Carapa guianensis
Carapa guianenis, commonly known as a medicinal powerhouse in regional ethnobotany, is a plant valued for its diverse therapeutic properties. Traditionally used to treat various ailments, it contains bioactive compounds that offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Understanding its chemical profile is essential for exploring its potential in modern pharmacology.
- Scientific name: Carapa guianensis
- Family: Meliaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Carapa guianenis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Sapindales and the family Meliaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Carapa.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Meliaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Carapa | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Carapa guianensis, is recognized by various names depending on the language and region. In Portuguese, it is commonly referred to as Andiroba, while in Dutch, it is called Krappa. It is also identified by the transliterated name كارابا جيانينسيس in Egyptian Arabic (arz) and simply as كربة in Arabic (ar). Furthermore, in Chinese (zh), the plant is known as 苦油楝.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Andiroba | Wikidata |
| nl | Krappa | Wikidata |
| arz | كارابا جيانينسيس | Wikidata |
| ar | كربة | Wikidata |
| zh | 苦油楝 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 苦油楝 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 苦油楝 | Wikidata |
| de | Andiroba | Wikidata |
| es | Tangaré | Wikidata |
| es | Caoba del Brasil | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, Carapa guianensis, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several countries in Central America. It can be found growing within the diverse ecosystems of Belize. Its presence is also documented throughout the various landscapes of Guatemala and Honduras. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the territories of Nicaragua. Finally, its distribution continues southward into the tropical regions of Costa Rica.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central America | Belize | WCVP |
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | Guatemala | WCVP |
| Central America | Honduras | WCVP |
| Central America | Nicaragua | WCVP |
| Central America | Panamá | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Cuba | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Dominican Republic | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Leeward Is. | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Trinidad-Tobago | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Carapa guianensis, is highly valued for its diverse medicinal and industrial applications derived from its various anatomical components. The most significant part is the seeds, which are encased within a hard, woody fruit. From these seeds, a rich and potent seed oil is extracted, often referred to simply as the oil of the tree, which is widely used for its anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties. Whether one refers to the substance as seeds oil or simply the extracted liquid, its value remains immense in traditional medicine. Additionally, the plant produces a delicate flower that plays a vital role in the reproductive cycle, ensuring the continued production of the medicinal kernels.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 7
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed oil | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seeds oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Carapa guianensis has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include andirobin, gedunin, 7-deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin, methyl-angolensate, mexicanolide.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| andirobin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gedunin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 7-deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methyl-angolensate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mexicanolide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Carapa guianensis has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimutagenic, Insect-Repellent.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimutagenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Insect-Repellent | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Carapa guianensis has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Wound Healing, allergy, gastric cancer, helminthiasis.
- Total uses
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Rhipicephalus sanguineus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Wound Healing | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| allergy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastric cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| helminthiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative DNA damages | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stomach cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |