Aristolochia trilobata
Aristolochia trilobata, commonly known as contribo[citation needed] or Bejuco de Santiago,[2] is a perennial herb in the Dutchman's pipe family Aristolochiaceae. A.trilobata is endemic to the Caribbean and is found in both Central America and South America.[1] DescriptionAristolochia trilobata is a climbing vine species that typically reaches a length of up to three meters. The leaves are characterized by dark green coloration and have three lobes. The bark is coarse, readily sheds, and emits a distinctive, potent odor.[citation needed] In traditional folk medicine, the whole plant is used to create a tea or an extract. It is recommended to consume the tea in moderation (once a week) to prevent other health complications. Teas and extracts are known to increase immune health, increase appetite/energy, and fight fatigue.[citation needed] It has been commonly used to treat conditions such as flu, gastritis, parasites, fevers, constipation, stomach ache, and indigestion.[3] HabitatAristolochia trilobata is a tropical plant native to the Caribbean. Its populations extend from Mexico to Brazil and grows best in a wet, tropical climate.[4] ConservationSome herbalists in Belize claim that it is harder to find an abundance of A. trilobata due to habitat destruction.[citation needed] However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) most recently (December 2020) assessed the status of A. trilobata as "Least Concern (LC)".[1] References
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