However, it is worth mentioning that certain medicinal plants contain potentially dangerous substances and, for this reason, they should be used carefully, respecting their toxicological risks.
Medicinal plants are defined as those capable of alleviating or curing diseases and they have a traditional use as a remedy in a population or community. Its use is one of the oldest practices for treatment, cure and prevention of diseases [1]. According to World Health Organization (WHO) it is estimated that almost 80% of the people living in the underdeveloped nations depend on traditional and complementary medicines for their basic health care [2]. Even currently, the employment of medicinal plants as therapies has been increasing enormously due to numerous advantages such as less costly and acceptance among population due to a long history of use [3]. However, it is worth mentioning that certain medicinal plants contain potentially dangerous substances and, for this reason, they should be used carefully, respecting their toxicological risks. Therefore, the use should have their pharmacological actions proven in scientific, pre-clinical and/or clinical tests [4]. Thus, this review is aimed at elucidating the biological and pharmacological importance of Baccharis trimera, a plant popularly known as carqueja.