sphaeralcea angustifolia

*Sphaeralcea angustifolia*, commonly known in Mexico as **Vara de San José**, is a medicinal plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is extensively used in Mexican traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and anti-rheumatic properties, particularly for treating conditions like bruises, fractures, and rheumatism. Scientific research has identified several bioactive compounds within the plant, most notably the coumarins **scopoletin** and **tomentin**, and the naphthoic acid derivative **sphaeralcic acid**. These compounds have demonstrated significant immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in various pharmacological models. Clinical studies have evaluated standardized extracts of *S. angustifolia* (often formulated as topical gels) for the treatment of hand and knee osteoarthritis, where it has shown therapeutic efficacy and tolerability comparable to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like diclofenac. Additionally, the plant exhibits antiprotozoal activity against *Entamoeba histolytica* and *Giardia lamblia* due to the presence of flavonoids like tiliroside.

Other names

Vara de San JoséSphaeralcea angustifolia (Cav.) G. Doncopper globemallow