Stryphnodendron adstringens

Stryphnodendron adstringens, commonly known as Barbatimão, is a powerful medicinal plant native to the Brazilian Cerrado. Renowned for its high tannin content, it possesses potent astringent, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally used in wound healing and treating gastrointestinal issues, it remains a vital resource in contemporary phytotherapy.

  • Scientific name: Stryphnodendron adstringens
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it is specifically situated in the family Fabaceae. Its taxonomic identity is further defined by its placement within the genus Stryphnodendron.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Stryphnodendron WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Stryphnodendron adstringens, is widely recognized in Brazil by several local names. In the Portuguese language, it is most commonly referred to as Barbatimão-verdadeiro, though it is also frequently called simply Baba timão.
Language Common Name Source
pt Barbatimão-verdadeiro Wikidata
pt Baba timão Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a remarkably broad presence across the vast landscape of Brazil. Its natural range extends through the diverse ecosystems of Brazil North and Brazil Northeast. Furthermore, it can be found flourishing within the territories of Brazil West-Central and Brazil Southeast. The species also reaches into the southern reaches of the country, specifically within Brazil South. This wide-ranging distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various Brazilian climatic regions.

Region Area Source
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP
Brazil Brazil South WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Stryphnodendron adstringens, is characterized by several distinct morphological features that contribute to its medicinal utility. The woody structure is defined by its sturdy stem, where the bark plays a significant role in the plant's identity and chemical profile. Specifically, the stem bark and the general bark layers contain various bioactive compounds used in traditional remedies. Moving to the foliage, the leaves are a primary component of the plant's anatomy, attached to the stems via elongated petioles. Together, these parts—from the protective bark to the photosynthetic leaves and their supporting petioles—form the complex biological framework of this important medicinal species.
Total parts
5
Scientific sources
10
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 4 ★★☆☆☆
bark 3 ★★☆☆☆
petioles 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Stryphnodendron adstringens has 17 reported phytochemicals identified across 22 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include tannins, proanthocyanidins, Cytochalasin H, F2, chromones.

Total chemicals
17
Scientific sources
22

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
tannins 4 ★★☆☆☆
proanthocyanidins 3 ★★☆☆☆
Cytochalasin H 1 ★☆☆☆☆
F2 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chromones 1 ★☆☆☆☆
condensed tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
epigallocatechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gallic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gallocatechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Stryphnodendron adstringens has 11 reported activities identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antimicrobial.

Total activities
11
Scientific sources
14

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antiviral 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiprotozoal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiulcerogenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antivenom 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Astringent 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hypoglycemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Stryphnodendron adstringens has 16 reported medicinal uses identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include wound healing, infections, wounds, Candida albicans, antioxidant.

Total uses
16
Scientific sources
20

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
wound healing 3 ★★☆☆☆
infections 2 ★☆☆☆☆
wounds 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Candida albicans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
candidiasis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dental caries 1 ★☆☆☆☆
denture stomatitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
edema 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hemorrhage 1 ★☆☆☆☆