Pilocarpus
Pilocarpus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
, scientifically known as Pilocarpus, is a genus of medicinal shrubs native to South America. Renowned for containing the alkaloid pilocarpine, these plants play a vital role in modern pharmacology. They are primarily used to treat glaucoma and manage symptoms of dry mouth, offering significant therapeutic benefits in medicine.
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native range
- Northern America
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
PilocarpusSources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Sapindales and the family Rutaceae. Finally, it is specifically identified by the genus Pilocarpus.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Pilocarpus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across several specific regions within North and Central America. In Mexico, its presence is noted in both the Southwest and the Southeast portions of the country. Moving into Central America, the species can be found inhabiting the territory of Belize. Its range further extends through the region to include Costa Rica. Finally, the plant's geographical footprint encompasses the nation of El Salvador.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast |
| Central America | Belize |
| Central America | Costa Rica |
| Central America | El Salvador |
| Central America | Honduras |
| Central America | Nicaragua |
| Caribbean | Aruba |
| Caribbean | Cuba |
| Caribbean | Dominican Republic |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Chemicals
Pilocarpus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Coumarins.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Coumarins | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Coumarins
- Phytochemistry