Bocconia arborea
StarBocconia arborea
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Mexican traditional medicine Bocconia arborea (palo llora sangre) is used to treat skin infections and other infectious conditions, and as an analgesic and anxiolytic remedy; its activity has been attributed to the alkaloids dihydrosanguinarine and dihydrochelerythrine, which show documented antimicrobial, gastroprotective and antinociceptive effects (Argueta, Cano & Rodarte, 1994).
Botanical Description
Bocconia arborea is a small tree or large shrub of the poppy family reaching about 4 to 8 m, with stout, soft-wooded branches that exude a yellow to orange latex when cut, giving it the Mexican name 'palo llora sangre'. The large, alternate leaves are deeply pinnately lobed, greyish-green above and whitish beneath, clustered toward the branch tips. Tiny apetalous flowers are borne in large, branched terminal panicles, followed by small flattened capsules each containing one or few seeds with a fleshy aril. The latex and tissues are rich in benzophenanthridine alkaloids, notably sanguinarine, dihydrosanguinarine and dihydrochelerythrine. The species is native to the highlands of Mexico and Central America, where it grows in oak and pine-oak forest, forest edges, ravines and disturbed slopes at moderate to high elevations.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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