Vassourinha is a erect annual herb growing up to a half-meter in height and is widely distributed in many tropical countries in the world. It is found in abundance in South America and the Amazon Rainforest. It produces serrated leaves and many small white flowers. Vassourinha has held a place in herbal medicine in every tropical country where it grows, dating back many years, and it's use by indigenous Indian tribes is well documented.

Some of Vassourinha's many uses in herbal medicine have been validated by research. In laboratory tests, it showed active properties against gram + bacteria (but not gram negative) and strong antifungal actions as well.^{(13, 14)} Phytochemical screening of Vassourinha has shown that it is a source of novel flavonoids and terpene plant chemicals, some of which have not been seen in science before.^(15,16) Many of Vassourinha's tested biological activities are attributed to these phytochemicals; the main ones being Scopadulcic Acids A & B, Scopadiol, Scopadulciol, Scopadulin, Scoparic Acids A, B, and C.^{(17 - 24)} Vassourinha's hypoglycemic actions in two diabetic patients were reported in 1985.⁽²⁵⁾ In animal studies between 1993 and 1996, researchers showed that different extracts of Vassourinha demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in rats, antispasmodic activity in guinea pigs and rats, analgesic actions in mice, and hypertensive properties in rats and dogs.^{(26, 27)} In these animal studies they reported no toxicity in amounts up to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight. The antitumorous activity of scopadulcic acid B, one of Vassourinha's main active constituents, was demonstrated in a 1993 study.⁽²⁸⁾ This same phytochemical and another called Scopadulin demonstrated antiviral properties in two prior studies, including against Herpes Simplex I in vivo in hamsters.^{(29, 30)} An ethanol extract of the whole plant of Vassourinha demonstrated an ability to inhibit receptor binding to both dopamine and serotonin receptors in another recent study.⁽³¹⁾

Scientists have been trying since the mid 1990's to synthesize several phytochemicals found in Vassourinha, including scopadulcic acid B, for their use in the pharmaceutical industry. Since before scientists became interested in Vassourinha, and probably long afterward, herbalists and natural health practitioners will continue to use the natural plant for a effective natural remedy for upper respiratory problems and viruses, menstrual problems, and as a natural hypotensive, analgesic and antispasmodic agent when needed.

10 "Scoparia dulcis L. Scrophulariaceae. "Bati matsoti", "Escobilla", "Ñucñu-pichana", "Piqui pichana". Leaf infusion used for bronchitis, cough, diarrhea, fevers, kidney diseases, and hemorrhoids (RVM, VDF). Leaf infusion antidiarrheic and emetic (CAA). Antiseptic leaf decoction used for wounds; and fever. "Créoles" use the leaf decoction mixed with maternal milk as an antiemetic for infants. Dried leaves used by as a marihuana substitute. "Palikur" use the leaf decoction in antipyretic baths and in poultices for migraine headaches (GMJ). Ecuadorians take the tea for pain and swelling (SAR). "Tikuna" drink the tea, with or without "paico", three days during the menses as an abortifacient or contraceptive (SAR). Four to five plants tied together make the typical river-dweller's broom (RVM). Brazilians add the root to the bath when "cleaning their blood" (BDS). They apply strained leaf juice for eye ailments; and to infected wounds (erysipelas) (BDS)."