Protium glabrescens

Protium glabrescens, commonly known as Breu Branco, is a remarkable medicinal tree native to the Amazon rainforest. Renowned for its aromatic oleoresin, this plant is highly valued in traditional medicine for its potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and healing properties, offering significant therapeutic potential for skin care and systemic wellness.

  • Scientific name: Protium glabrescens
  • Family: Burseraceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Protium glabrescens, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Sapindales. Finally, it is a member of the family Burseraceae and is situated within 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 scientifically as Protium glabrescens, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently called breu branco, while in Portuguese, it is known as breu. Within the Spanish-speaking regions, it is commonly identified as breu blanco.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse presence across the South American continent. In the northern region, its distribution includes the country of Suriname. Moving toward the western part of the continent, it can be found within the borders of Colombia. The species also extends its range through Ecuador and Peru. Finally, its western distribution is completed by its presence in Bolivia.

Region Area Source
Northern South America Suriname 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 North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Protium glabrescens, is primarily valued for its aromatic resin, which is harvested from its bark. This oleoresin is a viscous, fragrant substance secreted by the tree and serves as the central medicinal component in various traditional practices. Often collected through controlled incisions in the trunk, the resin is utilized for its therapeutic properties, frequently being employed in topical applications or traditional remedies due to its distinct chemical profile.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
resin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Protium glabrescens has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include resin.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
resin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Protium glabrescens has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆