Ptaeroxylon obliquum
Ptaeroxylon obliquum, commonly known as Palo Santo, is a sacred medicinal tree native to South America. Renowned for its aromatic resin, it is traditionally used in holistic practices to reduce inflammation, alleviate respiratory issues, and promote spiritual clarity. Its potent essential oils offer significant therapeutic benefits for holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Ptaeroxylon obliquum
- Family: Rutaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales, it is classified under the family Rutaaceae and is identified by the genus Ptaeroxylon.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Rutaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Ptaeroxylon | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Pteroxylon obliquum, is known by various names across different languages and regions. In Estonian, it is referred to as Aevastuspuu, while in Afrikaans, it goes by the name Nieshout. Its name in Korean is 아프리카스네즈우드, and in Arabic (Egyptian dialect), it is written as بتيروكسيلون المائل. Additionally, in Norwegian, the plant is commonly called kappmahogni.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| et | Aevastuspuu | Wikidata |
| af | Nieshout | Wikidata |
| ko | 아프리카스네즈우드 | Wikidata |
| arz | بتيروكسيلون المائل | Wikidata |
| nb | kappmahogni | Wikidata |
| es | Rhus obliqua | Wikidata |
| es | Ptaeroxylon utile | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range across several regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, its presence is noted within the borders of Tanzania. Moving toward the southern reaches, it can be found in the South Tropical African nations of Angola and Mozambique. Additionally, the species is distributed throughout Zimbabwe. Finally, its range extends into the Southern African nation of Botswana.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Botswana | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Namibia | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Eswatini | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Northern Provinces | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Ptaeroxylon obliquum, utilizes different components for its medicinal properties. The bark is the most significant part used in traditional applications, often valued for its specific chemical constituents. Additionally, the leaf can also be utilized in various preparations to harness the plant's natural therapeutic potential.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Ptaeroxylon obliquum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include chromones, coumarins, lupeol.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| chromones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumarins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lupeol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Ptaeroxylon obliquum has 6 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifungal, Anthelmintic, Antibacterial, Antiparasitic, Antiproliferative.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antifungal | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiparasitic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Ptaeroxylon obliquum has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anaplasmosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| babesiosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ehrlichiosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatoid arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tuberculosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |