Maytenus macrocarpa
Maytenus macrocarpa, commonly known as a medicinal shrub in various tropical regions, holds significant ethnobotanical importance. Renowned for its bioactive compounds, this plant is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat diverse ailments. Research continues to explore its potential pharmacological properties, highlighting its value in natural therapeutic developments.
- Scientific name: Maytenus macrocarpa
- Family: Celastraceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Maytenus macrocarpa, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Celastrales and the family Celastraceae. Finally, its taxonomic classification is completed within 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 macrocarpa, is known by various regional names depending on the local language and area of occurrence. In English, it is commonly referred to as the large-fruited mayten. Within specific linguistic contexts, it is known as mây gai in Vietnamese, and it is called mây gai lớn in Portuguese.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse range of locations across the South American continent. In the northern part of the region, it can be found growing within Venezuela. Moving toward the western side of the continent, its presence extends into Colombia and Ecuador. Furthermore, its natural habitat includes the territories of Peru and Bolivia. Overall, these specific countries define the primary geographical distribution of the species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Ecuador | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Maytenus macrocarpa, possesses various anatomical components that are utilized for their medicinal properties. The medicinal constituents can be found within the roots and the specific root bark, which are often processed for therapeutic use. Additionally, the bark itself serves as a significant source of bioactive compounds, and the stem bark exudates provide specialized chemical secretions essential to the plant's pharmacology. Finally, the leaves contribute to the overall medicinal profile, making the entire structure from the roots to the foliage a vital part of the plant's traditional application.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem bark exudates | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Maytenus macrocarpa has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3-oxo-29-hydroxyfriedelane, canophyllol, friedelin, triterpenes.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 3-oxo-29-hydroxyfriedelane | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| canophyllol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| friedelin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Maytenus macrocarpa has 4 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic, Antibacterial, Antiparasitic, Antiviral.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cytotoxic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiparasitic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Maytenus macrocarpa has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include bronchitis, diarrhea, rheumatism, wounds.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| bronchitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatism | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |