Myrciaria dubia
Myrciaria dubia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Myrciaria dubia is a remarkable plant species primarily valued for the nutritional and therapeutic properties of its fruit. The fruit is rich in essential bioactive compounds, including ascorbic acid, vitamin C, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. When utilized in preparations such as flour or single plant extracts, it offers a diverse range of health-promoting activities. Research indicates that it possesses potent antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. Additionally, its potential as an ACE-inhibitor makes it a significant subject of interest for managing cardiovascular health.
- Synonyms
- Eugenia Grandiglandulosa · Myrciaria Divaricata · 12 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Myrciaria dubia is a versatile fruit-bearing plant known by a wide array of regional names. It is most famously recognized by the common name Camu camu, though it is also referred to as amazoninrypälemyrtti in certain contexts. Depending on the local dialect and habitat, you might also hear it called arazá-de-água or simply araçá. Furthermore, the plant is frequently identified as araçá-da-várzea to highlight its specific ecological niche. These diverse monikers reflect the plant's deep integration into various cultural and linguistic landscapes.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Myrciaria dubia is a botanical subject characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms that can often confuse researchers. Scientific literature frequently identifies this species under the name Eugenia divaricata, reflecting its evolving classification. It is also closely linked to Eugenia grandiglandulosa and Myrciaria caurensis through various historical descriptions. Furthermore, the plant has been referred to as Myrciaria divaricata in several botanical contexts. Finally, the synonym Myrciaria lanceolata serves as another important reference point for understanding its diverse naming history.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Myrciaria dubia is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this diverse kingdom, the plant is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further belongs to the order Myrtales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. This species is a member of the genus Myrciaria, a grouping of closely related plants. Ultimately, its precise botanical identity is established by its placement within the Myrtaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Myrciaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Myrciaria dubia is widely distributed across various regions of South America, showcasing a remarkable range. In Brazil, this plant can be found spanning from the northern territories to the west-central areas. Its presence extends into Northern South America, where it thrives in both Guyana and Venezuela. Furthermore, the species reaches into Western South America, establishing a foothold in Bolivia. This extensive geographical spread highlights the plant's adaptability to diverse South American environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Myrciaria dubia is a self-supporting plant characterized by its distinct tree growth form. Depending on its environment, this species can reach a minimum height of 3 meters. In ideal conditions, the plant continues to expand until it attains a maximum height of 17 meters. This impressive stature allows it to establish a significant presence within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Myrciaria dubia, commonly known as camu-camu, possesses a diverse range of therapeutic properties that make it a significant subject of pharmacological interest. Due to its high concentrations of vitamin C, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, this plant demonstrates strong antioxidant activity. Research also indicates that it exhibits valuable hypoglycemic potential, which could assist in managing blood sugar levels. Additionally, the plant shows hypolipidemic effects, contributing to the regulation of lipid metabolism. Together, these biological activities highlight its promising role in addressing complex metabolic conditions like cardiodiabesity.
Compounds
Myrciaria dubia, commonly known as camu camu, is a medicinal plant distinguished by its exceptionally high nutrient profile. Research indicates that this fruit contains significant amounts of ascorbic acid, which is also recognized as vitamin C. In addition to these essential nutrients, the plant is a rich source of various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and polyphenols. These constituents contribute to the fruit's notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic potential. Consequently, the presence of these specific phytochemicals makes Myrciaria dubia a subject of great interest for managing complex metabolic conditions.
Conditions
Myrciaria dubia exhibits significant antimicrobial properties that allow it to treat 36 different micro-organisms, including various bacteria and yeast. This plant also shows therapeutic potential in the management of cardiodiabesity due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects. In studies regarding male fertility, the species has been shown to increase daily sperm production (DSP). Furthermore, Myrciaria dubia acts as a magnetoprotector that treats the damaging effects of ELF-MF in spermatogenesis by counteracting oxidative damage. Through these antioxidant functions, the plant effectively treats the decrease in sperm quality caused by exposure to magnetic fields.
Preparations
Myrciaria dubia is prepared as flour to serve as a magnetoprotector against oxidative damage in male mouse infertility studies. This flour demonstrates significant antioxidant activity that helps recover sperm viability and mitochondrial function after exposure to magnetic fields. Additionally, Myrciaria dubia is prepared as single plant extracts to evaluate its medicinal properties in the Peruvian Amazon. These specific extracts have been tested for their antimicrobial efficacy against various bacteria and yeast strains. Through the study of these extracts, researchers have successfully identified key secondary metabolites and antimicrobial fractions within the plant.
Parts used
Myrciaria dubia, commonly known as camu camu, is a medicinal plant whose fruit is highly valued for its exceptional levels of ascorbic acid and antioxidant properties. Research indicates that the consumption of this fruit can significantly improve spermatogenesis by increasing various stages of the spermatogenic cycle. Additionally, camu camu flour serves as a potent magnetoprotector, helping to counteract oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by magnetic field exposure. Chemical analyses of the fruit also reveal a complex profile of volatile constituents, including $\alpha$-pinene and $\beta$-ocimene, which contribute to its unique aroma. These diverse nutritional and medicinal benefits highlight the importance of the camu camu fruit in both health supplementation and toxicological protection.