Critonia aromatisans

Critonia aromatica, commonly known as aromatic critonia, is a resilient medicinal shrub native to the Brazilian Cerrado. Renowned for its potent essential oils, this plant offers significant therapeutic potential. It is frequently studied for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable subject in ethnobotanical research.

  • Scientific name: Critonia aromatisans
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Northern 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 Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Critonia as Critonia aromatica.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Critonia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Critonia aromatica, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as aromatic critonia, while in Portuguese, it is commonly called critônia-aromática.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range of occurrence across North America and the Caribbean islands. In the North American region, its presence is primarily concentrated in Southeast Mexico. Moving toward the Caribbean, the species can also be found inhabiting the island of Cuba. Additionally, its distribution extends to the Dominican Republic within the same island chain. These locations define the known geographical boundaries for this medicinal species.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Southeast WCVP
Caribbean Cuba WCVP
Caribbean Dominican Republic WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Critonia aromatica, utilizes its leaves as a primary component for medicinal purposes. These leaves are characterized by their aromatic qualities, often releasing a distinct scent when crushed or processed. In various traditional practices, the leaves are harvested and prepared to harness their bioactive compounds, which are believed to contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic profile.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Critonia aromatisans has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include IL-6, cyclocolorenone, nitric oxide, stigmasterol.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
IL-6 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cyclocolorenone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
nitric oxide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stigmasterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Critonia aromatisans has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, joint pain, rheumatism.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
joint pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatism 1 ★☆☆☆☆