Pengua
Macaranga mappa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Pengua, scientifically known as Macaranga mappa, is a significant medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is frequently utilized in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. This plant holds immense pharmacological potential, offering valuable insights into natural treatments for skin and inflammatory conditions.
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Tropical
- Parts used
- Leaf
- Common names
- Pengua
- Scientific synonyms
- Alchornea Mappa · Tanarius Mappa · 3 more
Names
Common Names
- Pengua
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Macaranga mappaSynonyms
- Alchornea mappa
- Tanarius mappa
- Acalypha mappa
- Ricinus mappa
- Mappa moluccana
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 is organized into the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Macaranga, specifically as the species Macaranga mappa.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Macaranga | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical range across several distinct tropical regions. Within the Malesia botanical zone, it can be found specifically in the Maluku islands. Its distribution also extends to the island of Sulawesi, further establishing its presence in Southeast Asia. Beyond the Indo-Pacific region, the species has reached the North-Central Pacific. Notably, it is also documented as growing in the remote archipelago of Hawaii.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Malesia | Maluku | WCVP |
| Malesia | Sulawesi | WCVP |
| North-Central Pacific | Hawaii | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Macaranga mappa, is primarily utilized in traditional medicine through its large, heart-shaped leaves. These expansive leaves are characterized by their distinct venation and are often harvested to prepare various topical applications or decoctions. In many ethnobotanical practices, the leaves are valued for their specific bioactive compounds, which are believed to contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties when applied to the skin or processed for medicinal use.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Macaranga mappa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include mappain.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| mappain | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
mappain
- Journal of natural products
Activities
Macaranga mappa has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Cytotoxic | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Macaranga mappa has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include ovarian cancer.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| ovarian cancer | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |