The zoapatle I--a traditional remedy from Mexico emerges to modern times.

A review of publications from 1529 to 1982 related to the zoapatle was made. Historical, biological, ethnobotanical, agricultural, clinical and chemical studies were noted; most of the early publications were written by Mexican scientists, in Spanish. More recent ones appear in the form of patents dealing with the isolation, characterization and total synthesis of some of its constituents. From this review, ideas emerged that might contribute to the understanding and rational use of this plant, or its chemical constituents, as a new, safe, reliable, inexpensive and - hopefully soon - a widely used interceptive agent.