Casimiroa tetrameria
Casimiroa tetrameria, commonly known as "palo de mico" in certain regions, is a medicinal shrub valued in traditional ethnobotany. Primarily used in folk medicine to treat respiratory ailments and digestive issues, this plant offers significant pharmacological potential, warranting further scientific investigation into its bioactive compounds and therapeutic properties.
- Scientific name: Casimiroa tetrameria
- Family: Rutaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is categorized within the order Sapindales and the family Rutaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Casimiroa, specifically as the species Casimiroa tetrameria.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Rutaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Casimiroa | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Casimiria tetrameria, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as the four-leaf Casimiria, while in Spanish, it is commonly called la casimiria de cuatro hojas. In Portuguese, the plant is known as casimiria de quatro folhas, and in the local context of certain regions, it may also be referred to as la casimiria de cuatro hojas.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical range stretching from North America through Central America. In Mexico, its presence is documented across several distinct regions, including the Gulf coast, the Southwest, and the Southeast. Moving southward, the species is also found within the borders of Belize. Furthermore, its distribution extends into the Central American country of Costa Rica. Collectively, these locations highlight the diverse habitats where the species can be located.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
| Central America | Belize | WCVP |
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | Guatemala | WCVP |
| Central America | Honduras | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Casimiria tetrameria, is primarily utilized in traditional medicine through its leaves. These leaves serve as the main medicinal component, often being prepared as decoctions or infusions to harness their therapeutic properties. Because the leaves contain the concentrated bioactive compounds necessary for healing, they are the most significant part of the plant used in various folk remedies.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Casimiroa tetrameria has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5,6,2',3',5',6'-hexamethoxyflavone, 5,6,2',3',6'-pentamethoxyflavone, furanocoumarin.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 5,6,2',3',5',6'-hexamethoxyflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5,6,2',3',6'-pentamethoxyflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| furanocoumarin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Casimiroa tetrameria has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antisecretory, Spasmolytic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antisecretory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Spasmolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Casimiroa tetrameria has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include dysentery, gastrointestinal disorders.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| dysentery | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastrointestinal disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |