Pfaffia
Pfaffia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Scientifically known as Pfaffia, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to South America. Often called "Ginseng of Brazil," this plant is celebrated for its adaptogenic properties. It is widely used in traditional medicine to boost energy, balance hormones, and enhance overall vitality, offering a natural approach to wellness.
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Native range
- Northern America
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Sertuernera
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
PfaffiaSynonyms
- Sertuernera
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
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 Caryophyllales and the family Amaranthaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Pfaffia.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Pfaffia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical presence across several distinct tropical regions. In Mexico, its distribution spans from the Southwest to the Southeast portions of the country. Moving through Central America, it can be found growing in Costa Rica. The plant also extends into the Caribbean, where it is native to Haiti. Finally, its range reaches the Leeward Islands within the same Caribbean archipelago.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast |
| Central America | Costa Rica |
| Caribbean | Haiti |
| Caribbean | Leeward Is. |
| Caribbean | Trinidad-Tobago |
| Caribbean | Venezuelan Antilles |
| Caribbean | Windward Is. |
| Northern South America | French Guiana |
| Northern South America | Guyana |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Activities
Pfaffia has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Analgesic
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
Conditions
Pfaffia has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include analgesic.
| Condition | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Analgesic
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica