Mallotus resinosus

Mallotus resinosus, commonly known as the "Resin tree," is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its bioactive resins and leaves, it is used in traditional medicine to treat skin ailments, inflammation, and digestive issues. This botanical treasure offers significant potential for modern pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Mallotus resinosus
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Malpighiales, and the family Euphorbiaceae. Within this taxonomic hierarchy, the medicinal species is identified by the genus Mallotus.

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

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Mallotus resinosus, is recognized by its local common name in Malayalam as കരുവാളിച്ചി (karuvālitchi).
Language Common Name Source
ml കരുവാളിച്ചി Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across several key regions of Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in both India and Sri Lanka. Its range extends into the Indo-China region, where it is documented in Myanmar and Laos. Additionally, the species is present in the Andaman Islands. This wide dispersal highlights the plant's adaptability to various tropical environments.

Region Area Source
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Sri Lanka WCVP
Indo-China Andaman Is. WCVP
Indo-China Laos WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Indo-China Nicobar Is. WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP
Malesia Borneo WCVP
Malesia Jawa WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the Kamala tree, utilizes its various structures for medicinal purposes, with particular significance placed on its roots. While the most famous medicinal component is the resinous fruit, the roots of Mallotus resinosus are also recognized in traditional practices for their therapeutic potential. These underground organs are often processed to extract bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's overall pharmacological profile, supporting its use in diverse herbal remedies.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Mallotus resinosus has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Scopoletin, coumarin.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Scopoletin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coumarin 1 ★☆☆☆☆