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Acicarpha tribuloides

Table of Contents

Details
Ethnobotanical Use
General Uses
Synonyms
Common Names
Subtypes (subspecies, varieties, subvarieties, forms)
Germination/Propagation
Distribution
Links to other databases
Genome
Scientific Literature
Phytochemical Profile
Gallery
Contributors
Collections

Details Top

Internal ID UUID644006ddf350f699079018
Scientific name Acicarpha tribuloides
Authority Juss.
First published in Ann. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat. 2: 348 (1803)

Ethnobotanical Use Top

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Important notice
  • Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
  • Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
  • Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
  • Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.

Acicarpha tribuloides is a small, spiny herb of the Pampas and adjacent regions whose roots, and sometimes whole aerial parts, have long been taken as bitter decoctions or infusions for stomach and uterine pains. In central and eastern Argentina, root decoctions are recorded as stomachic and anti‑inflammatory preparations (Goleniowski et al., 2006). Across the Paraguay River, whole‑plant infusions or decoctions are cited for dyspepsia, cough, and respiratory inflammation (Agee et al., 2021; Tressens et al., 2002). In Uruguay, similar uses appear as “fiebre, estómago” and “cough,” with local herbalists preparing roots and aerial parts in hot water (Alonso and Desmarchelier, 2005; Kutsch and Mó, 2004). The common thread across these cultures is a warm, bitter tonic taken by mouth as a tea or decoction of the root or whole plant.

A practical, standard bitter infusion can be prepared from the dried root: place 2 to 3 g of chopped root in 250 mL of just‑boiled water, cover, and steep 10 to 15 minutes; drink up to one cup, two or three times daily for mild digestive discomfort. A stronger decoction uses 5 to 8 g of dried root boiled in 250 mL water for 10 minutes, allowed to cool slightly before drinking. Tinctures are also documented in Argentina: a 1:5 (root to 40% ethanol) maceration is commonly used, with typical adult doses of 1 to 2 mL, one to three times daily (Goleniowski et al., 2006). Use during pregnancy is not advisable, as bitter tonics can be uterotonically active in sensitive individuals.

The plant’s bitterness points to sesquiterpene lactones that are characteristic of Asteraceae and are known to stimulate digestive secretions and to reduce inflammation at mucosal surfaces; flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin have been reported in this species and align with its spasmolytic and diaphoretic reputation in local traditions (Gallo et al., 2006). Chlorogenic acid, coumarins, and various phenolic acids add antioxidant and antimicrobial actions that plausibly support the reported uses for digestive upset and cough.

Modern interest remains modest. Preparations are occasionally available in ethnobotanical circles and regional herbal shops under Argentine vernacular names such as “carqueja de campo” or “guaicurú,” while most users still prepare their own decoctions at home (Goleniowski et al., 2006; Agee et al., 2021).

General Uses Top

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Synonyms Top

Scientific name Authority First published in
Sommea calcitrapa Bory Ann. Gén. Sci. Phys. 6: 94 (1820)
Acanthosperma littorale Vell. Fl. Flumin. 8: t. 152 (1831)
Acicarpha laxa R.E.Fr. Ark. Bot. 6(11): 2 (1907)
Acicarpha pinnatifida Miers Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. , ser. 3, 6: 404 (1860)
Acicarpha spathulata var. genuina C.A.Müll. Fl. Bras. 6(4): 357 (1885)
Acicarpha spathulata var. glauca A.DC. Prodr. 5: 3 (1836)
Acicarpha tribuloides var. dentata Kuntze Revis. Gen. Pl. 3(2): 126 (1898)
Acicarpha tribuloides var. pinnatifida (Miers) Kuntze Revis. Gen. Pl. 3(2): 126 (1898)
Boopis tribuloides Spreng. Syst. Veg. 3: 674 (1826)
Cryptocarpha spathulata Cass. Dict. Sci. Nat. , ed. 2, 12: 85 (1819)
Cryptocarpha tribuloides Cass. Dict. Sci. Nat. , ed. 2, 12: 85 (1819)
Acicarpha bonariensis (Pers.) Herter Revista Sudamer. Bot. 7: 233 (1943)
Acicarpha runcinata Miers Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. , ser. 3, 6: 404 (1860)

Common names Top

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Language Common/alternative name
English madam gorgon
Swedish nålnöt

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

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Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

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Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

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Forms (abbr. f.) Top

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Germination/Propagation Top

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Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
  • Northern America
    • Northeastern U.S.A.
      • New Jersey
      • Pennsylvania
    • Southeastern U.S.A.
      • Alabama
      • Florida
      • North Carolina
      • South Carolina
  • Southern America
    • Brazil
      • Brazil South
      • Brazil Southeast
    • Southern South America
      • Argentina Northeast
      • Argentina Northwest
      • Paraguay
      • Uruguay
    • Western South America
      • Bolivia
      • Peru

Links to other databases Top

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Database ID/link to page
World Flora Online wfo-0000516592
Tropicos 50230086
KEW urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:139270-1
The Plant List kew-2617989
Open Tree Of Life 6059791
IPNI 139270-1
iNaturalist 792779
GBIF 3906728
Florida Plant Atlas 27
Flora of Alabama 1324
USDA Plants ACTR2
Tropicos 5400020
INPN 788850
KEW urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:139272-1
The Plant List kew-2617993
Open Tree Of Life 876344
NCBI Taxonomy 49581
Nature Serve 2.148827
IPNI 139272-1
iNaturalist 157966
GBIF 3170562
EPPO ACITR
EOL 467229
Tropicos 50230078
INPN 926527
KEW urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:139262-1
The Plant List kew-2617978
Open Tree Of Life 6059789
IPNI 139262-1
iNaturalist 792776
GBIF 3906863
EPPO ACIBO
CMAUP NPO12429

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

Scientific Literature Top

Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
Title Authors Publication Released IDs
Patterning the Asteraceae Capitulum: Duplications and Differential Expression of the Flower Symmetry CYC2-Like Genes Chen J, Shen CZ, Guo YP, Rao GY Front Plant Sci 25-Apr-2018
PMCID:PMC5996924
doi:10.3389/fpls.2018.00551
PMID:29922305
The origin of the bifurcating style in Asteraceae (Compositae) Katinas L, Hernández MP, Arambarri AM, Funk VA Ann Bot 20-Apr-2016
PMCID:PMC4866318
doi:10.1093/aob/mcw033
PMID:27098086
Genetic Analysis of Floral Symmetry in Van Gogh's Sunflowers Reveals Independent Recruitment of CYCLOIDEA Genes in the Asteraceae Chapman MA, Tang S, Draeger D, Nambeesan S, Shaffer H, Barb JG, Knapp SJ, Burke JM PLoS Genet 29-Mar-2012
PMCID:PMC3315478
doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1002628
PMID:22479210
Checklist of vascular plants of the Department of Ñeembucú, Paraguay Egea JD, Peña-Chocarro M, Espada C, Knapp S PhytoKeys 30-Jan-2012
PMCID:PMC3281576
doi:10.3897/phytokeys.9.2279
PMID:22371688
Flavonoid chemistry of Calyceraceae Bruce A. Bohm, Alan Reid, Melanie DeVore, Tod F. Stuessy Canadian Science Publishing 16-Apr-2008
doi:10.1139/B95-209
Modified secoiridoid from Acicarpha tribuloides and inhibition of nitric oxide production in LPS-activated macrophages. Meragelman TL, Renteria BS, Silva GL, Sotomayor C, Gil RR Phytochemistry 01-Jul-2006
doi:10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2006.05.014
PMID:16808936
Phytochemical and pharmacological studies on medicinal herb Acicarpha tribuloides A Capasso, R Urrunaga, L Garofalo, L Sorrentino, R Aquino Informa UK Limited 01-May-2003
doi:10.1076/PHBI.34.4.255.13230

Phytochemical Profile Top

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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
You can also contribute to this by clicking here.
Name PubChem ID Canonical SMILES MW Found in Proof
> Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives / Gallic acid and derivatives
Syringic Acid 10742 Click to see 198.17 unknown via CMAUP database
> Benzenoids / Phenols / Methoxyphenols
Syringaldehyde 8655 Click to see COC1=CC(=CC(=C1O)OC)C=O 182.17 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lignans, neolignans and related compounds / Furanoid lignans
Sesamin 72307 Click to see C1C2C(COC2C3=CC4=C(C=C3)OCO4)C(O1)C5=CC6=C(C=C5)OCO6 354.40 unknown via CMAUP database
Yangambin 443028 Click to see COC1=CC(=CC(=C1OC)OC)C2C3COC(C3CO2)C4=CC(=C(C(=C4)OC)OC)OC 446.50 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Lineolic acids and derivatives
Linoleic Acid 5280450 Click to see CCCCCC=CCC=CCCCCCCCC(=O)O 280.40 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Acyclic monoterpenoids
(-)-Citronellol 7793 Click to see CC(CCC=C(C)C)CCO 156.26 unknown via CMAUP database
(R)-(+)-Citronellal 75427 Click to see CC(CCC=C(C)C)CC=O 154.25 unknown via CMAUP database
beta-CITRONELLOL, (R)- 101977 Click to see 156.26 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Menthane monoterpenoids
(-)-Isopulegol 170833 Click to see CC1CCC(C(C1)O)C(=C)C 154.25 unknown via CMAUP database
1Alpha,3beta,4beta-p-menthane-3,8-diol 22214620 Click to see 172.26 unknown via CMAUP database
Menthoglycol 19100 Click to see 172.26 unknown via CMAUP database
Neomenthoglycol 9920491 Click to see CC1CCC(C(C1)O)C(C)(C)O 172.26 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Quinone and hydroquinone lipids / Vitamin E compounds / Tocopherols
Alpha-Tocopherol 14985 Click to see CC1=C(C2=C(CCC(O2)(C)CCCC(C)CCCC(C)CCCC(C)C)C(=C1O)C)C 430.70 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids
alpha-Cadinol 10398656 Click to see CC1=CC2C(CCC(C2CC1)(C)O)C(C)C 222.37 unknown via CMAUP database
Calamenene, trans-(+)- 6429022 Click to see 202.33 unknown via CMAUP database
epi-alpha-Muurolol 3084331 Click to see 222.37 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene glycosides
(2S,3R,4R)-3-ethenyl-4-(2-oxoethyl)-2-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-5-carboxylic acid 162904877 Click to see C=CC1C(C(=COC1OC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)O)O)O)C(=O)O)CC=O 374.34 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2006.05.014
(2S)-3-ethenyl-4-(2-oxoethyl)-2-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-5-carboxylic acid 5321213 Click to see C=CC1C(C(=COC1OC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)O)O)O)C(=O)O)CC=O 374.34 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2006.05.014
3-ethenyl-4-(2-oxoethyl)-2-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-5-carboxylic acid 4631412 Click to see 374.34 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2006.05.014
methyl (1R,4aS,6S,7R,7aS)-6-[(2S,3R,4S)-3-ethenyl-4-(2-oxoethyl)-2-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-5-carbonyl]oxy-1-hydroxy-7-methyl-1,4a,5,6,7,7a-hexahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylate 101967018 Click to see CC1C(CC2C1C(OC=C2C(=O)OC)O)OC(=O)C3=COC(C(C3CC=O)C=C)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O 584.60 unknown https://doi.org/10.1076/PHBI.34.4.255.13230
Secologanate 439612 Click to see C=CC1C(C(=COC1OC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)O)O)O)C(=O)O)CC=O 374.34 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2006.05.014
Secologanin 161276 Click to see 388.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1076/PHBI.34.4.255.13230
Secoxyloganin 162868 Click to see 404.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1076/PHBI.34.4.255.13230
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene lactones
methyl (3R,4R,5Z)-5-ethylidene-4-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)-6-oxooxane-3-carboxylate 162903426 Click to see CC=C1C(C(COC1=O)C(=O)OC)CC(=O)OC 256.25 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2006.05.014
Methyl 5-ethylidene-4-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)-6-oxooxane-3-carboxylate 73237769 Click to see CC=C1C(C(COC1=O)C(=O)OC)CC(=O)OC 256.25 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2006.05.014
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids
(+)-Erythrodiol 101761 Click to see 442.70 unknown via CMAUP database
(+)-Ursolic Acid 64945 Click to see 456.70 unknown via CMAUP database
Betulinic Acid 64971 Click to see 456.70 unknown via CMAUP database
Betulonic acid 122844 Click to see CC(=C)C1CCC2(C1C3CCC4C5(CCC(=O)C(C5CCC4(C3(CC2)C)C)(C)C)C)C(=O)O 454.70 unknown via CMAUP database
Morolic Acid 489944 Click to see 456.70 unknown via CMAUP database
Squalene 638072 Click to see 410.70 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Cycloartanols and derivatives
Cycloeucalenol 101690 Click to see CC1C2CCC3C4(CCC(C4(CCC35C2(C5)CCC1O)C)C(C)CCC(=C)C(C)C)C 426.70 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Stigmastanes and derivatives
(-)-beta-Sitosterol 222284 Click to see 414.70 unknown via CMAUP database
Daucosterin acetate 12895763 Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)OC5C(C(C(C(O5)COC(=O)C)OC(=O)C)OC(=O)C)OC(=O)C)C)C)C(C)C 745.00 unknown via CMAUP database
Sitogluside 5742590 Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)OC5C(C(C(C(O5)CO)O)O)O)C)C)C(C)C 576.80 unknown via CMAUP database
Stigmast-4-en-3-one 5484202 Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CCC4=CC(=O)CCC34C)C)C(C)C 412.70 unknown via CMAUP database
> Organic acids and derivatives / Carboxylic acids and derivatives / Dicarboxylic acids and derivatives
Glutaric acid 743 Click to see C(CC(=O)O)CC(=O)O 132.11 unknown via CMAUP database
> Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Alcohols and polyols / Cyclitols and derivatives / Shikimic acids and derivatves
Shikimic acid 8742 Click to see C1C(C(C(C=C1C(=O)O)O)O)O 174.15 unknown via CMAUP database
> Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / O-glycosyl compounds
(3R,4aS,5S,6S)-5-ethenyl-3-methoxy-6-[(2S,3S,4R,5S,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-4,4a,5,6-tetrahydro-3H-pyrano[3,4-c]pyran-1-one 154497682 Click to see COC1CC2C(C(OC=C2C(=O)O1)OC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O)C=C 388.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2006.05.014
(3S,4aR,5R,6S)-5-ethenyl-3-methoxy-6-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-4,4a,5,6-tetrahydro-3H-pyrano[3,4-c]pyran-1-one 162935508 Click to see 388.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2006.05.014
Vogeloside 14192588 Click to see 388.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2006.05.014
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Benzopyrans / 1-benzopyrans / Chromones
6-Methoxy-7-hydroxychromon 91011769 Click to see 192.17 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2006.05.014
6,7-Dimethoxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one 21853370 Click to see COC1=C(C=C2C(=C1)C(=O)C=CO2)OC 206.19 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2006.05.014
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Flavanones / Flavanonols
Aromadendrin 122850 Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C2C(C(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O)O 288.25 unknown via CMAUP database
Fustin 5317435 Click to see 288.25 unknown via CMAUP database
Garbanzol 442410 Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C2C(C(=O)C3=C(O2)C=C(C=C3)O)O)O 272.25 unknown via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones / Flavonols
Rhamnocitrin 5320946 Click to see 300.26 unknown via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-3-O-glycosides
2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-3-((2S,3R,4R,5R,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl)oxychromen-4-one 51402807 Click to see 464.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1139/B95-209
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 7-O-methylated flavonoids
(2R,3R)-3,4'-Dihydroxy-5,7-dimethoxyflavone 10403456 Click to see COC1=CC2=C(C(=C1)OC)C(=O)C(C(O2)C3=CC=C(C=C3)O)O 316.30 unknown via CMAUP database
Aromadendrin 7-methyl ether 181132 Click to see 302.28 unknown via CMAUP database
Eucalyptin 76573 Click to see CC1=C(C2=C(C(=C1OC)C)OC(=CC2=O)C3=CC=C(C=C3)OC)O 326.30 unknown via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Tannins / Hydrolyzable tannins
Ellagic Acid 5281855 Click to see C1=C2C3=C(C(=C1O)O)OC(=O)C4=CC(=C(C(=C43)OC2=O)O)O 302.19 unknown via CMAUP database

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