Maytenus spinosa
Maytenus spinosa, commonly known as the "maguey" or "espinilla" in various regional dialects, is a resilient medicinal shrub native to parts of South America. Renowned for its bioactive properties, this plant is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, skin ailments, and various digestive disorders.
- Scientific name: Maytenus spinosa
- 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 order Celastrales, it falls under the family Celastraceae. Finally, it is categorized 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 spinosa, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as the Spiny Maytenus, while in Spanish, it is commonly called Maytenus espinoso. In Portuguese, it is known as Maytenus espinhoso, and in French, it is referred to as Maytenus épineux.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of South America. In Western South America, its presence is noted within the borders of Bolivia. Moving toward the southern part of the continent, it can be found in the northeast of Argentina. Additionally, the species extends into the northwest regions of Argentina. Finally, its geographical range also encompasses parts of Paraguay in Southern South America.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina Northeast | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina Northwest | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Paraguay | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Maytenus spinosa, utilizes various anatomical components to provide its therapeutic properties. The roots are often studied for their bioactive compounds, which are extracted to treat various ailments in traditional medicine. Additionally, the leaves serve as a primary source of medicinal constituents, frequently being used in decoctions or infusions to harness the plant's healing potential.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Maytenus spinosa has 2 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Maytenus spinosa has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HIV.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| HIV | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |