Simarouba versicolor
Simarouba versicolor, commonly known as Marupá, is a significant medicinal tree native to the Amazon rainforest. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, it is traditionally utilized for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. This versatile plant plays a crucial role in ethnobotanical practices and modern pharmacological research.
- Scientific name: Simarouba versicolor
- Family: Simaroubaceae
- Native range: Southern America
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 Simaroubaceae. Its taxonomic identity is further defined by its placement in the genus Simarouba.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Simaroubaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Simarouba | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Simarouba versicolor, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as bitterwood, while in Spanish, it is commonly called madera amarga. In Portuguese, the plant is known as canela-de-fogo, and in French, it is referred to as bois amer.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant, known as Simarouba versicolor, exhibits a broad presence across several key regions of South America. Its distribution is notably extensive throughout Brazil, spanning the North, Northeast, Southeast, and West-Central territories. Beyond the borders of Brazil, the species can also be found growing in Bolivia. This wide-ranging presence highlights its ability to adapt to various ecological zones within Western South America. Consequently, the plant is a significant component of the diverse flora found across these specific tropical landscapes.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Simarouba versicolor, commonly known as bitterwood, possesses various anatomical components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The stems provide a structural framework and are often processed for their chemical constituents, while the roots serve as the foundational anchor for the tree's growth. Specifically, the root bark is highly valued in traditional medicine due to its potent bioactive compounds, often being prepared as a decoction to treat various ailments. Additionally, the fruits of the species represent the reproductive output of the plant, contributing to its overall biological complexity and potential medicinal utility.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Simarouba versicolor has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include glaucarubinone, ailanthinone, amarolide-11-acetate, amarolide-2,11-diacetate, beta-Sitosterol.
- Total chemicals
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| glaucarubinone | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ailanthinone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| amarolide-11-acetate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| amarolide-2,11-diacetate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| beta-Sitosterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaempferol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| steroids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Simarouba versicolor has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antileukemic, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antileukemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Simarouba versicolor has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include brain tumor, helminthiasis, leukemia, melanoma.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| brain tumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| helminthiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leukemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| melanoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |