Hymenaea cangaceira

Hymenaea cangaceira, commonly known as a member of the legume family, is a medicinal plant native to specific tropical regions. Renowned for its unique phytochemical profile, it offers significant therapeutic potential. Researchers study its bioactive compounds to explore applications in treating inflammation and protecting cells against oxidative stress.

  • Scientific name: Hymenaea cangaceira
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae and is identified by the genus Hymenaea. Specifically, this medicinal species is known as Hymenaea cangaceira.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Hymenaea WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Hymenaea cangaceira, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In Portuguese, it is commonly referred to as cangaceira, while in English, it is often called the cangaceira tree.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is native to the specific environmental conditions found within the country of Brazil. Its geographical distribution is primarily concentrated in the Northeast region of the nation. Within this territory, it occupies distinct ecological niches that support its medicinal properties. Because it is localized to this area, studying its habitat is essential for conservation efforts. Therefore, the presence of Hymenaea cangaceira is a key characteristic of the Northeastern Brazilian landscape.

Region Area Source
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Hymenaea cangaceira, is valued for its specific chemical constituents, most notably the essential oil derived from its various parts. This essential oil is a key component studied for its potential therapeutic properties, containing a complex mixture of volatile compounds that contribute to the plant's medicinal profile.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
essential oil 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Hymenaea cangaceira has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antinociceptive.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antinociceptive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Hymenaea cangaceira has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include DNA damage, infections, inflammation, pain, rheumatism.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
DNA damage 1 ★☆☆☆☆
infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatism 1 ★☆☆☆☆