Zuccagnia punctata Cav.

Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Fabaceae, Caesalpiniaceae) is an argentine medicinal plant species, belonging to a monotypic genus representatives of which grow in the arid and semiarid Argentine regions, in the biogeographic Province of Monte. The taxonomic characteristics, traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of Z. punctata aerial parts (leaves and stems) and flowers are described. A wide range of traditional uses have been described and scientifically validated by in vitro and in vivo assays. These include the antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumoral, antihypertensive activities, as well as the effect in the prevention of cardiovascular disease related with hypercholesterolemia and endothelial dysfunction, between others. Compounds from different chemical groups (phenolic compounds and essential oils) have also been isolated and identified in Z. punctata. The main bioactive phytochemicals in above-ground organs (leaves, stems and flowers) have been identified as 2′,4′-dihydroxy-3′-methoxychalcone and 2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone and proposed as bioactive chemical markers. No genotoxic effect of Z. punctata extracts has been demonstrated. Oral administration of Z. punctata extract and some of their isolated compounds, were not toxic in rabbits and mice models. Although no human clinical trials have been carried out so far, Z. punctata is a species widely used by local populations of the Monte ecoregion for many years, without manifestations of obvious toxicity. Therefore, extracts of aerial parts of Z. punctata could be used in herbal medicines as standardized extracts indicating the amount of major bioactive compounds (chalcones). In addition, it could be included in several phytotherapeutic preparations such as capsules, creams, gels, microencapsulates.