Copaifera epunctata
Copaifera epunctata, commonly known as Copaiba, is a significant medicinal tree native to tropical forests. Renowned for producing a viscous, aromatic oleoresin, it has been used traditionally for its potent anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and healing properties. Today, it remains a vital botanical resource in various natural therapeutic applications.
- Scientific name: Copaifera epunctata
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Copaifera, specifically as the species Copaifera epunctata.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Copaifera | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Copaifera epunctata, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as Copaiba. In Portuguese, it is commonly called Copaíba, while in Spanish, it is known as Copaiba.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several regions of the South American continent. In Northern South America, its presence is documented within the territories of Suriname and Venezuela. Moving toward the western part of the continent, the species can also be found in Colombia and Bolivia. Additionally, its range extends into Brazil, specifically within the West-Central region. Together, these locations highlight the varied habitats where the species is naturally occurring.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern South America | Suriname | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Copaifera epunctata, is highly valued in traditional medicine primarily for its liquid exudates. The most significant component is the Copaiba oil, which is a fragrant, viscous substance harvested directly from the trunk. This liquid is technically an oleoresin, a complex mixture of resin and essential oils that possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties. To obtain medicinal preparations, practitioners often utilize the oleo-resin in its pure form or create a concentrated oleoresinous extract to enhance its therapeutic effects. While much of the medicinal value lies in these fluids, the bark of the tree also plays a role in the overall biological profile of the species.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| oleoresin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oleoresinous extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oleo-resin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Copaiba oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Copaifera epunctata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include sesquiterpenes.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| sesquiterpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Copaifera epunctata has 3 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antinociceptive.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antinociceptive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |