Psychotria insularum

Psychotria insularum, commonly known as a species of tropical shrub, holds significant value in traditional ethnobotany. Native to specific island ecosystems, this medicinal plant is studied for its unique phytochemical profile. Researchers explore its potential bioactive compounds, which may offer therapeutic benefits for various ailments in holistic medicine.

  • Scientific name: Psychotria insularum
  • Family: Rubiaceae
  • Native range: Pacific

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Psychotria insularum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Gentianaales. Finally, it is a member of the family Rubiaceae and the genus Psychotria.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Rubiaceae WCVP
Genus Psychotria WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Psychotria insularum, is referred to by specific common names depending on the linguistic context. In Persian, it is identified by the name پسیکتریا اینسولاروم.
Language Common Name Source
fa پسیکتریا اینسولاروم Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range across several island groups within the Pacific Ocean. In the Southwestern Pacific region, its presence is documented in Niue, Samoa, and Tonga. It can also be found throughout the Wallis-Futuna Islands. Furthermore, its distribution extends into the South-Central Pacific. Specifically, the species is known to inhabit the Society Islands.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Pacific Niue WCVP
Southwestern Pacific Samoa WCVP
Southwestern Pacific Tonga WCVP
Southwestern Pacific Wallis-Futuna Is. WCVP
South-Central Pacific Society Is. WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Psychotria insularum, possesses distinct botanical characteristics that make it a subject of interest in ethnobotanical studies. While the species features various morphological structures including woody stems and specialized flowers, researchers often focus on the biochemical properties found within its foliage. Specifically, the leaf homogenate is frequently utilized in laboratory settings to extract and analyze the complex secondary metabolites contained within the plant's tissues. By processing the leaves into a homogenate, scientists can more effectively study the concentration of bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's medicinal potential.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaf homogenate 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Psychotria insularum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include nicotiflorin, rutin.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
nicotiflorin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rutin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Psychotria insularum has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include wounds, burns, elephantiasis, respiratory infections, vomiting.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
wounds 2 ★☆☆☆☆
burns 1 ★☆☆☆☆
elephantiasis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
respiratory infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆
vomiting 1 ★☆☆☆☆