Considerations for the use and study of the Peruvian "muña" Minthostachys mollis (Benth.) Griseb and Minthostachys setosa (Briq.) Epling

Linares-Otoya V. · Ethnobotany Research and Applications (2020) · DOI: 10.32859/era.19.29.1-9

Resumen

Background: The Peruvian "muña" is used for potato storage and medicinal plant, the pharmacological activity of its crude extracts, essential oils and compounds such as Pulegona is corroborated by in vitro studies. Methods: In order to group the knowledge regarding the Peruvian “muña” that facilitates its use and study, an exhaustive review was carried out with the Google Scholar and Scopus searchers about the botanical, ethnopharmacological aspects and factors that may vary its chemical composition, the information was clasified in these subtopics. Results: The Peruvian “muña” is used by ethnopharmacology in infusions, decoctions, rubs, aromatherapy, “Walt’aska” poultice and macerates; it is used as a single component or in mixtures with other plants, the use varies by region; it is used as a single component or in mixtures with other plants, the use varies according to the region. There are biotic factors that could vary its metabolism and the chemical composition of the plants used in medicine, such as the interaction with insects, in addition M.mollis is very heterogeneous in its genetics and morphology, other involved factors are abiotic such as altitude and season. Conclusions:The peruvian “muña” produces compounds of medicinal interest but with quantity variations, previous knowledge from ethnopharmacology also show different usages, this has to be taken in account in order to improve its medicinal usage and study. © Ilia State University, Institute of Botany, Department of Ethnobotany. All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Trujillo