Cnidoscolus quercifolius
Cnidoscolus quercifolius, commonly known as Chaya, is a nutrient-dense perennial shrub native to Mesoamerica. Revered in traditional medicine, this "spinach of the Maya" offers significant health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When prepared correctly, it serves as a potent dietary staple rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
- Scientific name: Cnidoscolus quercifolius
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Cnidoscolus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cnidoscolus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Cnidoscolus quercifolius, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Spanish and Italian, it is referred to as Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus, while in Chinese, it is called 栎叶花棘麻. In Portuguese, the plant is commonly known as either Faveleira or Favela.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| es | Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus | Wikidata |
| it | Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus | Wikidata |
| zh | 栎叶花棘麻 | Wikidata |
| pt | Faveleira | Wikidata |
| pt | Favela | Wikidata |
| pt | Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus | Wikidata |
| es | Jatropha phyllacantha | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is characterized by a specific and localized geographical presence. Within the vast landscape of South America, its occurrence is primarily documented in Brazil. More specifically, it is found inhabiting the distinct environmental zones of the Brazilian Northeast. This region provides the particular climatic conditions necessary for the species to thrive. Consequently, its distribution remains concentrated within this specific corner of the country.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Cnidoscolus quercifolius, commonly known as ramón or breadnut, utilizes various components for both nutritional and medicinal purposes. The large, lobed leaves are frequently used in traditional practices, often prepared as decoctions or topical applications to address specific ailments. Additionally, the barks of the plant are recognized for their therapeutic potential, often being harvested to create infusions used in folk medicine to treat various systemic conditions.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| barks | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Cnidoscolus quercifolius has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include terpenoids, cinnamic acid, coumarins, favelanone, flavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| terpenoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cinnamic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumarins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| favelanone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| linamarin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| naphthoquinones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| steroids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cnidoscolus quercifolius has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antibiotic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibiotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cnidoscolus quercifolius has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, antibiotic, inflammation, melanoma.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antibiotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| melanoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |