Maytenus aquifolium
Maytenus aquifolium, commonly known as the Celastrus or Maytenus tree, is a significant medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Widely utilized in traditional medicine, its leaves and bark possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable natural resource for treating various ailments and promoting holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Maytenus aquifolium
- Family: Celastraceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Maytenus aquifolium, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling under the order Celastrales. Furthermore, it is a member of the family Celaestraceae and is specifically categorized under 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, known scientifically as Maytenus aquifolium, is recognized by various names across different linguistic contexts. In Portuguese, it is referred to as Maytenus aquifolia (pt: Maytenus aquifolia), while in Persian, it is called میتنس آکویفولیا (fa: میتنس آکویفولیا). Additionally, in Dutch (nl: Maytenus aquifolia), German (de: Maytenus aquifolia), and Spanish (es: Maytenus aquifolia), it is commonly identified by the name Maytenus aquifolia.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Maytenus aquifolia | Wikidata |
| fa | میتنس آکویفولیا | Wikidata |
| nl | Maytenus aquifolia | Wikidata |
| de | Maytenus aquifolia | Wikidata |
| es | Maytenus aquifolia | Wikidata |
| it | Maytenus aquifolia | Wikidata |
| fr | Maytenus aquifolia | Wikidata |
| bg | Maytenus aquifolia | Wikidata |
| ru | Maytenus aquifolia | Wikidata |
| la | Maytenus aquifolia | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across specific regions of South America. In Brazil, its presence is noted in both the Southeast and South regions. Moving further south, the species can be found in the Northeastern part of Argentina. Additionally, it inhabits territories within Paraguay. These areas collectively define its primary geographical range across the continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil South | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina Northeast | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Paraguay | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Maytenus aquifolium, commonly known as the "bitter leaf," utilizes its leaves as the primary component in traditional medicinal practices. The leaves are characterized by their small, ovate shape and serrated margins, containing various bioactive compounds that are extracted for their therapeutic properties. In many herbal remedies, these leaves are prepared as decoctions or infusions to address various ailments, making them the most significant part of the plant for medicinal use.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Maytenus aquifolium has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antacid, Anticonvulsant, Antiulcerogenic, Hypnotic.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antacid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticonvulsant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiulcerogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypnotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Maytenus aquifolium has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gastric ulcers, analgesic, antacid, dyspepsias.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| gastric ulcers | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antacid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dyspepsias | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |