Palicourea rigida
Palicourtea rigida, commonly known as "erva-de-rato," is a significant medicinal shrub native to South American rainforests. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, particularly indole diterpenes, it is traditionally used to treat malaria and various infections. Modern pharmacological research continues to explore its diverse therapeutic potential and biological activity.
- Scientific name: Palicourea rigida
- Family: Rubiaceae
- 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. Within the order Gentianaales, it is classified under the family Rubiaceae. It is further identified by the genus Palicourea, which distinguishes this specific medicinal species.
| 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 is primarily distributed across several regions in Northern South America. Specifically, it can be found growing within the territories of French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. Its presence also extends into the country of Venezuela. Beyond the northern reaches, the species is located in Western South America. This distribution pattern confirms that the plant inhabits parts of both the northern and western continental regions.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern South America | French Guiana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Guyana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Suriname | WCVP |
| 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 West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
Chemicals
Palicourea rigida has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoid.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |