Heteropterys tomentosa

Heteropterys tomentoza, commonly known as "canela-de-velho," is a versatile medicinal shrub native to South American landscapes. Renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it is traditionally used to alleviate joint pain and arthritis. This hardy plant offers a natural approach to managing musculoskeletal discomfort and supporting overall wellness.

  • Scientific name: Heteropterys tomentosa
  • Family: Malpighiaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Malpighiaceae and falls under the genus Heteropterys.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Malpighiaceae WCVP
Genus Heteropterys WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Heteropterys tomentoza, is recognized by various common names depending on the region and language. In Spanish, it is frequently referred to as hierba de la reina, while in English, it is often called queen's herb. Additionally, it is known by the name hierba de la reina in Portuguese.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of the South American continent. In Western South America, its presence is documented within the borders of both Bolivia and Peru. Moving toward the central and eastern parts of the continent, it is found throughout the West-Central and Southeast regions of Brazil. Additionally, the species extends into the Southern South American territory of Paraguay. Together, these locations highlight a wide geographical range spanning from the Andes to the Brazilian highlands.

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

Plant Parts

This plant, Heteropterys tomentoza, possesses medicinal properties that are often associated with its various anatomical structures, particularly the underground components. The roots of this species serve as a vital part of the plant's biological makeup, storing essential nutrients and providing structural stability within the soil. In many traditional medicinal practices, the root is specifically harvested and processed to extract bioactive compounds believed to offer therapeutic benefits.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Heteropterys tomentosa has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include astilbin, taxifolin.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
astilbin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
taxifolin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Heteropterys tomentosa has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Adaptogenic, Aphrodisiac, Stimulant.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Adaptogenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Aphrodisiac 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Stimulant 1 ★☆☆☆☆