Acalypha guatemalensis
Acalypha guatemalensis, commonly known as the "copperleaf" or "guatemalan acalypha," is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its unique foliage, it is traditionally utilized in herbal medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, skin ailments, and digestive issues, offering significant therapeutic potential in ethnobotanical studies.
- Scientific name: Acalypha guatemalensis
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Euphorbiaceae. Its scientific identity is further defined by its placement in the genus Acalypha.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Acalypha | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific range across North and Central America. In Mexico, it can be found throughout the Southwest region. Its presence also extends into the Southeast portion of Mexico. Moving into Central America, the species is documented in Guatemala. Additionally, the distribution reaches further south into Honduras.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
| Central America | Guatemala | WCVP |
| Central America | Honduras | WCVP |
Activities
Acalypha guatemalensis has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Acalypha guatemalensis has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include bacteria, fungi, gastrointestinal disorders.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| bacteria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fungi | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastrointestinal disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |