Simaba orinocensis
Simaba orinocensis, commonly known as the Orinoco Simaba, is a remarkable medicinal plant native to the tropical rainforests of South America. Valued in traditional ethnobotany, this species contains unique phytochemical properties used to treat various ailments, offering significant potential for pharmacological research into its diverse bioactive compounds and therapeutic applications.
- Scientific name: Simaba orinocensis
- Family: Simaroubaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Sapindales and the family Simaroubaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Simaba, specifically as the species Simaba orinocensis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Simaroubaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Simaba | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Simaba orinocensis, is known by various regional names across its natural habitats. In Spanish, it is commonly referred to as simaba, mamey de monte, or palo de sangre. Within certain indigenous linguistic contexts, it is also identified by names such as kousia or kousia-mou.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across parts of the Caribbean and Northern South America. In the Caribbean region, its presence is documented within the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Moving to the mainland, the species can be found throughout several countries in Northern South America. Specifically, it inhabits the territories of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Finally, its range extends further into the landscapes of Venezuela.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Caribbean | Trinidad-Tobago | WCVP |
| Northern South America | French Guiana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Guyana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Suriname | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | 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 |
Plant Parts
This plant, Simaba orinocensis, is a medicinal species where different components are utilized for their therapeutic properties. Specifically, the root bark is often harvested for its bioactive compounds, which are frequently employed in traditional healing practices. Additionally, the fruits of the plant serve as another important part used in various medicinal preparations, showcasing the diverse utility of its botanical structures.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Simaba orinocensis has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antileukemic, Antimalarial.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antileukemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimalarial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Simaba orinocensis has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Leishmania donovani, Plasmodium falciparum.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Leishmania donovani | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Plasmodium falciparum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |