Lithraea molleoides

Lithraea molleoides, commonly known as Mangle, is a versatile medicinal plant native to Neotropical regions. Renowned for its therapeutic properties, its bark and leaves are traditionally used to treat respiratory ailments, skin inflammations, and digestive issues. This botanical species offers significant potential for pharmacological research and natural healing.

  • Scientific name: Lithraea molleoides
  • Family: Anacardiaceae
  • Native range: Africa

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 Sapindales, falling into the family Anacardiaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Lithraea.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Anacardiaceae WCVP
Genus Lithraea WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Lithraea molleoides, is commonly referred to by the name Aroeira-brava in Portuguese (pt).
Language Common Name Source
pt Aroeira-brava Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a remarkably wide and fragmented geographical distribution across several continents. In Northern Africa, its presence can be identified within the borders of Tunisia. Moving across the Atlantic, it is found in the Southwestern United States, specifically in California, as well as throughout Mexico Central. The species also extends into Western South America, where it inhabits regions of Bolivia. Finally, its range includes the West-Central portion of Brazil.

Region Area Source
Northern Africa Tunisia WCVP
Southwestern U.S.A. California WCVP
Mexico Mexico Central WCVP
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Brazil Brazil West-Central 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

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Lithraea molleoides, utilizes its leaves as a primary component in traditional medicinal practices. The leaves are often harvested to prepare decoctions or infusions, which are valued for their specific therapeutic properties in various folk remedies.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Lithraea molleoides has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (Z,Z)-5-(trideca-4,7-dienyl)resorcinol, 1,3-dihydroxy-5-(tridec-4',7'-dienyl)benzene, caffeic acid, catechol, ferulic acid.

Total chemicals
8
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(Z,Z)-5-(trideca-4,7-dienyl)resorcinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
1,3-dihydroxy-5-(tridec-4',7'-dienyl)benzene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
caffeic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
catechol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ferulic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gallic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
mannitol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rutin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Lithraea molleoides has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiarthritic, Antiseptic, Antiulcer, Antiulcerogenic, Diuretic.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiarthritic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiseptic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiulcer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiulcerogenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Tonic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Lithraea molleoides has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Chlamydia pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Helicobacter pylori, diuretic, gastric ulcers.

Total uses
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Chlamydia pneumoniae 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Chlamydia trachomatis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Helicobacter pylori 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gastric ulcers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
infectious diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
respiratory diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆