Smilax brasiliensis
Smilax brasiliensis, commonly known as Sarsaparilla, is a climbing woody vine native to the tropical regions of South America. Renowned in traditional medicine for its revitalizing properties, this plant contains valuable saponins used to treat skin conditions, promote vitality, and support overall detoxification through its potent bioactive compounds.
- Scientific name: Smilax brasiliensis
- Family: Smilacaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Liliales and is a member of the family Smilacaceae. Finally, it is identified under the genus Smilax.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Liliales | WCVP |
| Family | Smilacaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Smilax | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Smilax brasiliensis, is recognized by various local names across different linguistic regions. In English, it is commonly referred to as Brazilian Sarsaparilla, while in Spanish, it is frequently called Zarzaparrilla Brasilera. In Portuguese, the plant is known as Zarzaparrilha-do-Brasil.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across various regions of Brazil. It is found extensively throughout the North of the country, occupying much of its tropical landscape. Additionally, the species is well-established within the West-Central region of Brazil. Its presence also extends significantly into the Southeast part of the nation. Together, these areas highlight the wide natural range of Smilax brasiliensis across the Brazilian territory.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Smilax brasiliensis, possesses distinct morphological features, particularly in its leaves, which are a key component of its botanical structure. The leaves are typically arranged in a climbing or sprawling manner, often displaying an alternate pattern along the stem. They are characterized by their shape and vein structure, which serve as important diagnostic tools for identification in medicinal studies. In the context of traditional uses, the entire plant is often valued, but the specific anatomy of the leaves contributes significantly to the plant's overall biological profile.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Smilax brasiliensis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include quercetin.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| quercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Smilax brasiliensis has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antirheumatic, Antisyphilitic, Tonic.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antirheumatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antisyphilitic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tonic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |