出版社：Grupo de Pesquisa Metodologias em Ensino e Aprendizagem em Ciências
摘要：Among the botanical taxa that have a high pharmacological potential is the Apocynaceae Juss family. Thus, this work aimed to trace pharmacological, phytochemical and therapeutic indications of three species of the aforementioned family. Regarding the species Allamanda cathartica L. (princess thimble), the data show that its leaves and latex are used for the treatment of fever, jaundice, parasitosis, malaria complications, enlarged spleen and used as a laxative and purgative. Such properties may be related to its phytochemical constitution, as it has plumericin and plumieride iridoids. The medicinal species Catharanthus roseus (L.) Don. popularly known as "good night", is used to control hemorrhages and scurvy, as a mouthwash for toothache, in the healing and cleaning of chronic wounds and in the treatment of diabetes. The species has the ability to synthesize a wide variety of compounds that are used by the plant to perform biological functions, such as defending against predators. The alkaloids are the most potentially active group of compounds of C. roseus, and over 400 alkaloids have been recorded in different parts of the species. Finally, Nerium oleander L. (espirradeira) also has great medicinal potential, with records of its use in Brazil as an expectorant, heart tonic, diuretic and emetic. Very small doses of leaf extract have been reported for use in snake bites. It is evident that this taxon has species with medicinal properties, being, therefore, a source of bioactive compounds of pharmacological interest.
