Caryocar brasiliense

Caryocar brasiliense, commonly known as Pequi, is a charismatic tree native to the Brazilian Cerrado. Renowned for its aromatic, bright yellow fruit, it holds profound cultural and nutritional significance. Beyond its culinary uses, the plant offers diverse medicinal properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a vital botanical resource.

  • Scientific name: Caryocar brasiliense
  • Family: Caryocaraceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is positioned in the order Malpighiales and the family Caryocaraceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Caryocar.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Caryocaraceae WCVP
Genus Caryocar WCVP

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions of South America. In the western part of the continent, its presence is noted in Bolivia. Within Brazil, it can be found across a vast expanse, including the North and South regions. Furthermore, it is well-established in the West-Central and Southeast areas of the country. This broad range highlights the diverse environmental adaptability of the species.

Region Area Source
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP
Brazil Brazil South WCVP
Southern South America Paraguay WCVP

Chemicals

Caryocar brasiliense has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include polyphenols, Flavonoids, calcium, condensed tannin, ellagitannins.

Total chemicals
11
Scientific sources
12

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
polyphenols 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
calcium 1 ★☆☆☆☆
condensed tannin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ellagitannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hydrolyzable tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lycopene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
magnesium 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Caryocar brasiliense has 6 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic, Antigenotoxic, Antimicrobial, Cardioprotective.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticarcinogenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antigenotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cardioprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Caryocar brasiliense has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Escherichia coli, inflammation, pain, rheumatoid arthritis.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Escherichia coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatoid arthritis 1 ★☆☆☆☆