Spondias mombin

Spondias mombin, commonly known as the yellow mombin or hog plum, is a versatile tropical fruit tree valued for its medicinal properties. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, its fruits, leaves, and bark are utilized in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, digestive issues, and various infections across many global cultures.

  • Scientific name: Spondias mombin
  • Family: Anacardiaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Spondias mombin, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Sapindales. Finally, it is a member of the family Anacardiaceae and is categorized under the genus Spondias.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Anacardiaceae WCVP
Genus Spondias WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Spondias mombin, is referred to by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Portuguese, it is commonly called Cajazeira, while in Polish, it is known as śliwiec mombin. Within the Nahuatl language, it is identified as Mazāxococuahuitl, and in French, it goes by the name Prunier mombin. Finally, in Russian, the species is referred to as Момбин жёлттый.
Language Common Name Source
pt Cajazeira Wikidata
pl śliwiec mombin Wikidata
nah Mazāxococuahuitl Wikidata
fr Prunier mombin Wikidata
ru Момбин жёлтый Wikidata
th มะกอก Wikidata
fi amrapuu Wikidata
et Kollane mombinipuu Wikidata
bn আমড়া Wikidata
vi Cóc Thái Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across both Atlantic islands and the African mainland. In the Macaronesian region, its presence is noted in the archipelago of Cape Verde. Moving to West Tropical Africa, the species is widely distributed across several nations. Specifically, it can be found growing in the territories of Benin, Burkina, and the Gambia. Furthermore, its range extends eastward to include the country of Ghana.

Region Area Source
Macaronesia Cape Verde WCVP
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Spondias mombin, possesses various parts that are utilized for their diverse medicinal properties. The leaf is frequently employed in decoctions to treat ailments such as fever or inflammation, while the stem bark is often harvested for its astringent qualities. The seed can be processed for specific therapeutic uses, and the root bark is highly valued in traditional medicine for its potent bioactive compounds. Additionally, the fleshy fruit is not only consumed for its nutritional value but is also used in various remedies to support overall health.
Total parts
6
Scientific sources
12
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaf 6 ★★★☆☆
stem bark 2 ★☆☆☆☆
seed 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruit 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flower 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Spondias mombin has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, apigenin-4'-glucoside, flavonoid, gallic acid, polyphenols.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
apigenin-4'-glucoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gallic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tizoxanide 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Spondias mombin has 7 reported activities identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Abortifacient, Antibacterial, Antimalarial, Antimicrobial.

Total activities
7
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Abortifacient 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Gastroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Spondias mombin has 22 reported medicinal uses identified across 23 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum, Gastric Ulcers, SARS-CoV-2, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer.

Total uses
22
Scientific sources
23

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Plasmodium falciparum 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Gastric Ulcers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
SARS-CoV-2 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Type 2 diabetes mellitus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cognitive dysfunction 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cognitive impairment 1 ★☆☆☆☆
constipation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dysentery 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dysmenorrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆