Heteropterys

Heteropterys is a genus in the Malpighiaceae, a family of about 75 genera of flowering plants in the order Malpighiales. Heteropterys comprises over 140 species of woody vines, shrubs, and small trees found in the New World tropics and subtropics from northern Mexico and the West Indies to northern Argentina and southeastern Brazil. One widespread, mostly Caribbean species, H. leona, is also found in low wet places along the coast of West Africa from Senegal to Angola.

Heteropterys aphrodisiaca O. Mach., endemic to the Brazilian scrubland regions, is traditionally used in folk medicine as an aphrodisiac, a stimulant and in the treatment of nervous weakness. The herb has been found to reduce the toxic effects of cyclosporin A on rat testis, increase tendon strength with endurance training in rats, and improve memory in aged rats. Additionally, an aliphatic nitro compound extracted from the root was found to have antimicrobial and antiviral effects in vitro.