Luehea divaricata
Luehea divaricata, commonly known as Açoita-do-cascão, is a versatile medicinal tree native to South American forests. Renowned for its therapeutic properties, the bark is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat inflammation, skin ailments, and digestive issues. This resilient species remains a vital resource in ethnobotanical studies today.
- Scientific name: Luehea divaricata
- Family: Malvaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Malvales and the family Malvaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Luehea, specifically identified as Luehea divaricata.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malvales | WCVP |
| Family | Malvaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Luehea | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Luehea divaricata, is recognized by various common names depending on the region and language. In Portuguese, it is frequently referred to as Açoita-cavalo-miúdo, Açoita-cavalo miúdo, or simply Açoita-cavalo. In Spanish, the species is associated with the names Brotera mediterranea and Thespesia brasiliense.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Açoita-cavalo-miúdo | Wikidata |
| pt | Açoita-cavalo miúdo | Wikidata |
| pt | Açoita-cavalo | Wikidata |
| es | Brotera mediterranea | Wikidata |
| es | Thespesia brasilienses | Wikidata |
| es | Alegria divaricata | Wikidata |
| es | Sota Caballo | Wikidata |
| zh | 庐椅木 | Wikidata |
| zh | 马鞭麻 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions in South America and the Caribbean. Within the country of Brazil, it is widely established across the West-Central, Northeast, Southeast, and South regions. Beyond the borders of Brazil, its presence extends into the Caribbean islands. Specifically, it can be found growing in the Dominican Republic. This widespread range highlights the adaptable nature of the species across diverse environmental zones.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Caribbean | Dominican Republic | 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 | Paraguay | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Uruguay | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known commonly as pau-ferro, possesses various components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The leaves are frequently studied and employed in traditional medicine due to their specific chemical constituents. Additionally, the bark is a vital part of the plant used in decoctions and extracts, often valued for its medicinal strength in various healing practices.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Luehea divaricata has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Triterpenes, flavonoids, isovitexin, lignan, maslinic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Triterpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isovitexin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignan | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| maslinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nitric oxide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| prostaglandins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Luehea divaricata has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Diuretic, Hypotensive.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypotensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Luehea divaricata has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include dysentery, tumors, arthritis, bleeding, bronchitis.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| dysentery | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tumors | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bleeding | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bronchitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatism | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ulcers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |