavanillesii. Planta Medica, 80(S 01), P2B3. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1394880
  3. Trevino-Moreno, S. G., Moreno-Peña, D. P., Viveros-Valdez, E., Verde-Star, M. J., Rivas-Morales, C., & Cordero-Perez, P. (2023). Evaluation of hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of Brickellia eupatorioides, Citrus limettioides and Gochnatia hypoleuca. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 36(5(Special)), 1619–1625.
  4. Olivares, A., Santos, I., & Jiménez-Arellanes, M. A. (2020). Brickellia paniculata (Mill.) B.L. Rob: A review of medicinal uses and chemo-biological potential. International Journal of Pharmacognosy & Chinese Medicine, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.23880/ipcm-16000199
  5. Andrade-Cetto A, Heinrich M. Mexican plants with hypoglycaemic effect used in the treatment of diabetes. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;99:325-48.
  6. Goodwin RS, Rosler KH, Mabry TJ, Varma SD. Flavonoids from Brickellia glutinosa. J Nat Prod 1984;47:711-4.
  7. Meckes M, David-Rivera AD, Nava-Aguilar V, Jimenez A. Activity of some Mexican medicinal plant extracts on carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. Phytomedicine 2004;11:446-51.
  8. Perez RM, Cervantes H, Zavala MA, et al. Isolation and hypoglycemic activity of 5, 7,3'-trihydroxy-3,6,4'-trimethoxyflavone from Brickellia veronicaefolia. Phytomedicine 2000;7:25-9.
  9. Perez RM, Vargas R, Martinez FJ, Cordova I. Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of 5,7,3'-trihydroxy-3,4,4'-trimethoxyflavone from Brickellia veronicaefolia. Phytother Res 2004;18:428-30.
  10. Rivero-Cruz B, Rojas MA, Rodriguez-Sotres R, et al. Smooth muscle relaxant action of benzyl benzoates and salicylic acid derivatives from Brickellia veronicaefolia on isolated guinea-pig ileum. Planta Med 2005;71:320-5.
  11. Rosler KH, Goodwin RS, Mabry TJ, et al. Flavonoids with anti-cataract activity from Brickellia arguta. J Nat Prod 1984;47:316-9.