CAPITANEJA: CHARACTERISTICS AND MEDICINAL USES - BIOLOGY - 2025

The capitaneja (Verbesina crocata) is a species of plant of the genus Verbesina. It is known as arnica capitaneja because of its similarity to mountain arnica or as orange capitaneja due to its coloration. It also receives other names in the different languages ​​spoken by the indigenous Mexicans: Nahuiliput, Chimalactl, Taamkas che´, among others.

The use of medicinal plants has always been present in the history of mankind. Through them, a large number of diseases and health problems are prevented, cured or controlled.

Source: conabio.gob.mx

The World Health Organization (WHO) and certain scientific groups have investigated a group of plants to find out their medicinal properties and ways of use. In this way they can safely recommend its incorporation into medical treatment as well as knowing the most appropriate doses.

In each continent, popular wisdom has its own list of medicinal plants. America has a large number of plants that are used as home remedies that are under study for their validation.

An example of this is Mexico, where the use of capitaneja as a home remedy to relieve pain, control diabetes and even for urinary disorders is widespread. Its use began in pre-Hispanic times and has been maintained to this day.

Taxonomy

Through taxonomy the biological classification of the plant is known. In the case of the capitaneja, it belongs to the genus Verbesina.

Its scientific name is Verbesina crocata; According to Olson, verbesinas have had different taxonomic classifications due to confusion generated by their appearance.

From there some synonyms arise in their nomenclature, such as that of Bidens crocata cav, Platypterios crocata HBK and Spilanthes crocata Sims.

The capitaneja is an Asteraceae = compositae, it is found in this group of plants because its flower is star-shaped and each one of them is composed of other smaller flowers.

Origin

It is native to Mexico, it is considered a species that is only found in that country. The other species discovered in Central America belong to the verbesinas but are not the crocata.

characteristics

It is a shrub that can be a climber or supported by other plants. It is located in the low jungle of western Mexico.

It can reach 4 meters in height, the stem is hairy with an approximate thickness of 10 cm and is composed of 4 wings. Its leaves are elongated heart-shaped, with serrations or teeth on the sides and have hairs up to the base of the stem.

The flowers are formed by 1 or up to 5 orange heads; these heads reach 20 centimeters in height. In turn, each one of them has between 100 and 200 tiny tube-shaped flowers.

Medical uses

Chronic pain and inflammation

Capitaneja has been reported as a medicinal plant used in conjunction with analgesics to treat chronic pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy. The leaves are used to make an infusion that is taken on an empty stomach, or as a substitute for water to drink throughout the day.

This plant contains a series of compounds with anti-inflammatory properties such as quercetin, sterols and flavoniodes. By reducing the inflammatory process, chronic pain is controlled.

Diabetes control

In traditional indigenous Mexican medicine, capitaneja is a shrub that is credited with the ability to lower blood sugar levels. The leaves are used to make infusions as a way of consuming the plant.

The way it works in the body to achieve this effect is not yet known, although it has been classified by the Mexican Institute of Social Security as a hypoglycemic plant.

Female reproductive health

The water where the plant is cooked is used to perform vaginal washes when infections are suspected. It is believed that the consumption of the infusion of the capitaneja favors the faster expulsion of the placenta after delivery. In addition to cleaning the womb, although it is also ingested to regulate menstrual cycles.

Stimulates urine excretion

The intake of infusions or shakes of capitaneja stimulate the excretion of urine. Whether you work with the fresh or dried plant, it still activates the production and release of urine in the kidneys. It is a home remedy used in cases of hypertension, fluid retention and kidney stones.

Compared to pharmacological diuretics, capitaneja does not cause side effects. Its use does not alter the body balance of minerals such as sodium and potassium. These minerals are very important in regulating the fluids that the body can store or eliminate.

Flu and cough

Flu pictures are usually viral infections that increase the production of mucus by the lungs to be expelled through the nose. During the evolution of the flu, people may have a cough with phlegm in addition to general discomfort.

Capitaneja is used as an oral treatment for these cases, it is considered an efficient expectorant due to its ability to dissolve phlegm, facilitating its exit. It also has an antitussive effect, that is, it reduces coughing attacks in the face of viral symptoms, since it deflates the bronchi and counteracts the attack of viruses on the lungs.

Stomach problems and constipation

In the annals of Traditional Mexican Medicine, capitaneja is listed as a plant that cures indigestion and constipation. The infusion of the leaf improves acidity and favors digestion, while the use of the root has a laxative effect, thus preventing constipation.

It is attributed properties to eliminate bacteria and parasites, so its intake is common in cases of diarrhea or dysentery. In addition, it seems to stimulate the production of bile by the liver and thereby improve the digestion of fatty foods.

References

1. National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity. Mexico. Verbesina crocata. Informative file.
2. Barragán-Solís A. The practice of self-care by phytotherapy in a group of Mexican families. Archives in Family Medicine 2006; Vol. 8 (3): 155-162 Available at: medigraphic.com
3. Marcial J. National Autonomous University of Mexico. The Ethnobotanical Garden of Cuernavaca. Available at: ejournal.unam.mx