Caraipa densifolia
Caraipa densifolia, commonly known as the "Copaiba" tree, is a vital medicinal species native to South American forests. Renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its resin is frequently utilized in traditional medicine to treat skin ailments, respiratory issues, and infections, serving as a cornerstone of natural healing.
- Scientific name: Caraipa densifolia
- Family: Calophyllaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Calophyllaceae and falls under the genus Caraipa.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Calophyllaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Caraipa | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Caraipa densifolia, is known by various local names depending on the region and language. In Portuguese, it is commonly referred to as caripa, while in Spanish, it is known as caripa.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of the South American continent. In northern South America, it can be found throughout French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. Its presence also extends across the territory of Venezuela within the same northern region. Moving toward the western part of the continent, the species is also documented in Bolivia. Consequently, its natural range spans from the northern coastlines to the interior of western South America.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern South America | French Guiana | 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 North | WCVP |
Chemicals
Caraipa densifolia has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Simiarenol, beta-sitosterol-beta-D-glucoside, betulin, betulinic acid, friedelin.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Simiarenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| beta-sitosterol-beta-D-glucoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betulin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betulinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| friedelin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lupeol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| taraxerone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |