Lonchocarpus chiricanus

Lonchocarpus chiricanus, commonly known as a significant medicinal plant in tropical regions, holds profound ethnobotanical importance. Renowned for its diverse bioactive compounds, this species is traditionally utilized to treat various ailments. Understanding its chemical properties and therapeutic potential offers valuable insights into developing new natural pharmacological treatments.

  • Scientific name: Lonchocarpus chiricanus
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales. Finally, it is a member of the Fabaceae family and is identified by the genus Lonchocarpus.

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

Common Names

This plant, Lonchocarpus chiricanus, is known by various regional names depending on the local language and geographical area. In Spanish, it is commonly referred to as chiricán or chiricán de monte, while in the indigenous languages of the region, it is known as chirican.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a very specific and limited geographical range. Its natural distribution is strictly confined to the region of Central America. Within this area, it is found exclusively in the country of Panamá. This localized presence suggests that the species relies on the unique ecological conditions provided by the Panamanian landscape. Consequently, conservation efforts for this medicinal plant must focus on protecting its specific habitats within this single nation.

Region Area Source
Central America Panamá WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Lonchocarpus chiricanus, is recognized in traditional medicine for the specific therapeutic applications of its anatomical components. Among its various parts, the root bark is particularly notable for its medicinal properties, often being harvested and prepared for its bioactive compounds. Utilizing the root bark allows practitioners to access the concentrated substances stored within the plant's structural foundation, making it a vital element in the study of this species' ethnobotanical significance.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
root bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Lonchocarpus chiricanus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,5-dimethoxystilbene.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
3,5-dimethoxystilbene 1 ★☆☆☆☆