Picramnia latifolia

Picramnia latifolia, commonly known as the "picramnia" or "pica," is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, it is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, skin ailments, and digestive issues, offering significant potential for modern pharmacological research and development.

  • Scientific name: Picramnia latifolia
  • Family: Picramniaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Picramnia latifolia, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Picramniales. Ultimately, it is a member of the family Picramniaceae and the genus Picramnia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Picramniales WCVP
Family Picramniaceae WCVP
Genus Picramnia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Picramnia latifolia, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic landscape. In English, it is frequently referred to as the broad-leaf picramnia, while in Spanish, it is commonly called picramnia or mamey de monte. In Portuguese, the species is identified as picramnia, and in the local vernacular of certain regions, it may also be known as carrapateiro.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across various regions of North and Central America. In Mexico, its presence is noted in the Gulf region as well as the Southwest. Moving southward into Central America, it can be found throughout the country of Costa Rica. The species also inhabits the landscapes of Honduras. Finally, its geographical range extends into the territory of Nicaragua.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Central America Honduras WCVP
Central America Nicaragua WCVP
Central America Panamá WCVP
Northern South America French Guiana WCVP
Northern South America Guyana WCVP
Northern South America Suriname WCVP
Northern South America Venezuela WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Picramnia latifolia, possesses various anatomical components that contribute to its traditional medicinal uses. The roots are often utilized in herbal preparations due to their concentrated bioactive compounds, which are frequently studied for their potential pharmacological properties. Additionally, the leaves serve as a significant part of the plant, often being harvested for decoctions or extracts to treat various ailments. Together, these plant parts represent the primary elements used in the ethnobotanical applications of this species.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Picramnia latifolia has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-3-methylanthraquinone, 7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin, 7-hydroxycoumarin, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol glucoside.

Total chemicals
8
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
1,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-3-methylanthraquinone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
7-hydroxycoumarin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
beta-sitosterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
beta-sitosterol glucoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chrysophanein 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chrysophanol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pulmatin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Picramnia latifolia has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
malaria 1 ★☆☆☆☆