Drimys brasiliensis

Drimys brasiliensis, commonly known as the Brazilian medicinal plant, is a fascinating species native to South American ecosystems. Renowned for its diverse phytochemical properties, this plant is increasingly studied for its potential therapeutic applications. Understanding its unique chemical composition offers promising insights into developing new natural treatments and medicines.

  • Scientific name: Drimys brasiliensis
  • Family: Winteraceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Drimys brasiliensis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Canellales. Finally, it is a member of the family Winteraceae and is situated within the genus Drimys.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Canellales WCVP
Family Winteraceae WCVP
Genus Drimys WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Drimys brasiliensis, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic and cultural context of its native habitats. In English, it is frequently referred to as the Canelo tree, while in Spanish, it is commonly called Canelo. In Portuguese, the plant is also known as Canela, and in the Quechua language, it is identified as Chachacoma.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed throughout the diverse landscapes of Western South America, specifically within the borders of Bolivia. In Brazil, its presence is widespread across several distinct macroregions. It can be found inhabiting the environments of the West-Central region as well as the Northeast. Additionally, the species extends into the Southeast portion of the country. Finally, its geographical range reaches into the South region of Brazil.

Region Area Source
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil South WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northeast WCVP
Southern South America Paraguay WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Drimys brasiliensis, commonly known as Canela or Winter's Bark, possesses medicinal properties that are primarily concentrated within its woody structures. The stem barks are highly valued for their therapeutic potential, often being harvested to extract aromatic compounds and essential oils used in traditional remedies. Additionally, the branches of the plant contain similar bioactive constituents, making them a significant component of the plant's overall medicinal profile.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem barks 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Branches 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Drimys brasiliensis has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include polygodial, 9-deoxymuzigadial, alpha-gurjunene, bicyclogermacrene, cyclocolorenone.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
polygodial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
9-deoxymuzigadial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
alpha-gurjunene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bicyclogermacrene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cyclocolorenone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
drimanial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fuegin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Drimys brasiliensis has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Schistosoma mansoni, cancer, leukemia, schistosomiasis.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Schistosoma mansoni 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leukemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
schistosomiasis 1 ★☆☆☆☆