Ruprechtia tangarana

Ruprechtia tangarana, commonly known as "pau-de-fogo," is a medicinal shrub native to South American forests. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, it is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions and skin ailments. Ongoing research explores its diverse pharmacological potential for developing new therapeutic treatments.

  • Scientific name: Ruprechtia tangarana
  • Family: Polygonaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Caryophyllales and the family Polygonaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Ruprechtia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Caryophyllales WCVP
Family Polygonaceae WCVP
Genus Ruprechtia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Ruprechtia tangarana, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context of its habitat. In Spanish, it is frequently referred to as tangarana, while in Portuguese, it is commonly called tangarana.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the South American continent. In Northern South America, its presence is documented within the borders of Venezuela. Moving toward the western side of the continent, it can also be found in Colombia and Peru. Additionally, the species extends into the northern territories of Brazil. Together, these locations highlight its regional footprint across the northern and western parts of the continent.

Region Area Source
Northern South America Venezuela WCVP
Western South America Colombia WCVP
Western South America Peru WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Ruprechtia tangarana, is valued for its medicinal properties which are derived from specific structural components. The twigs and the stem bark are the primary parts utilized in various traditional applications, often serving as the basis for decoctions or extracts used in folk medicine.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
twigs 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Ruprechtia tangarana has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,3',4-tri-O-methylflavellagic acid, lichexanthone, methyl asterrate, ruprechstyril, secalonic acid A.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
3,3',4-tri-O-methylflavellagic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lichexanthone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
methyl asterrate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ruprechstyril 1 ★☆☆☆☆
secalonic acid A 1 ★☆☆☆☆