Plant identity sheet: Grass a pic
Vernacular name: Steep Grass or Devil Tobacco
Creole name: Zeb a pik
Family: Asteraceae - Genus: Neurolaena - Species: lobata
Brief description: It is an erect herbaceous shrub 2 to 4 m tall.
Geographical origins: West Indies and Central America. Leaves: They are alternately lanceolate, irregularly toothed, leaving a yellow trace when touched.
Flowers: Small and yellow.
Fruit: The fruit is a brownish achene (dried fruit with one seed, like the acorn). Medicinal properties: Known for millennia to the Amerindians, it is used by the traditional medicine of the Quiché Mayans of Guatemala. As in the Caribbean, they use it to fight fevers, colds and coughs. In Guadeloupe, it is also an integral part of the local pharmacopoeia. It is traditionally preserved in maceration in rum (a good ten leaves)... Be careful, it seems that it is very bitter, if not good at all!
A laboratory in Gourbeyre, PhytObôkaz, even produces it in syrup, under the name Virapik, sold in some Guadeloupean pharmacies. But its properties seem much more important, it would indeed be an antiviral vis-à-vis rhinoviruses (influenza, dengue), it would also inhibit RNA viruses and even HIV replication by blocking the transfer of HIV from dendritic cells to lymphocytes. It would also be analgesic, antimalarial, anti-ulcer anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antidiabetic. Just that! It is currently the subject of numerous studies... And in the garden, the maceration obtained from pike grass is also an excellent natural insecticide for plant protection. Learn more: https://gwadada-an-mwen.webnode.fr/news/herbe-a-pic/
Dr. Henry Joseph Pharmacist and Doctor of Pharmacognosy
It is a discovery that will certainly be a landmark in local scientific history. The Phytobôkaz laboratories, during their research, have assembled results that tend to show that extracts of the sheer grass (Zèb a Pik), from the traditional Guadeloupean pharmacopoeia, had the ability "to inhibit the de novo biosynthesis pathway of pyrimidines, and in particular the fourth enzyme of this metabolic pathway which is Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH). Indispensable and mandatory route for the replication of the RNA virus. Clearly, sheer grass would have the ability to make the host cells of the virus hostile to its development and reproduction.
Protect the cell rather than attack the virus
While global laboratories have focused on the virus and have directed their research towards "acquired immunity" including the vaccine, Phytobôkaz's research has focused on the cells of the body itself. Indeed, to thrive properly, the virus needs a cell to colonize and corrupt until it encourages its anarchic reproduction in the body. It is this phenomenon that triggers biological alerts and makes the individual sick. Phytobôkaz therefore sought to find out whether, in our biodiversity, plants could be able to strengthen cells in order to prevent any cohabitation of the virus. This discovery is fundamental to reduce the impact of all RNA viruses on populations (dengue, chikungunya, coronavirus, measles)
Source Guadeloupe 1st
Botanical description Robust grass or shrub up to 4 m tall. Leaves simple, alternate, whole or trilobed, ovate to oblong-lanceolate, with serrated margin, 5-24 cm long. Panicles up to 10 cm of diameter, flower heads yellow, 6 mm of diameter, oblong bracts, in four series. Achenes 2 mm.
Geographic distribution
Widely distributed in tropical America and Guadeloupe.
Preparation and Dosage
Against fever, flu or malaria: Prepare, depending on the traditional preparation chosen, a decoction of 30 grams of aerial parts or 30 grams of fresh leaves or 5 grams of dried leaves in 4 cups (1 liter) of water, boil for 5 minutes in a covered container. Let cool, strain and drink 1 cup 3 times a day.
As a blood "detoxifyer": Prepare an alcoholic maceration, chop 30 grams of leaves and add them to 4 cups (1 liter) of alcohol (rum), let stand for four hours and drink several sips of the mixture over the next 24 hours. or Prepare a decoction with 30 grams of fresh leaves in 4 cups (1 liter) of water, boil for 5 minutes in a covered container. Let cool, strain and drink 1 cup 3 times a day.
Any medicinal preparation should be kept cold and used within 24 hours.
Significant uses
detoxifying (blood): dry leaf, decoction, orally1
detoxifying (blood): dry leaf, alcoholic maceration, orally1
fever: dry leaf, decoction, orally1-3
Influenza: leaf, decoction, orally4-6
influenza:p aerial arteria, decoction, orally6
malaria: leaf, decoction, orally4
Recommendations
Based on available information:
Use as a blood detoxifier is classified as REC based on traditional significant use documented by TRAMIL surveys and toxicity studies.
We do not have an adequate experimental model to validate the pharmacological activity corresponding to this traditional use.
Use against fever and influenza is classified as REC, based on traditional significant use documented by TRAMIL surveys, toxicity and validation studies.
If the patient's condition deteriorates or fever persists for more than 2 days, or the flu for more than 7 days, consult a physician.
Malaria use is classified as REC, based on traditional significant use documented by TRAMIL surveys, toxicity and validation studies.
Since malaria poses a health risk, it is recommended to consult a doctor beforehand. The use of this remedy should be considered complementary to medical treatment, unless contraindicated.
People with diabetes should avoid ingestion of aerial parts7-8.
Do not use with pregnant women, lactating women or children under 5 years of age.
Toxicity
TRAMIL Work17 The lyophilized aqueous extract (decoction) of fresh leaf (5000 mg/kg/day), orally to Hsd:ICR mice, (5 males and 5 females) for 5 days, according to OECD protocol 423, did not cause mortality or show any signs of toxicity.
TRAMIL Work15 The hydroalcoholic extract (70%) of the leaf (5 g/kg), orally to mice, showed no obvious signs of toxicity.
The aqueous dry leaf extract (1-5 g/kg, single dose and 500 mg/kg every 2 days for 3 weeks), orally to mice, showed no toxic effects even in the subacute toxicity test18.
The presence of toxic necines in the methanolic extract of the leaf has been ruled out19.
There is no information available to guarantee the safety of this remedy given to children, lactating or pregnant women.
Where can I find them?
You can find leaf extracts on specialized sites or on Leboncoin. The cost of this plant has soared since the discovery by Dr. Henry Joseph of its effectiveness against coronaviruses (including Covid19)
source Tramil