Biology

This research is part of the historical ethno-botanical project focusing on the medicinal plants used by the last Medici princess, Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici (1667-1716).Of particular significance is the identification of Dorstenia contrajerva as a key component in one of Anna Maria's fever water recipes. My investigation delves into the intriguing journey of the plant D. contrajerva from the Americas to the Medici pharmacies in Italy, exploring its historical medicinal applications and unraveling its intricate biochemistry.
The genus Dorstenia, boasting over a hundred species, is native to Peru. Captain Francis Drake, during his voyages to Peru, gathered the plant and shared his observations with the renowned botanist Carolus Clusius. In 1581, Clusius meticulously described the plant in his book, "Liquot Notae in Garciae Aromatum Historiam," initiating an exchange of letters and plant specimens with the esteemed botanist Giuseppe Casabona, who was employed by the Medici family.
Ethno-botanical studies underscore the plant's diverse medicinal properties, ranging from alleviating snakebites and digestive issues to serving as an anti-poison. Although pharmacological knowledge about the Dorstenia genus remains limited, preliminary studies reveal the presence of compounds such as psoralan, squalene, and bergapten, known for their medicinal efficacy, particularly in treating skin conditions like Psoriasis.
In collaboration with Harvard University, Maryville University, and the Missouri Botanical Garden, our research marks a concerted effort to further unravel the quantity and potency of these compounds within D. contrajerva. This collaborative endeavor seeks to deepen our understanding of the historical and biochemical dimensions of this intriguing medicinal plant.