The use of jarilla native plants in a Diaguita-Calchaquí indigenous community from northwestern Argentina: An ethnobotanical, phytochemical and biological approach

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In northwestern Argentina inhabit several ancient indigenous communities with diverse cultural and historical background. Geographical isolation has contributed to the prevalence of a native plant-based folk medicine; “jarilla” species are medicinal plants widely used in local communities for the treatment of mycosis, respiratory, gastrointestinal and rheumatic disorders.

The aim of the study

To assemble the traditional knowledge acquired through years with scientific data concerning to phytochemistry, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of three “jarillas” species.

Material and methods

Ethnobotanical data of three “jarillas”, Zuccagnia punctata (Zp), Larrea cuneifolia (Lc), and Larrea divaricata (Ld), were explored by interviewing native people from Indigenous Community of Amaicha del Valle, Tucumán. Phenolic profiles from each infusion were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Antioxidant activity was determined by superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity, lipoperoxidation inhibition, and ferrous iron chelating activity. It was also assessed their ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as xanthine oxidase, lipoxygenase, and hyaluronidase.

Results

Ethnobotanical interviews showed that local people use “jarillas” mainly as infusions and baths. It was reported different categories of uses, such as medicinal (10 curative applications), to religious purposes, tinctorial, as construction material and as fuel. From infusions prepared, the MS and MS/MS data allowed the identification of 27 compounds from Z. punctata, and 11 from both Larrea sp. The infusions showed an important antioxidant activity through different mechanisms, highlighting Zp and Lc in free radical scavenging capacity and Ld on lipid peroxidation inhibition and iron binding. They were also capable of inhibit xanthine oxidase and lipoxygenase enzymes, being Lc the most active one.

Conclusions

This research work provides novel information concerning to several categories of traditional uses of “jarilla” species in a Diaguita-Calchaquí community and focus attention to infusions from a phytochemical and biological approach.

Introduction

The Calchaquí Valley, located in the Northwest of Argentina, constitute a depression of approximately 500 km length, surrounded by high mountains (Arenas and Atavila, 2017; Carrizo and Grau, 2014). Throughout the valley predominates different eco-regions according to the variety of soils, humidity, and temperature, such as the “Monte de Sierras y Bolsones” region at the lowest area (between 1800 and 2700 m above sea level) (Burkart et al., 1999). There predominates a semiarid ecosystem, with relatively low humidity, temperature fluctuations and intense solar radiation (Burkart et al., 1999). These extreme ecological conditions lead to the development of exceptional desert vegetation, characterized by xeric shrubs, interspaced with tree species (e.g. Prosopis spp.) and columnar cacti (e.g. Trichocereus spp.) (Bisigato et al., 2009; Cabrera, 1971; Carrizo and Grau, 2014). The prevalence of “jarillas” (Larrea sp. and Zuccagnia punctata) along with other shrubs such as “retama” (Bulnesia retama), “pichana” (Senna aphylla), etc. constitutes the typical plant formation known as “Jarillal” (Burkart et al., 1999).

Diaguita-Calchaquí people, the main indigenous communities residing in this territory, have a long-standing and deep-rooted traditional practice of using native medicinal plants to heal several ailments (Alonso and Desmarchelier, 2005; Martínez et al., 2004; Palma and Torres, 1973). Indeed, due to the poor access to urban areas or health care centers as well as the high prices of drugs, they still use plant resources for primary health care, especially as infusions or decoctions (Ceballos and Perea, 2014; Giberti, 1983; Martínez et al., 2004). The Calchaquí Valley represents a historically important area in Argentina to carry out investigations from multiple approaches, especially those belonging to ethnology. This is due to a long history of native peoples who still inhabit the area, preserving to some extent, the ethnic and cultural heritage of their ancestors. Despite the constant growth and urbanization, they still preserve certain cultural patterns, especially those concerning to traditional medicinal practices.

Larrea cuneifolia Cav. (Zygophyllaceae), Larrea divaricata Cav. (Zygophyllaceae) and Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Fabaceae) are popularly known as “jarillas” (Carrizo and Grau, 2014; Isla et al., 2016) and are used to heal mycosis, respiratory, gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases according to ethnobotanical data in several local communities from Argentina (Ceballos and Perea, 2014; Del Vitto et al., 1997; Goleniowski et al., 2006; Molares and Ladio, 2009). On the other hand, many scientific evidences support the therapeutic properties of these plants, ascertaining that organic extracts from them inhibit pathogenic bacteria and fungi, inflammatory processes and have antigenotoxic potential and in vitro cytotoxicity (Davicino et al., 2011; Isla et al., 2016; Martino et al., 2013; Moreno et al., 2018a; Nuño et al., 2016; Zampini et al., 2005, 2007, 2008). In this sense, it is well-known that the beneficial effects of plant-derived products on chronic degenerative diseases or its prevention is mainly related to the presence of phenolic compounds (Gioxari et al., 2016). In most cases, these properties are mainly attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of these chemicals (Masuoka et al., 2012).

This work aims to give a critical appraisal and establish evidence of traditional uses of “jarillas” infusions in Amaicha del Valle, Tucumán province, Argentina. To achieve this goal, it was proposed to integrate the ancestral knowledge acquired by the indigenous community of Amaicha del Valle (ICAV) along with the scientific evidence of in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of “jarilla” infusions.