Sideroxylon obtusifolium
Sideroxylon obtusifolium, commonly known as the West Indian Satinwood, is a precious tropical tree valued for its dense, durable timber. Beyond its woodworking utility, this species holds significant ethnobotanical importance, with various parts utilized in traditional medicine to treat ailments ranging from skin conditions to digestive issues and inflammation.
- Scientific name: Sideroxylon obtusifolium
- Family: Sapotaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Sideroxylon obtusifolium, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Ericales. Finally, it is a member of the family Sapotaceae and falls under the genus Sideroxylon.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Sapotaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Sideroxylon | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, scientifically known as Sideroxylon obtusifolium, is recognized in Portuguese-speaking regions by the common name Quixabeira.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Quixabeira | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several diverse regions of Mexico. Its distribution includes the central areas of Mexico as well as the Gulf coast region. Furthermore, it can be found throughout the southwest and southeast portions of the country. Moving south from Mexico, the species also extends into the territory of Belize. Consequently, the geographical range of Sideroxylon obtusifolium spans multiple ecological zones from Mexico through Central America.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Central | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
| Central America | Belize | WCVP |
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | El Salvador | WCVP |
| Central America | Guatemala | WCVP |
| Central America | Honduras | WCVP |
| Central America | Nicaragua | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Sideroxylon obtusifolium, possesses distinct medicinal characteristics found within its structural components, specifically its leaves and bark. The leaves are typically thick and leathery, serving as a primary site for the plant's physiological processes and often containing bioactive compounds used in traditional applications. Additionally, the bark holds significant importance, as it is frequently harvested for its chemical properties and therapeutic potential in various medicinal practices.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Sideroxylon obtusifolium has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include NMP, catechin, condensed tannins, flavonoids, gingerglycolipid A.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| NMP | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| condensed tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gingerglycolipid A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Sideroxylon obtusifolium has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Free-Radical Scavenging, Hypoglycemic.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Free-Radical Scavenging | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypoglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Sideroxylon obtusifolium has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus salivarius, inflammation.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Streptococcus mutans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Streptococcus oralis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Streptococcus salivarius | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| prostate cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wound healing | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |