Guettarda viburnoides

Guettarda viburnoides, commonly known as the viburnum-leaf shrub, is a resilient medicinal plant valued in traditional practices. Renowned for its diverse bioactive compounds, it offers significant therapeutic potential. Exploring its unique phytochemical profile reveals promising applications in treating various ailments, highlighting its importance in natural pharmacology and herbal medicine.

  • Scientific name: Guettarda viburnoides
  • Family: Rubiaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianaales, falling into the family Rubiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Guettarda, specifically as the species Guettarda viburnoides.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Rubiaceae WCVP
Genus Guettarda WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Geerthearda viburnoides, is recognized by several different common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is most frequently referred to as the Viburnum or the False Viburnum, while in Spanish, it is known as guettarda. These various names reflect its botanical classification and its traditional presence in local flora.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread geographical presence across several key regions of the South American continent. Within the country of Brazil, its distribution is remarkably extensive, spanning from the North to the Southeast. It is also found throughout the Northeast and West-Central regions of Brazil. Beyond the borders of Brazil, the species extends its reach into the nation of Bolivia. Together, these locations highlight a significant presence across Western South America and much of the Brazilian territory.

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

Plant Parts

This plant, Guettarda viburnoides, possesses distinct morphological features used for identification, specifically within its stems and leaves. The stems are typically woody and provide the structural framework for the shrub, often displaying a smooth texture as they mature. The leaves are prominent, characterized by their broad, elliptical shape and an entire margin, often arranged in an opposite pattern along the branches to maximize sunlight absorption for photosynthesis.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
Stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Guettarda viburnoides has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include secoxyloganin, Secoxyloganin, condensed tannins, flavonoids, flavonols.

Total chemicals
9
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
secoxyloganin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Secoxyloganin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
condensed tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
grandifloroside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hyperin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
uncaric acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ursolic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Guettarda viburnoides has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Guettarda viburnoides has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include hyperalgesia, inflammation, mechanical allodynia, pain.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
hyperalgesia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
mechanical allodynia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆