This name is not universally accepted, with some treatments preferring to place this species in the genus Culcitium, as Culcitium canescens Humb. & Bonpl.

Common Name:

General Information

Senecio canescens is an erect, perennial plant with stems that are more or less woody at the base and persist; it can grow around 30 - 60cm tall, spreading at the roots by means of rhizomes. The leaves are thick and covered entirely with downy, whitish fluff[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is an important medicinal plant in parts of its range and is sold in many local markets[]
Senecio canescens has a wide range in the Andes. Its habitat is vulnerable to threats such as overgrazing, natural erosion, burning, mining and climate change that is causing more intense dry seasons. In addition, indiscriminate harvesting of the plant for medicinal use in certain areas is threatening local populations[]. The plant is currently classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Western S. America - Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia.

Habitat

Andean mountains, growing on high, stony, mountain slopes and including steep, dry, rocky slopes; at elevations from 2,200 - 4,700 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Senecio canescens is a plant of moderate to high elevations in the tropical latitudes of the Andes.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is a popular traditional medicine, especially in Bolivia and Peru where it is sold in local markets. It is taken internally in the form of a decoction, and is also applied topically in poultices etc to relieve pain and inflammation. It is reported to be analgesic, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic and pectoral[, ].
It is used to treat conditions such as asthma, throat problems, coughs, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, kidney conditions, rheumatism, arthritis; cancer and fevers, and also in the chronic phase of Chagas disease[, ].
Combined with other plants, it is used in the treatment of central nervous system affections[]

The leaves and flowers are considered antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. They are prepared in infusion or decoction and also applied n[]. The leaves are used to treat rheumatism, arthritis, fever, asthma, cough, throat, pneumonia, and cancer[]

Studies have shown that the plant has an analgesic activity and also enhances the effect of pentobarbital in the body[]
Other studies have shown that the plant has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus; antioxidant activity; and antiinflammatory activity[, ].

Other Uses

The plant (part not specified) is an ingredient in a cosmetic that contains a mixture of plants and was patented as a skin lightener containing natural tyrosinase inhibitors[].

The hairs on the plant can be used as a tinder and as a wick.

Propagation

Seed -

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