Cayaponia racemosa

Cayaponia racemosa, commonly known as "Cayuco" or "Cayaponia," is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is traditionally used in folk medicine to treat various ailments, including skin inflammations and digestive issues, owing to its rich bioactive compound profile.

  • Scientific name: Cayaponia racemosa
  • Family: Cucurbitaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Cucurbitales. Finally, it is a member of the family Cucurbitaceae and is categorized under the genus Cayaponia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Cucurbitales WCVP
Family Cucurbitaceae WCVP
Genus Cayaponia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Cayaponia racemosa, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as cayaponia. In Spanish, it is commonly called cayaponia or guaco. In Portuguese, it is known as cayaponia or guaco, while in French, it is referred to as cayaponia.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning both Atlantic islands and various regions of North America. In the Atlantic, its presence is recorded within the Macaronesia region, specifically across the Canary Islands. Within Mexico, it can be found stretching across the Northeast territories. Its range continues through the Gulf regions of Mexico as well. Finally, the species is documented in both the Southwest and Southeast areas of the country.

Region Area Source
Macaronesia Canary Is. WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southeast WCVP
Central America Belize WCVP
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Central America El Salvador WCVP
Central America Guatemala WCVP
Central America Honduras WCVP

Chemicals

Cayaponia racemosa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include cucurbitacin.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
cucurbitacin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Cayaponia racemosa has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Cayaponia racemosa has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Sarcoma 180.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Sarcoma 180 1 ★☆☆☆☆