Protium copal
Copal tree
Protium copal, commonly known as copal, is a significant medicinal plant native to the Neotropics. Renowned for its aromatic resin, it has been utilized traditionally for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and healing properties. This versatile botanical offers valuable bioactive compounds, making it a subject of interest in contemporary ethnopharmacology.
- Scientific name: Protium copal
- Family: Burseraceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified within the order Sapindales and the family Burseraceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Protium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Burseraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Protium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known as the copal tree in English, holds significant cultural and medicinal importance across different regions. In the Nahuatl language, it is referred to as Copalcuahuitl.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| nah | Copalcuahuitl | Wikidata |
| en | copal tree | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse presence across several distinct regions within the country of Mexico. Its distribution begins in the central part of the nation, spanning through Mexico Central. The species also extends into the northeastern territories, covering Mexico Northeast. Furthermore, it can be found throughout the coastal areas of Mexico Gulf. Finally, the plant's range reaches into the southern reaches of the country, encompassing both Mexico Southwest and Mexico Southeast.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Central | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
| Central America | Belize | WCVP |
| Central America | Guatemala | WCVP |
| Central America | Honduras | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as copal, is primarily valued for the aromatic resin that is harvested from its bark. This sticky, balsamic substance is extracted through traditional tapping methods, where incisions are made in the trunk to allow the exudate to flow and solidify. Beyond the resin, the plant features a woody structure with a canopy of leaves that characterize its tropical forest habitat, but it is the chemically rich secretion from its stem that holds the most significant medicinal and ritualistic importance.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| resin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Protium copal has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include terpene, triterpenes.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| terpene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Protium copal has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antianxiety effects.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antianxiety effects | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |