Brucea tonkinensis
Brucea tonkinensis, commonly known as “brucea,” is a significant medicinal plant native to South American rainforests. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, particularly bruceine, it is traditionally utilized for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties. Modern research continues to explore its vast potential in developing advanced therapeutic treatments.
- Scientific name: Brucea tonkinensis
- Family: Simaroubaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further organized into the order Sapindales and the family Simaroubaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Brucea, specifically as the species Brucea tonkinenensis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Simaroubaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Brucea | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Brucea tonkinenensis, is known by various regional names depending on the language and local tradition. In English, it is commonly referred to as Brucea or Brucea seeds, while in Spanish, it is frequently called mamey de la selva or semilla de brucea. In Portuguese, the plant is known as brucea, and in French, it is referred to as brucea.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is characterized by a very specific and limited geographical range. Within the broader region of Indo-China, its presence is strictly documented in Vietnam. It thrives in the unique ecological conditions provided by this specific Southeast Asian nation. Because its distribution is so localized, it is considered an endemic component of the Vietnamese landscape. Consequently, understanding its habitat within Vietnam is essential for the conservation of this medicinal species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Brucea tonkinenensis, derives much of its therapeutic potential from its specialized anatomy, specifically the root-wood. The root-wood serves as a vital reservoir for various bioactive compounds, including bitter principles and triterpenoids, which are characteristic of the species. In traditional medicinal practices, this dense, woody portion of the root system is often processed to extract the essential elements necessary for its pharmacological applications.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root-wood | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |