Caryocar coriaceum

Caryocar coriaceum, commonly known as pequi-do-mato, is a remarkable medicinal plant native to the Brazilian Cerrado. Renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it offers significant therapeutic potential. This resilient species is increasingly studied for its bioactive compounds, providing valuable natural resources for modern pharmacology and traditional wellness.

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

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Caryocaraceae. Finally, it is categorized under the 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

Common Names

This plant, known in Portuguese as Piqui, is highly valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. In Spanish-speaking regions, it is frequently referred to as Aceite de pequiá or Aceite de pequia, reflecting its importance in traditional uses.
Language Common Name Source
pt Piqui Wikidata
es Aceite de pequiá Wikidata
es Aceite de pequia Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is native to several key regions within the expansive territory of Brazil. Its primary distribution can be found throughout the Brazil North region, where it thrives in tropical environments. Additionally, the species is widely recorded across the Brazil Northeast area. The geographical range also extends significantly into the Brazil West-Central portion of the country. Together, these locations highlight the broad ecological presence of Caryocar coriaceum across the Brazilian landscape.

Region Area Source
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Caryocar coriaceum, possesses various parts that are utilized for their medicinal and nutritional properties. The large fruits serve as the primary source of interest, particularly the nutrient-dense fruit pulp which is rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids. Extracted from these components is a highly valued fixed oil, which is frequently used in traditional applications for its emollient and healing qualities. Additionally, the bark of the tree is often employed in decoctions, contributing to the plant's diverse range of therapeutic uses in folk medicine.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
5
Plant Part Sources Confidence
fruits 2 ★☆☆☆☆
fruit pulp 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fix oil 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Caryocar coriaceum has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechins, fatty acids, flavonoids, flavonols, oil.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
catechins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fatty acids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oil 1 ★☆☆☆☆
triglycerides 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Caryocar coriaceum has 6 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antinociceptive, Antioxidant, Gastroprotective, Hypolipemic.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimicrobial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antinociceptive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Gastroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hypolipemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hypolipidemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Caryocar coriaceum has 13 reported medicinal uses identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida tropicalis, bronchitis, burns, dyslipidemia, eczema.

Total uses
13
Scientific sources
13

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Candida tropicalis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bronchitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
burns 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dyslipidemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
eczema 1 ★☆☆☆☆
erectile dysfunction 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fatigue 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fever 1 ★☆☆☆☆
heart murmurs 1 ★☆☆☆☆
indigestion 1 ★☆☆☆☆