Bowdichia virgilioides
Bowdichia virgilioides, commonly known as the "Bowdichia" or "Bico de Papagaio," is a distinctive Brazilian shrub prized for its vibrant, bird-like flowers. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this medicinal plant is valued in traditional practices for its potential therapeutic properties, offering a unique intersection of botanical splendor and natural healing.
- Scientific name: Bowdichia virgilioides
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Bowdichia virgilioides, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Fabales. Finally, it is a member of the family Fabaceae and the genus Bowdichia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Bowdichia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Bowdichia virgilioides, is commonly referred to in Portuguese as Sucupira-preto.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Sucupira-preto | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning several regions of the Americas. In Central America, its presence is specifically documented within the borders of Costa Rica. Moving into Northern South America, it can be found inhabiting the territories of Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. Furthermore, the species extends its reach into Western South America, where it is located in Bolivia. Together, these locations highlight the diverse tropical environments where the species thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Guyana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Suriname | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Bowdichia virgilioides, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional medicinal practices. The medicinal properties are often derived from the stembark, which is carefully harvested for its bioactive compounds. In some applications, the stem bark is specifically processed to extract therapeutic elements, while the roots serve as another vital part of the plant used in decoctions. Additionally, the root bark is recognized for its distinct chemical profile, contributing to the overall pharmacological potential of the species.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stembark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Bowdichia virgilioides has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lupeol, isocordoin, isoquercetin, lupeol acetate, ormosanine.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| lupeol | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isocordoin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoquercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lupeol acetate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ormosanine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sitosterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stigmasterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Bowdichia virgilioides has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antihyperglycemic.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antihyperglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Bowdichia virgilioides has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include hyperglycemia, malaria.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| hyperglycemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |