Baillonella toxisperma
Baillonella toxisperma, commonly known as Curare, is a woody climber native to South American rainforests. Historically significant, its bark contains potent alkaloids used by indigenous tribes to create arrow poisons. In modern pharmacology, its bioactive compounds have provided vital insights into neuromuscular blocking agents used during surgical anesthesia.
- Scientific name: Baillonella toxisperma
- Family: Sapotaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Ericales and the family Sapotaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Baillonella.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Sapotaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Baillonella | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in Nigeria. Moving into the West-Central Tropical Africa region, it can be found in the Central African Republic and Cameroon. Its range also extends to the nation of Congo within this same central belt. Additionally, the species is recorded in the territory of Cabinda.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cabinda | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Congo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gabon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
Chemicals
Baillonella toxisperma has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, resveratrol.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| epicatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epigallocatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epigallocatechin gallate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| resveratrol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Baillonella toxisperma has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antihyperglycemic, Antihyperlipidemic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antihyperglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihyperlipidemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Baillonella toxisperma has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, cardiovascular risk.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antihyperglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antihyperlipidemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardiovascular risk | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |