Sparattanthelium amazonum

Sparattanthelium amazonum, commonly known as a vital medicinal treasure of the Amazon rainforest, holds significant ethnobotanical importance. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, this plant is traditionally utilized by indigenous communities to treat various ailments. Scientific interest continues to grow as researchers explore its potential for modern pharmacological applications.

  • Scientific name: Sparattanthelium amazonum
  • Family: Hernandiaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Laurales, falling into the family Hernandiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Sparattanthelium, specifically the species S. amazonum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Laurales WCVP
Family Hernandiaceae WCVP
Genus Sparattanthelium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Sparattanthelium amazonum, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context of the Amazon basin. In Portuguese, it is commonly referred to as espatoquelia, while in Spanish, it is known as espatocuélia.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across North and Central America. In Mexico, it can be found inhabiting the Mexico Gulf region and the Mexico Southeast area. Additionally, its presence extends into the Mexico Southwest territory. Moving southward into Central America, the species is also documented within Guatemala. Finally, its range reaches as far south as Costa Rica.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southeast WCVP
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Central America Guatemala WCVP
Central America Honduras WCVP
Central America Nicaragua WCVP
Central America Panamá WCVP
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Western South America Colombia WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Sparattanthelium amazonum, possesses specific anatomical features that are central to its traditional use, particularly the stem bark. The stem bark serves as a primary source of bioactive compounds, often being harvested for its medicinal properties in various ethnobotanical applications. By utilizing the stem bark, practitioners can extract the essential chemical constituents necessary for its therapeutic effects.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Sparattanthelium amazonum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-roemrefidine.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(-)-roemrefidine 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Sparattanthelium amazonum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Plasmodium falciparum 1 ★☆☆☆☆