Bursera simaruba
Bursera simaruba, commonly known as Rosita or Sinai, is a versatile tropical tree prized in traditional medicine. Native to Central and South America, its resinous bark and leaves possess potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, frequently used to treat skin ailments, digestive issues, and various inflammatory conditions.
- Scientific name: Bursera simaruba
- Family: Burseraceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Sapindales. Finally, it is a member of the family Burseraceae and falls under the genus Bursera.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Burseraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Bursera | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Bursera simaruba, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Estonian, it is referred to as Kummibursera, while in Haitian Creole, it is called Gomye blan. In Hvar dialect, it goes by the name Ameriški balsam, and in Czech, it is known as březule balzámová. Additionally, in Arabic, the plant is identified as بورسيرا سيماروبا.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| et | Kummibursera | Wikidata |
| ht | Gomye blan | Wikidata |
| hsb | Ameriski balsam | Wikidata |
| cs | březule balzámová | Wikidata |
| ar | بورسيرا سيماروبا | Wikidata |
| ml | ബർസെറ സിമാരുബ | Wikidata |
| zh | 銅木 | Wikidata |
| arz | بورسيرا سيماروبا | Wikidata |
| ja | ガンボリンボ | Wikidata |
| et | Turistipuu | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution spanning across parts of North America. In the Southeastern United States, its presence is specifically noted in Florida. Within Mexico, it is widely distributed across the Central and Northeast regions. Additionally, the species can be found throughout the Mexican Gulf territories. Finally, its range extends into the Northwest portion of Mexico.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Florida | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Central | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
| Central America | Belize | WCVP |
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | El Salvador | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Rosita or Simaruba, possesses various components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The bark is particularly significant in traditional medicine, often harvested to create decoctions used to treat skin conditions and inflammatory issues. Additionally, the internal structure of the stem contains a soft pith, which can also be studied for its specific chemical constituents and medicinal potential within the plant's biological framework.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| pith | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Bursera simaruba has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Vitamin E, terpenoids.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin E | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Bursera simaruba has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifungal, Antihypertensive.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Bursera simaruba has 14 reported medicinal uses identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include hypertension, Pityriasis versicolor, Pneumocystis pneumonia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Staphylococcus aureus.
- Total uses
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 15
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| hypertension | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pityriasis versicolor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pneumocystis pneumonia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Porphyromonas gingivalis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Streptococcus mutans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| athlete's foot | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dyslipidemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infectious diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |