Hypericum brasiliense

Hypericum brasiliense, commonly known as a member of the St. John's wort family, is a versatile medicinal plant native to South American landscapes. Renowned for its diverse bioactive compounds, it is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to address inflammatory conditions, promoting healing through its potent phytochemical properties and antioxidant effects.

  • Scientific name: Hypericum brasiliense
  • Family: Hypericaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Malpighiales and is a member of the family Hypericaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Hypericum and the species Hypericum brasiliense.

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

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Hypericum brasiliense, is identified by several common names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese, it is referred to as 巴西金丝桃 (zh), which is also the standard form used in Simplified Chinese (zh-hans) and specifically within mainland China (zh-cn).
Language Common Name Source
zh 巴西金丝桃 Wikidata
zh-hans 巴西金丝桃 Wikidata
zh-cn 巴西金丝桃 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions of South America. In the western portion of the continent, it can be found growing in Bolivia. Within Brazil, its presence is widespread, spanning the Northeast, Southeast, and South regions. Additionally, the species extends into the southern part of the continent. Specifically, it is located in the Northeast region of Argentina.

Region Area Source
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil South WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northeast WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northwest WCVP
Southern South America Paraguay WCVP
Southern South America Uruguay WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Hypericum brasiliense, possesses distinct morphological features across its various structures that contribute to its medicinal profile. The stems are typically slender and woody at the base, providing a sturdy framework for the plant's growth. Below the surface, the roots form an extensive system designed to anchor the plant and absorb essential nutrients from the soil. The leaves are arranged along the stems, often characterized by their specific shape and texture, which are key identifiers for the species. Most notably, the flowers emerge as delicate reproductive organs, often displaying vibrant colors that attract pollinators and serve as a primary focus for botanical study.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flowers 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Hypericum brasiliense has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 18 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,5-dihydroxyxanthone, betulinic acid, quercetin, 5-hydroxy-1-methoxyxanthone, 6-deoxyjacareubin.

Total chemicals
15
Scientific sources
18

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
1,5-dihydroxyxanthone 2 ★☆☆☆☆
betulinic acid 2 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
5-hydroxy-1-methoxyxanthone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
6-deoxyjacareubin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chlorogenic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
guaijaverin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hyperbrasilone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hyperoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isoquercitrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Hypericum brasiliense has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Hypericum brasiliense has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include edema, hemolysis, hemorrhage, proteolysis, snake bite.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
edema 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hemolysis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hemorrhage 1 ★☆☆☆☆
proteolysis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
snake bite 1 ★☆☆☆☆