Larrea Tridentate: Bioactive Compounds, Biological Activities and Its Potential Use in Phytopharmaceuticals Improvement

Larrea tridentata is a shrub distributed throughout the deserts of North America, from the southwestern United States to central Mexico, where it is known as gobernadora, arbusto de creosota, and hediondilla, among others. In traditional medicine, the leaves and twigs of this plant are used in the form of tea or capsules for the treatment of different health conditions, such as varicella, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, menstrual pain, and snake bites, among others. Several investigations have been demonstrated the antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral, antiproliferative, and antioxidant potential of L. tridentata. These biological activities are attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds, terpenes, anthraquinones, alkaloids, and saponins. Toxicological studies are necessary to characterize in more detail the security profile of compounds, formulations, and extracts of L. tridentata for their secure administration in humans.