# Guaco (Mikania glomerata)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/guaco
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Amazonian
**Also Known As:** Mikania glomerata, Guaco-liso, Erva-de-cobra, Cipó-caatinga, Coração-de-Jesus, Snake vine, Brazilian snake herb

## Overview

Guaco (Mikania glomerata) is an Amazonian herb containing coumarin compounds that may reduce respiratory [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) through metalloprotease inhibition. Animal studies suggest it could help with bronchitis and asthma by decreasing lung [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant).

## Health Benefits

• May reduce lung inflammation and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (evidence from animal models only)
• Traditional use for respiratory conditions including coughs, bronchitis, and asthma (traditional evidence only)
• Potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through metalloprotease inhibition (preclinical evidence only)
• Historical use for wound healing applications (traditional evidence only)
• Traditional antivenom properties for snakebite treatment (traditional evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Guaco's coumarin compounds, particularly dicoumarol derivatives, inhibit matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) that break down lung tissue during [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). The herb's flavonoids and phenolic acids reduce [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by scavenging free radicals and modulating inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β in respiratory tissues.

## Clinical Summary

Evidence for guaco comes primarily from animal studies and traditional use reports, with no published human clinical trials available. In rodent models, guaco extracts reduced lung [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers by 30-50% compared to controls. Traditional practitioners report effectiveness for coughs and bronchitis, but these claims lack controlled human studies. The current evidence base is considered preliminary and requires human clinical validation.

## Nutritional Profile

Guaco (Mikania glomerata) is a medicinal plant rather than a dietary staple, so nutritional macronutrient data is limited; however, its bioactive phytochemical composition is reasonably well characterized. Primary bioactive compounds include coumarin (1,2-benzopyrone) at approximately 0.1–0.5% dry weight in leaves, which is the principal marker compound used for standardization of commercial preparations. Caffeic acid derivatives are present at approximately 0.3–1.2% dry weight, including chlorogenic acid and dicaffeoylquinic acid isomers. Flavonoids including kaempferol, quercetin, and luteolin glycosides are present at approximately 0.5–2.0% dry weight total. Terpenes including friedelan-3β-ol (friedelanol), lupeol, and β-sitosterol are identified in leaf extracts. Alkaloids are absent or trace. Essential oil content is approximately 0.1–0.4% by steam distillation, containing sesquiterpenes such as germacrene-D and bicyclogermacrene. Tannins are present at low levels (~0.5–1.0% dry weight). The plant contains modest fiber content in leaf material (~15–20% dry weight as crude fiber). Vitamin content is not formally quantified but minor amounts of ascorbic acid have been noted in fresh leaf material. Mineral content includes potassium, calcium, and magnesium at concentrations typical of tropical leaf material (~10–15 mg/g dry weight combined). Bioavailability of coumarin from oral preparations is moderate; hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) converts a significant fraction to o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid. Coumarin bioavailability varies considerably between aqueous and ethanolic extracts, with hydroalcoholic preparations yielding higher coumarin extraction efficiency.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for humans are available. Animal studies used hydroalcoholic extracts at 100 mg/kg subcutaneously. Standardized ethanol extracts have been analyzed containing 1.34% 2-hydroxycinnamic acid and 0.151% coumarin, but human dosing has not been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Guaco contains coumarin compounds that may interact with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, potentially increasing bleeding risk. Common side effects in traditional use include mild gastrointestinal upset and skin sensitivity in some individuals. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established through clinical studies. Individuals with bleeding disorders should avoid guaco supplementation.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Mikania glomerata were identified in the research. Evidence is limited to preclinical pharmacological reviews and animal models, including rat studies showing [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects from hydroalcoholic extracts (100 mg/kg subcutaneously) reducing lung inflammation after coal dust exposure.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Guaco has been used in Brazilian traditional medicine (fitoterapia) for centuries to treat respiratory conditions and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and is officially recognized in Brazilian pharmacopeias as a phytotherapeutic agent. Indigenous rainforest inhabitants have historically used it for wound healing and as an antivenom for snakebites.

## Synergistic Combinations

Eucalyptus, Thyme, Licorice Root, Marshmallow Root, Mullein

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in guaco?

Guaco contains coumarin derivatives, particularly dicoumarol compounds, along with flavonoids and phenolic acids. These coumarin compounds are responsible for the herb's potential anti-inflammatory and respiratory benefits.

### How much guaco should I take for respiratory issues?

Traditional preparations typically use 2-4 grams of dried leaves as tea, but no standardized dosage exists due to lack of human studies. Most commercial extracts suggest following manufacturer guidelines, usually 300-500mg daily.

### Can guaco interact with blood thinners?

Yes, guaco's coumarin content may enhance the effects of anticoagulant medications like warfarin, potentially increasing bleeding risk. Anyone taking blood thinners should consult a healthcare provider before using guaco supplements.

### Is guaco effective for asthma?

Animal studies suggest guaco may reduce lung inflammation associated with asthma, but no human clinical trials have confirmed its effectiveness. Traditional use supports respiratory benefits, but scientific evidence remains preliminary.

### What are the side effects of guaco?

Traditional use reports mild gastrointestinal upset and potential skin sensitivity as the most common side effects. Due to coumarin content, excessive use may increase bleeding risk or cause liver concerns in sensitive individuals.

### Is guaco safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical evidence regarding guaco's safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is generally recommended to avoid use during these periods as a precaution. Traditional use does not establish safety in modern medical standards, and pregnant or nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before considering guaco supplementation. No controlled studies have been conducted to assess potential risks to fetal development or infant health.

### What does current clinical research show about guaco's effectiveness?

Most evidence for guaco comes from traditional use and animal model studies rather than robust human clinical trials. While laboratory and animal studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, these findings have not been consistently replicated in controlled human studies. More rigorous clinical research is needed to establish efficacy and safety standards for guaco supplementation in humans.

### Are there different forms of guaco available, and which is most commonly used?

Guaco is available in several forms including dried leaf preparations, teas, tinctures, and capsules, with dried leaf and tea being the most traditional and commonly used forms in South American herbal medicine. The bioavailability and concentration of active compounds may vary between forms and preparation methods, though comparative effectiveness studies between forms are lacking. Most commercial supplements standardize guaco to specific compound levels, but traditional preparations often use whole plant material without standardization.

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