Guaco

Guaco

Guaco is a plant traditionally associated with South American folk medicine, particularly among indigenous communities in Brazil and other regions. It has been used for various purposes such as treating fevers, wounds, and respiratory issues; however, formal documentation of its traditional uses is limited. Scientific evidence on Guaco (Mikania glomerata) and Mikania laevigata shows safety under tested dose regimens, with minor alterations in blood parameters that remained within normal ranges. Preclinical studies indicate potential anti-inflammatory properties for both species, but clinical validation for many traditional uses remains lacking due to insufficient research. Safety concerns are minimal based on the available data, though no major issues have been recorded. There is currently no evidence of significant drug interactions with Guaco.

At a glance
Best evidence
B
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Traces of carbendazim and dimethomorph were detected in commercial samples of Mikania glomerata tincture. D PMID
  • The study reviews 95 Aristolochia species from the Americas, documenting 129 traditional medicinal uses with no reported hazardous incidents. D PMID
  • Both Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata showed safety under the tested dose regimens, with minor alterations in blood parameters that remained within normal ranges. B PMID
  • The study found that preclinical evidence supports anti-inflammatory properties for both Mikania glomerata and M. laevigata, but lacks clinical validation for many traditional uses. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Guaco?

Guaco (Guaco) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Guaco?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Guaco; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Traces of carbendazim and dimethomorph were detected in commercial samples of Mikania glomerata tincture.

How strong is the evidence for Guaco?

The strongest finding for Guaco carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Guaco safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Guaco in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Guaco interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Guaco in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

Is Guaco a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Safety evaluation of Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata in healthy volunteers: A randomized, open label and multiple dose phase I clinical trial. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Method validation and determination of pesticides in Mikania glomerta Spreng tincture by direct injection and UPLC-MS/MS analysis. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Aristolochia species (Aristolochiaceae) from the Americas, a review of their traditional medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Biological Activities of Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata: A Scoping Review and Evidence Gap Mapping. literature abstract metadata