Carapa procera
Carapa procera, commonly known as Carapa or Mahagony, is a versatile medicinal tree native to tropical regions. Renowned for its bioactive seed oil, it possesses significant anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties. Traditionally used to treat skin ailments and infections, this plant remains a vital resource in ethnobotanical research.
- Scientific name: Carapa procera
- Family: Meliaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Carapa procera, 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, its specific taxonomic placement is defined by the 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, scientifically known as Carapa procera, is recognized by various regional names across different cultures and languages. In French-speaking regions, it is commonly referred to as Touloucouna, while in Chinese, it is known by the name 楂楝.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| fr | Touloucouna | Wikidata |
| zh | 楂楝 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known scientifically as Carapa procera, is primarily distributed across the region of West Tropical Africa. Its presence is documented in the country of Burkina, where it grows within specific ecological niches. The species also extends its range into Gambia, contributing to the local flora. Furthermore, it can be found throughout the territories of Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Finally, the geographical reach of this medicinal plant includes the nation of Guinea.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Carapa procera, is highly valued in traditional medicine due to the therapeutic properties found throughout its various structures. The leaves are frequently utilized for their medicinal qualities, often applied or processed to treat skin ailments. The bark and the dense wood of the tree are also significant, often incorporated into decoctions or topical preparations for their healing potential. Furthermore, the seeds are a vital source of vegetable oil, which is widely extracted for its powerful anti-inflammatory and insecticidal properties. Finally, the roots serve as another important component, often used in traditional remedies to address various systemic health concerns.- Total parts
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 11
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wood | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vegetable oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nuts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mistletoes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| berries | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Carapa procera has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include tannins, polyphenols, saponins, steroids.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| tannins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| steroids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Carapa procera has 4 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cosmetic, Antimalarial, Antimicrobial, Insect-Repellent.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimalarial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Insect-Repellent | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Carapa procera has 10 reported medicinal uses identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria, anemia, ants, bacterial infections, fatigue.
- Total uses
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| malaria | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ants | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bacterial infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fatigue | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flies | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mosquitoes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| trachoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tuberculosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |