Maytenus erythroxylon
Maytenus erythroxylon, commonly known as the "Pau-ferro" or "Ironwood," is a versatile medicinal plant native to South American forests. Renowned for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat skin conditions, digestive ailments, and various inflammatory processes throughout the tropical regions.
- Scientific name: Maytenus erythroxylon
- Family: Celastraceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Celastrales, it is further categorized into the family Celaestraceae. 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 erythroxylon, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the Gambier tree, while in Spanish, it is known as Gambier. In Portuguese, the plant is called Gambier, and in French, it is identified as le Gambier.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is specifically located within the southeastern region of Brazil. Its natural habitat is concentrated in this particular part of the country. Because of this localized presence, its geographical range is considered quite specific. Researchers studying its ecology focus primarily on these Brazilian territories. Consequently, the species is a characteristic element of the southeastern landscape.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
Chemicals
Maytenus erythroxylon has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, triterpenes.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| steroids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Maytenus erythroxylon has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antisecretory.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antisecretory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Maytenus erythroxylon has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diarrhea.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |