2025, Vol. 13, Issue 3, Part A

author(s)
Cristiane Mengue Feniman Moritz and E Otávio Akira Sakai

abstract
Baccharis trimera, known as carqueja, is a popular medicinal plant in South America. It is widely used to treat liver and gastric problems and as a healing agent. This study performed a scientometric analysis and a systematic review to map the scientific production of B. trimera. A search was considered in the Web of Science and Science Direct databases with the search term Baccharis trimera in the fields of the title and/or abstract and/or keywords up to 2024. All studies that contained the search term were included. Duplicate articles were excluded. The data analysis from the articles revealed a significant increase in interest in the plant from 2010 onwards, with Brazil being the largest producer of research. The main areas of study included antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects, particularly in models of oxidative stress induced by alcohol and drugs, and anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiulcer properties of the plant's flavonoids. Studies on genotoxic potential and capacity to accumulate heavy metals were also carried out. Although scientific knowledge about the composition and therapeutic effects of the plant has grown, there are still gaps, especially in human clinical studies, which are necessary to validate its long-term safety and efficacy.