Eugenia punicifolia
Eugenia puniciifolia, commonly known as the pomegranate shrub, is a versatile medicinal plant valued in traditional healing. Rich in bioactive compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids, it offers potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Often used to treat digestive and skin ailments, it remains a significant subject in ethnopharmacology.
- Scientific name: Eugenia punicifolia
- Family: Myrtaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered as Myrtales and placed in the family Myrtaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is established within the genus Eugenia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Myrtales | WCVP |
| Family | Myrtaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Eugenia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Eugenia puniciifolia, is known by a variety of common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as the strawberry guava, while in Spanish, it is commonly called guayaba fresa or guayaba de fresa. In Portuguese, the plant is known as pitanga or guajaba-fresa, and in French, it is referred to as goyave fraise.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant, Eugenia puniciifolia, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the Caribbean and northern reaches of the South American continent. Within the Caribbean region, its presence is documented in Cuba as well as the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Moving into Northern South America, the species can be found spanning several distinct territories. Specifically, it inhabits the lush landscapes of French Guiana and Guyana. Finally, its geographical range extends further through the country of Suriname.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Caribbean | Cuba | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Trinidad-Tobago | WCVP |
| Northern South America | French Guiana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Guyana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Suriname | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as the Barbados plum or jungle guava, utilizes its leaves as a primary source of medicinal properties. These dark green, glossy leaves are frequently employed in traditional remedies to treat various ailments, such as digestive issues and inflammatory conditions. Due to their rich concentration of bioactive compounds, the leaves are often prepared as infusions or decoctions to harness their therapeutic potential.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Eugenia punicifolia has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechin, gallic acid, myricetin, quercetin, epigallocatechin.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| catechin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myricetin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epigallocatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| proanthocyanidins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Eugenia punicifolia has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiglycation, Antinociceptive, Antioxidant, Antiviral, Gastroprotective.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiglycation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antinociceptive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gastroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Eugenia punicifolia has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, pain, type 2 diabetes.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| type 2 diabetes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |