Cochlospermum vitifolium

Cochlospermum vitifolium, commonly known as the Buttercup tree, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its vibrant yellow blooms, it holds significant ethnobotanical value. Various parts of the plant are traditionally utilized to treat ailments ranging from skin inflammations to gastrointestinal issues and digestive discomfort.

  • Scientific name: Cochlospermum vitifolium
  • Family: Bixaceae
  • Native range: Pacific

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malvales, it is classified under the family Bixaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Cochlospermum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malvales WCVP
Family Bixaceae WCVP
Genus Cochlospermum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Cochlospermum vitifolium, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In German, it is referred to by several names, including Butterblumenbaum, Hahnenfussbaum, and Wilde Baumwolle. In Arabic, it is called القوقعة النباتيه, while in Chinese, it is known as 毛茛树.
Language Common Name Source
de Butterblumenbaum Wikidata
arz القوقعة النباتيه Wikidata
de Hahnenfussbaum Wikidata
de Wilde Baumwolle Wikidata
zh 毛茛树 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning both the Pacific islands and several regions of Mexico. In the South-Central Pacific, its presence is specifically noted within the Society Islands. Within Mexico, the species can be found across a diverse range of territories including the Central and Northeast regions. Furthermore, it extends its reach into the Mexico Gulf area. Finally, the plant is also documented throughout the Mexico Northwest.

Region Area Source
South-Central Pacific Society Is. WCVP
Mexico Mexico Central WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northwest WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southeast WCVP
Central America Belize WCVP
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Central America El Salvador WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the Yellow Silk Cotton tree, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional medicine, most notably its dried bark. The dried bark is often harvested and processed to extract its therapeutic properties, which are believed to aid in treating various ailments such as skin issues or digestive concerns. By carefully preparing the dried bark, practitioners can harness the specific bioactive compounds stored within the plant's protective outer layer to facilitate healing.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
dried bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cochlospermum vitifolium has 16 reported phytochemicals identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include naringenin, (+/-)-naringenin, antiarol, aromadendrin, coniferyl alcohol.

Total chemicals
16
Scientific sources
17

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
naringenin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
(+/-)-naringenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antiarol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aromadendrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coniferyl alcohol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
epoxyconiferyl alcohol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ferulic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gentisic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
kaempferol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
kobusin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Cochlospermum vitifolium has 7 reported activities identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hypoglycemic, Antidiabetic, Antihypertensive, Antioxidant, Genoprotective.

Total activities
7
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Hypoglycemic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antihypertensive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Genoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Vasorelaxant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Cochlospermum vitifolium has 13 reported medicinal uses identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include hepatitis C, hypertension, jaundice, metabolic syndrome, asthma.

Total uses
13
Scientific sources
17

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
hepatitis C 2 ★☆☆☆☆
hypertension 2 ★☆☆☆☆
jaundice 2 ★☆☆☆☆
metabolic syndrome 2 ★☆☆☆☆
asthma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dyslipidemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
feeding disorders 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hepatitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hypercholesterolemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆