Exostema caribaeum
Exostemma caribaeum, commonly known as "pau-de-fumo," is a significant medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is traditionally utilized to treat various ailments, including respiratory issues and inflammation. This woody species holds immense potential for pharmacological research and sustainable herbal medicine development.
- Scientific name: Exostema caribaeum
- Family: Rubiaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following its subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized under the order Gentianaales and the family Rubiaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its specific genus, Exostema.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Rubiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Exostema | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical range that extends from the Southeastern United States into various regions of Mexico. In the United States, its presence is primarily noted within the state of Florida. Moving into Mexico, the species is widely distributed across the central territories of the country. It can also be found throughout the northeastern and gulf regions of Mexico. Finally, the distribution extends further west into the southwestern portions of Mexico.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Florida | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Central | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
| Central America | Belize | WCVP |
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | El Salvador | WCVP |
| Central America | Guatemala | WCVP |
Chemicals
Exostema caribaeum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 4-phenylcoumarins, 5,3'-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxy-4-phenylcoumarin, 5,7,4'-trimethoxy-4-phenylcoumarin, chlorogenic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 4-phenylcoumarins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5,3'-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxy-4-phenylcoumarin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5,7,4'-trimethoxy-4-phenylcoumarin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Exostema caribaeum has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum, gastrointestinal disorders.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Plasmodium falciparum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastrointestinal disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |