Maytenus quadrangulata

Maytenus quadrangulata, commonly known as Celastrus or Celastrus quadrangulata, is a versatile medicinal shrub highly valued in traditional medicine. Renowned for its therapeutic properties, this plant is frequently used to treat digestive issues, inflammation, and skin ailments. Its bioactive compounds offer significant potential for modern pharmacological research and development.

  • Scientific name: Maytenus quadrangulata
  • Family: Celastraceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Celastrales and 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, known scientifically as Maytenus quadrangulata, is recognized by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Chinese, it is frequently referred to by the names 四棱卫矛, 四棱福木, or 金榄, with the specific designations 四棱卫矛, zh-hans: 四棱卫矛, and zh-cn: 四棱卫矛 also being utilized to identify this medicinal species.
Language Common Name Source
zh 四棱卫矛 Wikidata
zh-hans 四棱卫矛 Wikidata
zh-cn 四棱卫矛 Wikidata
zh 金榄 Wikidata
zh 四棱福木 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is naturally distributed across specific regions within the vast territory of Brazil. Its presence is notably documented within the Northeast region of the country. Furthermore, it can also be found growing throughout the Southeast part of Brazil. These two distinct geographical areas represent its primary native range. Consequently, its occurrence is concentrated in these particular Brazilian biomes.

Region Area Source
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Maytenus quadrangulatia, utilizes various morphological structures for its medicinal properties. The leaves are typically small, elliptical, or lanceolate in shape, often serving as a primary source of bioactive compounds used in traditional remedies. Additionally, the branches, which are characterized by their distinct quadrangular or four-angled stems, are frequently employed in herbal preparations to treat various ailments.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
branches 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Maytenus quadrangulata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechins.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
catechins 1 ★☆☆☆☆