Palicourea coriacea
Palicourtea coriacea, commonly known as “erva-de-rato,” is a medicinal shrub native to Brazil. Renowned in traditional medicine, it is primarily utilized for its potent diuretic and antihypertensive properties. Rich in alkaloids, this plant serves as a vital resource in ethnobotany for managing hypertension and promoting urinary health.
- Scientific name: Palicourea coriacea
- Family: Rubiaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Gentianales, it is a member of the Rubiaceae family. Its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Palicourea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Rubiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Palicourea | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution across the South American continent. It can be found growing within the borders of Bolivia in Western South America. Furthermore, its presence is noted in several distinct regions of Brazil. Specifically, it inhabits the West-Central, Southeast, and South portions of the country. These various locations highlight its regional range throughout the tropical and subtropical zones.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil South | WCVP |
Activities
Palicourea coriacea has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antigenotoxic, Cytotoxic, Genotoxic.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antigenotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Genotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |