Coccoloba mollis
Coccoloba mollis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Coccoloba mollis is a botanical species recognized for its diverse therapeutic potential in traditional medicine. Various medicinal preparations, specifically ethanolic extracts from the leaves and roots, are utilized to harness its bioactive properties. These plant-derived substances are primarily employed to address specific health conditions such as anemia, insomnia, and memory loss. By utilizing both the leaf and the root, practitioners can access a broad spectrum of phytochemical benefits. Consequently, this plant serves as a significant resource in the study of natural remedies for neurological and hematological support.
- Synonyms
- Uvifera Polystachya · Coccoloba Polystachya Var. Mollis · 5 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Root
Classification
Common Names
Coccoloba mollis is a distinctive plant known by several different regional names. It is frequently referred to by the common name Capeba in various botanical circles. In other areas, locals may call it Falso-novateiro to distinguish it from similar species. Some people also recognize the plant as Folha-de-bolo, reflecting its unique cultural identity. These diverse naming conventions highlight the widespread recognition of this versatile species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Coccoloba mollis is a taxonomically complex species that has been identified by several different scientific names throughout history. It is widely recognized as being synonymous with Coccoloba dugandiana and Coccoloba latifolia. Furthermore, the plant is often categorized under the name Coccoloba paniculata in various botanical records. Researchers also frequently encounter it listed as Coccoloba polystachya within different studies. This classification even extends to specific variations, such as Coccoloba polystachya var. glabra, highlighting the intricate nature of its nomenclature.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Coccoloba mollis belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse branch of the living world. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Caryophyllales, which connects it to a specific group of flowering plants. This species is a member of the genus Coccoloba, a group known for its unique botanical characteristics. Finally, it is nested within the family Polygonaceae, marking its definitive place in the biological hierarchy.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Coccoloba |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Coccoloba mollis is a plant species widely distributed across the diverse landscapes of South America. Its presence is particularly notable throughout Brazil, where it can be found spanning from the Northeast to the Southeast. The species also thrives in the West-Central regions of Brazil and reaches into the southern portions of the continent. Beyond Brazilian borders, its habitat extends into Northern South America, specifically encompassing French Guiana. This broad geographical range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various ecological niches within the region.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Coccoloba mollis is a self-supporting species that takes the form of a sturdy tree. This plant reaches impressive dimensions, typically attaining a maximum height of 14 meters. However, under optimal conditions, it can occasionally stretch to a height of up to 15 meters. Such a robust growth habit makes it a notable feature in its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Coccoloba mollis is a medicinal plant popularly used in phytotherapy to treat various health concerns. It is frequently employed to manage stress and address instances of insomnia. The plant is also utilized to treat anemia and cases of impaired vision. Furthermore, Coccoloba mollis is a common remedy for addressing loss of memory. These traditional applications highlight the diverse therapeutic roles attributed to this species.
Preparations
Coccoloba mollis is prepared as ethanolic extracts from the leaves to investigate its potential genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Research also shows that Coccoloba mollis is prepared as ethanolic extracts from the roots for use in various biological assays. Specifically, Coccoloba mollis is prepared as ethanolic extracts of the leaves to test for DNA damage and apoptosis induction in hepatic cells. Furthermore, Coccoloba mollis is prepared as ethanolic extracts of the roots to evaluate cytotoxicity through the MTT assay. These different preparations allow scientists to compare how the various parts of the plant interact with different biological systems.
Parts used
Coccoloba mollis is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally utilized in phytotherapy to address conditions such as stress and memory loss. To better understand its biological properties, researchers have focused their investigations on specific parts of the plant, namely the leaves and the roots. Scientific studies have employed ethanolic extracts from both the leaves and roots to evaluate potential cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. While both components were tested for DNA damage, the results indicated that the root extracts exhibited higher levels of cytotoxicity compared to those derived from the leaves. Ultimately, these specialized analyses of the plant's various parts provide essential data regarding the safety and efficacy of Coccoloba mollis.