Attalea butyracea
Attalea butyracea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Attalea butyracea is a significant tropical palm species recognized for its diverse biological applications. In traditional medicinal practices, the fruit of this plant serves as a vital source of therapeutic compounds. Researchers have specifically focused on the potential of fruit extract to address various health concerns. Recent studies indicate that this preparation may play a role in managing conditions such as Giardiasis. Understanding these properties offers valuable insights into the plant's efficacy against intestinal parasites.
- Synonyms
- Scheelea Regia · Scheelea Excelsa · 49 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Attalea butyracea is a versatile palm species known by a wide variety of regional names. In many areas, it is frequently referred to as the American oil palm due to its useful properties. It is also commonly called Corozo, a name that appears in several different forms across various dialects. Some local populations specifically identify it as Corozo de puerco or Corozo de vaca. Additionally, the plant is recognized by the distinct name Yagua Palm in certain botanical contexts.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Attalea butyracea is a complex species that has historically been identified under several different botanical names. Taxonomic studies have revealed that it is synonymous with Attalea bassleriana and Attalea blepharopus. Furthermore, researchers have previously classified this plant as Attalea fairchildensis and Attalea humboldtiana. The nomenclature also includes the name Attalea kewensis, reflecting the varied ways it has been documented in scientific literature. Understanding these various synonyms is essential for maintaining clarity in the botanical study of this palm.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Attalea butyracea is a fascinating specimen that belongs to the expansive kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Arecales, showcasing its evolutionary lineage. It belongs to the distinct genus Attalea, which highlights its specific botanical characteristics. Finally, its placement in the family Arecaceae confirms its status as a member of the palm family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Arecales |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Genus | Attalea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Attalea butyracea is a versatile palm species with a wide geographic footprint spanning across the Americas. In North America, its range extends through various regions of Mexico, including the Gulf, Southeast, and Southwest areas. Moving into Southern America, the plant establishes a significant presence within the borders of Brazil. Specifically, it can be found thriving in the Northern and West-Central territories of this South American nation. This broad distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to diverse environmental conditions across different latitudes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Attalea butyracea is a robust tree characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This species typically reaches a maximum height of 15 meters in many environments. However, under ideal conditions, it can grow even taller, reaching a maximum height of 20 meters. This impressive stature allows it to establish a significant presence within its native ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Attalea butyracea fruit extract demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of giardiasis due to its potent giardicidal activity. In recent studies, this Colombian Amazon palm showed high effectiveness against both genotype A and genotype B strains of Giardia lamblia. The extract primarily works by inducing early apoptosis in the parasites and causing G1/S cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, exposure to the plant extract triggers oxidative stress and disrupts the structural components of the trophozoites. It also exhibits a beneficial synergistic effect when used in conjunction with the first-line drug metronidazole.
Preparations
Attalea butyracea is prepared as a fruit extract to investigate its potential therapeutic properties against gastrointestinal parasites. This specific extract, identified as P-2 in the study, demonstrated significant giardicidal activity against multiple strains of Giardia lamblia. Researchers utilized this fruit-derived preparation to evaluate its effectiveness through MTT colorimetric assays and half-maximal inhibitory concentration measurements. Detailed analysis of the extract revealed that it induces cell death through mechanisms such as early apoptosis and oxidative stress. Ultimately, the use of Attalea butyracea as a fruit extract shows promise for further development in treating giardiasis, especially when used synergistically with metronidazole.
Parts used
Attalea butyracea holds significant therapeutic promise due to the bioactive properties found within its fruit. Recent pharmacological investigations have focused on the fruit extract of this Colombian Amazon palm to evaluate its efficacy against gastrointestinal parasites. Specifically, the extract has demonstrated potent giardicidal activity against multiple human-infecting strains of Giardia lamblia. Researchers discovered that the fruit extract works by inducing early apoptosis and oxidative stress in the parasites. These findings suggest that the fruit of Attalea butyracea could serve as a vital component in the development of new treatments for giardiasis.