Table 3 Species encountered and used in Northern Peru for reproductive problems

Adiantum concinnum Wild. ex H.B.K.

Culantrillo del Pozo, Culantrillo

Leaves and Stems, fresh or dried

Oral

Menstrual regulation

VFCHL29, TRUBH17, RBU/PL265, JULS149

AMARANTHACEAE

Alternanthera porrigens (Jacquin) Kuntze

Sanguinaria, Moradilla, Lancetilla

Whole plant, fresh or dried

Topical

Cleansing womb after childbirth

EHCHL142, ISA56, RBU/PL301, RBU/PL324, EHCHL93, GER117

Iresine diffusa H.B.K. ex Willd.

Paja Blanca, Sangrinaria

Whole plant, fresh

Oral

Inflammation of the ovaries, Menstruation symptoms in adolescents

JULS75, ISA62

ALSTROEMERIACEAE

Bomarea angustifolia Benth.

Cachuljillo

Whole plant, dried

Oral

Infertility in women

ISA27

AMARYLLIDACEAE

Eustephia coccinea Cav.

Tumapara, Pomanpara, Puma Para, Para Para

Bark, fresh or dried

Oral

Inflammation of uterus

RBU/PL313, GER71, EHCHL68

ANACARDIACEAE

Mauria heterophylla H.B.K.

Shimir, Tres Hojas, Trinidad, Chacur, Ahimir, Feregreco

Leaves, fresh

1. Oral

2. Topical

1. Inflammation of uterus, Inflammation of the ovaries, Cysts, Fibroids

2. Vaginal cleansing

ISA24, JULS17, EHCHL83

Schinus molle L.

Molle, Moy

Bark and Latex, fresh

Topical

Vaginal infection

EHCHL123, JULS196, GER13

APIACEAE

Petroselinum crispum (Miller) A.W. Hill

Perejil

Whole plant, fresh

Oral

Regulation of menstrual cycle

ISA80, EHCHL31, ISA117, RBU/PL278, JULS225

APOCYNACEAE

Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) Schum.

Mailchin, Maichil, Camalonga, Cabalonga

Seeds, dried

Oral

Menopause

EHCHL162, TRUVan/Erica19, JULS187, EHCHL174, GER225

ASCLEPIADACEAE

Sarcostemma clausum (Jacquin) Schultes

Marrajudio

Leaves, Stems, fresh

Oral

Promoting lactation in women after birth

JULS121, GER43

ASPHODELACEAE

Aloe vera (L.) Burm f.

Sabila, Zabila, Aloe, Hojas de Sabila, Aloe Vera

Leaves, fresh

Topcial

Vaginal inflammation, Vaginal ulcers, Vaginal cancer

JULS274, GER22, EHCHL165, VFCHL10

ASTERACEAE

Ambrosia peruviana Willd.

Altamisa, Marco, Artamisa, Manzanilla del Muerto, Ajenjo, Llatama Negra Malera, Llatama Roja Malera

Leaves and Stems, fresh

Topical

After birth to reduce inflamation and prevent spasms in the woman's womb

JULS108, TRUBH18, RBU/PL370, TRUBH15, JULS90, GER9, GER110

Artemisia absinthium L.

Ajenco

Whole plant, preferably Leaves and Stems, fresh

Oral

Menstrual colics, Menstration, Regulating the menstrual cycle

ISA66, RBU/PL363, GER146

Chuquiraga spinosa sp. huamanpinta C. Ezcurra

Chuquiragua, Huamanpinta

Leaves, dried

Oral

Prostate, Prostate inflammation, Sexual impotence

EHCHL168, TRUBH9, JULS276, RBU/PL373

Clibadium cf. sylvestre (Aubl.) Baill.

Flor de Novia

Flowers, Leaves and Stems, fresh or dried

Topical

Before marriage

EHCHL80

Matricaria frigidum (HBK) Kunth

Manzanilla

Whole plant, fresh or dried

Topical

Inflammation of the vagina

JULS22, EHCHL1, TRUBH7

Matricaria recutita L.

Manzanillon, Agua de la Banda, Manzanilla Blanca, Manzanilla Amarga, Manzanilla

Whole plant, fresh

Topical

1. Vaginal cleansing

2. Menstrual colics

JULS192, RBU/PL306, ISA120, ISA76, GER145

Monactis flaverioides H.B.K.

Hierba del Susto (Amarillo), Malva, Mocura, Hierba del Susto, Hierba Susto

Stems and Leaves, fresh

1. Topical

2. Oral

1., 2. Vaginal cleansing

EHCHL19, RBU/PL274, TRUVan/Erica7, ISA104, ISA72

Paranephelius uniflorus Poepp. & Endl.

Pacha Rosa, Carapa de Chancho

Whole plant, fresh or dried

Oral

Inflammation of the ovaries, Uterus, Inflammation (internal female parts

EHCHL133, JULS125

Schkuhria pinnata (Lam.) Kuntze

Canchalagua, Canchalagua (Chica)

Whole plant, fresh

Oral

Menstrual delay, Allergies, Menstruation

RBU/PL266, JULS42, VFCHL27, GER228

Taraxacum officinale Wiggers

Diente de Leon, Amargon

Whole plant, fresh

Topical

Ovaries

RBU/PL252, JULS150, GER62, GER189

BALANOPHORACEAE

Corynaea crassa Hook. F.

Huanarpo (hembra & macho)

Tuber/Root, fresh

Oral

Fertility, Sexual potency, Male impotence

JULS171, VFCHL52

BIGNONIACEAE

Crescentia cujete L.

Higueron

Latex from Leaf, fresh

Topical

Healing of belly button after birth

JULS164

BORAGINACEAE

Cordia lutea Lam.

Overo, Flor de Overo, Overal

Flowers, fresh or dried

Oral

Prostate inflammation.

ISA125, EHCHL77, JULS62, GER10

Tiquilia paronychoides (Phil.) Rich.

Flor de Arena, Paja de Lagartija, Mano de Raton

Flowers, fresh or dried

Oral

Inflammation of the ovaries

JULS154, EHCHL107, ISA58, GER20

BRASSICACEAE

Brassica rapa L.

Nabo

Root, fresh

Topical

Ovaries

JULS201

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic.

Bolsita del Pastor, Hierba del Pastor, Bolsa de Pastor

Whole plant, fresh or dried

Oral

Prostate

JULS7, VFCHL42, VFCHL12, RBU/PL257, EHCHL6

CACTACEAE

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller

Tuna

Leaves, fresh

Topical

Hair loss

JULS263, GER3

CONVOLVULACEAE

Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lamarck

Camote

Whole plant, fresh

Oral

Promoting lactation in women after giving birth

JULS120

CUCURBITACEAE

Cucumis dipsaceus Ehrenb.

Jaboncillo de Campo, Jaboncillo, Patito de Campo

Fruits, fresh

Topical

Hair loss (prevention), Stopping baby from breastfeeding

JULS174, GER35, JULS221

Cucurbita maxina Duch.

Zapallo

Flowers and joints of Stems, fresh or dried

Oral

Preventing miscarriage

JULS272

Cucurbita moschata Duch.

Zapallo

Flowers and joints of Stems, fresh or dried

Oral

Preventing miscarriage

GER32

CUPRESSACEAE

Cupressus lusitanica Miller

Cipre, Cipres

Whole plant, fresh

1. Oral

2. Topical

1. Vaginal hemorrhage

2. Hair loss

RBU/PL288, JULS302

CYPERACEAE

Oreobolos goeppingeri Sues

Hierba Chupaflor, Hierba de Suerte, Hierba del Carpintero

Leaves, dried

1. Topical

Aphrodisiac

EHCHL149, TRUVan/Erica17, EHCHL67, GER119

DIOSCOREACEAE

Dioscorea tambillensis Kunth

Papa Semitona

Tuber, fresh

Oral

Inflammation of ovaries

JULS283, GER140

Dioscorea trifida L.f.

Papa Madre, Papa Pacta

Tuber, fresh

1. Oral

2. Topical

1. Uterus disease and discharge, Cysts, Cancer of the Uterus, Inflammation of the ovaries, Vaginal discharge,

2. Fungus, Vaginal cleansing, Cancer of the Uterus

JULS214, EHCHL40, JULS212, GER142, JULS213

DIPSACACEAE

Scabiosa atropurpurea L.

Ambarina, Ambarina Negra, Flor de Ambarina

Flowers, fresh

1. Oral

2. Inhaled

Menstrual regulation

JULS100, EHCHL111, RBU/PL372, ISA50

ERICACEAE

Bejaria aestuans L.

Pullunrosa, Cadillo, Payama, Hierba de la Postema, Purenrosa, Rosada, Hierba del buen querer

Flowers, Leaves and Stems, fresh or dried

1. Oral

Prostate, Menstrual regulation, Inflammation of uterus, Cysts, Inflammation of ovaries, Inflammation of the womb, Uterus, Menstrual pain

VFCHL22, JULS50, EHCHL39, ISA114, ISA43, JULS234, GER121

ERYTHROXYLACEAE

Erythroxylon coca Lam.

Coca

Leaves, dried

Oral

Induce child birth, Strength for woman during childbirth, Helping delivery of newborn

JULS144, GER201

EUPHORBIACEAE

Chamaesyce hypericifolia (L.) Millspaugh

Lecherita, Lechera

Whole plant, fresh

Oral

Promoting lactation in women after birth

JULS67, GER41

Manhiot esculenta Crantz

Yuca

Tuber, fresh

Oral

Vaginal infection, Vaginal discharge

GER192

FABACEAE

Caesalpinia spinosa (Molina) Kuntze

Tara, Talla, Chanchalagua

Seeds pods, fresh or dried

Topical

Fungus, Inflammation of ovaries, Inflammation of uterus, Inflammation of the vagina

ISA55, EHCHL27, VFCHL21, JULS255, GER143

Desmodium molliculum (H.B.K.) DC.

Pie de Perro, Pata-Perro, Pata de Perro, Chancas de Comida, Muña, Manayupa

Whole plant, fresh or dried

Topical

Inflammation of the ovaries, Inflammation of the womb

JULS41, RBU/PL268, GER135, JULS44, EHCHL109, RBU/PL256

Indigofera suffruticosa Miller

Añil

Stems, fresh

Oral

Cleaning of the woman, Expelling placenta from woman after giving birth

GER198

Inga edulis C. Martius

Huaba, Pacae, Guava, Pacai

Flowers, fresh

Topical

Hair growth

JULS168, JULS304, GER17

Inga feuillei DC.

Huaba, Pacae, Guava, Pacai

Flowers, fresh

Topical

Hair growth

JULS168, JULS304, GER17

Mimosa nothacacia Barneby

Uña de Gato de la Costa

Bark, dried

Topical

Anus cyst, Vaginal pimples, Anal pimples

JULS265, GER199

Prosopis pallida (H. & B. ex Willd.) H.B.K.

Algarrobo

Seeds, dried

Oral

Sexual potency

JULS97, GER8

GENTIANACEAE

Gentianella bruneotricha (Gilg.) J.S. Pringle.

Anga Macha

Whole plant, fresh

Oral

Infection of the uterus, After giving birth

JULS282

GERANIACEAE

Pelargonium odoratisimum (L.) L'Herit.

Malva de Oro, Malva de Olor, Malva Olorosa

Whole plant, fresh or dried

Oral

Inflammation of the ovaries, Inflammation of the womb

TRUVan/Erica14, TRUBH6, EHCHL89, JULS188

Pelargonium roseum Willd.

Geranio

Flowers and Leaves, fresh

Oral

Hemorrhages, Uterus pain, Inflammation of the uterus

JULS84

ILLICIACEAE

Illicium verum Hook. f.

Anis Estrella

Seeds, dried

Oral

Expel residues of feces in stomach of newborn babies

JULS102

ISOETACEAE

Isoetes andina R. & P.

Piri Piri

Stems, fresh

Oral

Male impotence

ISA100

KRAMERIACEAE

Krameria lappacea (Dombey) Berdet & B. Simpson

Ratania, Raima

Leaves and Root, fresh

Oral

Inflammation of the ovaries

JULS53

LAMIACEAE

Lepechinia meyenii (Walpers) Epling

Salvia, Salvia Real

Whole plant, fresh or dried

1. Oral

2. Topical

1. Menstruation

2. Hair loss

RBU/PL303, VFCHL17, ISA91

Mentha spicata L.

Hierba Buena, Hierba Buena Silvestre, Menta

Whole plant, fresh

Oral

Aphrodisiac

RBU/PL308, EHCHL74, RBU/PL267, JULS72, VFCHL3, JULS20, GER15, GER134, JULS20

Ocimum basilicum L.

Albaca Mistura, Albaca Negra, Albaca, Albaca Morada, Albahaca (costa)

Whole plant, fresh

Oral

1. To promote dialation of the uterus, Hasten delivery, Preventing infections related to birth, Refreshing womb, Reducing inflammation after birth

2. After birth

JULS54, EHCHL48, VFCHL13, RBU/PL284, TRUVan/Erica8, GER191

Origanum majorana L.

Mejorana

Leaves and Stems, fresh

Oral

Menstration

EHCHL88, JULS19, RBU/PL317, GER165

Origanum vulgare L.

Oregano

Leaves and Stems, fresh or dried

Oral

Menstrual cramps, Menstration, Lower stomach cramps related to PMS

JULS205, GER114

Rosmarinus officinalis L.

Romero, Romero Castilla

Leaves, fresh or dried

Topical

Hair loss

RBU/PL329, ISA78, TRUBH11, EHCHL3, JULS27, VFCHL2, ISA105

Salvia discolor H.B.K.

Palmeras (Chica), Llatama, Yatama

Stems, fresh

1. Topcial

2. Oral

1. Preventing infections related to birth, Fright/Susto in children

2. Preventing infections related to birth

ISA93, ISA151(93a), ISA25

Salvia officinalis L.

Salvia

Whole plant, fresh or dried

Oral

Control and regulate menstrual cycle

JULS241

Satureja pulchella (H.B.K.) Briquet

Panizara, Panisara

Leaves, fresh or dried

Oral

Menstrual delay

GER148, JULS43

LAURACEAE

Persea americana Mill.

Palta

Seeds, fresh

Oral

Contraceptive, Sterilization for women only

JULS211, GER18

LINACEAE

Linum sativum L.

Linaza

Seeds, dried

Oral

Inflammation of the prostate

EHCHL1599

Linum usitatissimum L.

Linaza

Seeds, dried

Oral

Inflammation of the prostate

JULS185, GER139

LOGANIACEAE

Buddleja utilis Kraenzl.

Flor Blanca

Flowers, fresh or dried

Oral

Menstruation, Inflammation of the womb, Ovarian cysts, Inflammation of uterus

RBU/PL333, EHCHL38, ISA60, JULS155, GER136

LORANTHACEAE

Tristerix longibracteatus (Des.) Barlow & Wiens

Suelda con Suelda

Whole plant, dried

Oral

Vaginal discharge (white or yellow)

JULS296, GER74

LYTHRACEAE

Cuphea strigulosa H.B.K.

Lancetilla, Gacetilla, Sanguinaria, Gansetilla, Hierba del Toro

Leaves and Stems, fresh

Oral

Discharges

GER104, EHCHL35, VFCHL34, JULS33, ISA51, RBU/PL259, EHCHL43, JULS59, ISA53, GER147

MALVACEAE

Malva sylvestris L.

Malva (Chica), Malva Blanca

Leaves and Stems, fresh or dried

Topical

Vaginal cleansing

VFCHL49, EHCHL29

MENISPERMACEAE

Abuta grandiflora (Mart.) Sand.

Abuta (male and female)

Root and Stems, fresh or dried

Oral

Contraceptive

JULS88, RBU/PL312

MORACEAE

Brosmium rubescens Taubert

Palo Sangre, Palo de la Sangre, Ablita

Wood and Bark, fresh or dried

Oral

1. Fertility, Sexual potency

2. Haemorrhages (prevention and healing

JULS209, ISA49, EHCHL64, RBU/PL311, GER86, EHCHL62

MYRISTICACEAE

Myristica fragrans L.

Nuez Moscada, Ajonjoli

Seeds, dried

Oral

Fertility, Sexual potency

RBU/PL385, EHCHL155, JULS292, GER197

NYCTAGINACEAE

Mirabilis jalapa L.

Buenas Tardes

Root, fresh

Oral

Prostate, Pre-prostate cancer

JULS116, GER185

OLACACEAE

Heisteria acuminata (H. & B.) Engler

Chuchuasi, Chuchuhuasi

Bark, fresh or dried

Oral

Sexual potency

RBU/PL287, JULS138, GER164

Ximenia americana L.

Limoncillo

Whole plant, fresh or dried

Oral

Menstrual regulation

JULS184

ORCHIDACEAE

Aa paleacea (H.B.K.) Rchb. f.

Hierba de la Soledad, Hierba Sola

Leaves, fresh

Oral

Contraceptive, Sterilization of women

ISA141, EHCHL75

OXALIDACEAE

Oxalis tuberosa Molina

Oca Rosada

Tuber, fresh

Oral

Sexual potency

JULS203

PASSIFLORACEAE

Passiflora quardrangularis L.

Hojas de Tumbo

Leaves, fresh

Oral

Menstrual pain

EHCHL135

Passiflora sp.

Chulgan

Leaves and Stems, dried

Oral

Promoting vaginal dilation during childbirth.

JULS279

PLANTAGINACEAE

Plantago major L.

Llantén

Leaves, fresh

Topical

Vaginal cleansing

VFCHL50, EHCHL11, TRUVan/Erica13

Plantago sericea R. & P. var. lanuginosa Grieseb.

Pajilla Blanca

Whole plant, fresh or dried

Oral

Vaginal discharge

JULS207

Plantago sericea R. & P. subsp. sericans (Pilger) Rahn

Paja Blanca

Stems, fresh or dried

Oral

Ovarian pain, Inflammation of the ovaries, Inflammation of the womb

RBU/PL335, EHCHL96

POACEAE

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Persoon

Grama Dulce

Stems, dried

Oral

Cysts of the ovary, Cysts of the uterus, Uterus, Fibroids, Uterus prolapse

ISA61, JULS73, ISA106, GER151

Saccharum officinarum L.

Azucar de Caña, Caña de Azucar, Caña Dulce

1. Fresh sugar

2. Stems, fresh

1. Topical

2. Oral

1. Aphrodisiac

2. Inflammation of the prostate

VFCHL4, JULS123, GER208

Triticum sativum L.

Trigo

Seeds, dried

Topical

Vaginal infection, Vaginal discharge

GER182

POLYGONACEAE

Rumex crispus L.

Acelga, Lengua de Vaca, Hojas de Mala Hierba

Whole plant, fresh

1. Oral

2. Topical

1. Infection of the uterus

2. Inflamation (internal woman parts), Vaginal inflammation

JULS70, EHCHL173

POLYPODIACEAE

Polypodium crassifolium L.

Lengua de Ciervo, Calaguala

Stems, fresh

Oral

Prostate

EHCHL71, TRUBH38, RBU/PL331, RBU/PL332, JULS52, JULS303

PORTULACACEAE

Portulaca villosa H.B.K.

Verdolaga

Root and Stems, fresh

Topical

Hair loss

GER171

PROTEACEAE

Oreocallis grandiflora (Lam.) R.Br.

Rumilanche, Bunbun, Huaminga

Leaves and Stems, fresh or dried

Oral

Inflammation of the ovaries, Inflammation of uterus

EHCHL127, JULS31, ISA28, ISA70

RANUNCULACEAE

Laccopetalum giganteum (Wedd.) Ulbrich

Huamanripa, Pacra, Flor de Guarmarya

Leaves, fresh or dried

Oral

Fertilization (Heat Ovaries)

VFCHL53, RBU/PL321, EHCHL42, JULS284, GER162

ROSACEAE

Sanguisorba minor Scop.

Pimpinela, Flor de Overa

Whole plant, fresh

Oral

Menstrual regulation

EHCHL117, TRUBH35, RBU/PL262, ISA57, JULS25, ISA147(103a), VFCHL20, GER170

RUBIACEAE

Cinchona officinalis L.

Cascarilla, Quinuagiro

Bark, dried

Oral

Fertility, Sexual potency

RBU/PL314, JULS127, ISA19, GER167

RUTACEAE

Ruta graveolens L.

Ruda, Ruda (Macho y Hembra), Hierba del Quinde

Whole plant, fresh

1. Oral

2. Topical

1. Abortion

2. Aphrodisiac.

ISA152, JULS1, TRUVan/Erica20, EHCHL128, VFCHL16, ISA145(108a), GER24

Pouteria lucuma (R. & P.) Kuntze.

Lucuma

Fruit, fresh

Oral

Promoting lactation on women after giving birth

JULS186

SOLANACEAE

Cestrum auriculatum L'Herit

Hierba Santa, Agrasejo

Leaves, fresh or dried

Topical

Preventing spasms after giving birth, Warming women

JULS166, RBU/PL281, EHCHL172, ISA122, GER174, EHCHL102

Cestrum strigilatum R. & P.

Santa María

Flowers, leaves and Stems, fresh or dried

Oral

Control and regulate menstrual cycle

JULS245

Cestrum undulatum R. & P.

Santa María

Flowers, leaves and Stems, fresh or dried

Oral

Control and regulate menstrual cycle

JULS246

Solanum tuberosum L.

Chuno de Papa

Tuber, dried

Oral

After childbirth complications

JULS140, JULS141

THELYPTERIDACEAE

Thelypteris cf. scalaris (Christ.) Alton

Helecho Macho

Whole plant, fresh or dried

Oral

Contraceptive

JULS291

THYMELEACEAE

Daphnopsis weberbaueri Domke

Los Cholitos, Cholitos

Seeds, dried

Oral

Infertility in women

EHCHL153, JULS137, GER216

TYPHACEAE

Typha angustifolia L.

Chante

Stems, dried

Oral

Prostate

ISA45

URTICACEAE

Pilea microphylla (L.) Lieberman

Contra Hierba

Whole plant, fresh

Oral

Prostate, Cysts

RBU/PL282, EHCHL33

VALERIANACEAE

Phyllactis rigida (R. & P.) Persoon

Hornamo Estrella, Siete Sabios, Valeriana Estrella, Valeriana, Hierba de la Estrella

Stems, fresh

Oral

Menopause

EHCHL163, TRUBH30, JULS57, EHCHL44, JULS46, ISA137, RBU/PL365, RBU/PL355, GER187

VERBENACEAE

Lantana scabiosaefolia H.B.K.

Mastrando, Mastrante

Leaves and Stems, fresh or dried

Oral

Cold of the ovaries, Menstruation, Women after childbirth to avoid colds

VFCHL51, GER6