Baccharis dracunculifolia DC.

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. (Asteraceae) is an aromatic plant species widely distributed across and along South American countries where it grows in different environments, even being considered, in some cases, as a hard to control weed. Its essential oil is highly appreciated in the fragrance/perfumery industry by its woody, floral, and green notes; mainly attributed to (E)-nerolidol and other sesquiterpene alcohols. Recent research has demonstrated a wide range of applications for the essential oil besides its aromatic properties. Although B. dracunculifolia cannot be considered as a medicinal plant for most of the indigenous communities in South America (except for Brazil), modern pharmacological research has demonstrated its high potential for the development of new therapeutic drugs, mainly with antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic and anticancer effect. The special literature regarding B. dracunculifolia is profuse and thus, this chapter attempts to summarize the principal knowledge about this species.