Maytenus amazonica
Maytenus amazonica, commonly known as a medicinal shrub from the Amazon rainforest, holds significant ethnobotanical importance. Rich in bioactive alkaloids and terpenoids, this plant is traditionally utilized by indigenous communities for its diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, offering promising potential for modern pharmacological research and development.
- Scientific name: Maytenus amazonica
- Family: Celastraceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Celastrales and falls into the family Celastraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Maytenus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Celastrales | WCVP |
| Family | Celastraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Maytenus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Maytenus amazonica, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context of its habitat. In Spanish, it is commonly referred to as espino de monte or espino de monte negro, while in Portuguese, it is known as espinho de monte or espinho negro. In the Quechua language, it is called malku, reflecting its local significance.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical range within the tropical regions of South America. Its distribution is notably recorded in the western part of the continent, specifically within Colombia. Additionally, the species can be found further east in the expansive territories of Brazil. Within the Brazilian landscape, its presence is primarily concentrated in the northern regions of the country. Consequently, these locations define the natural habitat where this medicinal species thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
Chemicals
Maytenus amazonica has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include amazoquinone.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| amazoquinone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Maytenus amazonica has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |