Helichrysum gymnocephalum

Helichrysum gymnocephalum is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae found in Madagascar.[1] It is used locally for its alleged aphrodisiac, antiseptic, and stimulant properties, and also as a treatment for bronchitis.[1] The essential oil is sold internationally for these same purposes.[2] This oil mostly consists of 1,8-Cineole, the organic compound Eucalyptol, which may account for these properties.[3]

Helichrysum gymnocephalum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Helichrysum
Species:
H. gymnocephalum
Binomial name
Helichrysum gymnocephalum

In 1999, the non-profit organization Seacology helped to preserve this and other plants by creating a national park around Mt. Angavokely, near Antananarivo in Madagascar.[1]

References

  1. Peterson, K. (2005). "Seacology helps conserve medicinal plants in Madagascar" (PDF). HerbalGram. 65: 20–21. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  2. Helichrysum gymnocephalum Archived 2011-10-09 at the Wayback Machine, Aromatics International.
  3. Möllenbeck, S.; König, T.; Schreier, P.; Schwab, W.; Rajaonarivony, J.; Ranarivelo, L. (1997). "Chemical Composition and Analyses of Enantiomers of Essential Oils from Madagascar". Flavour and Fragrance Journal. 12 (2): 63. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1099-1026(199703)12:2<63::AID-FFJ614>3.0.CO;2-Z.


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