Symphonia globulifera
Symphonia globulifera, commonly known as the globuli tree, is a significant medicinal plant native to tropical rainforests. Valued in traditional medicine, its bark and leaves possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers are increasingly exploring its bioactive compounds for their potential in treating various ailments and developing new therapeutics.
- Scientific name: Symphonia globulifera
- Family: Clusiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Further taxonomic progression places it in the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales. It is a member of the Clusiaceae family and is specifically identified by the genus Symphonia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Clusiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Symphonia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Symphonia globulifera, is recognized by various local names depending on the region; specifically, in Spanish, it is commonly referred to as varillo.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| es | varillo | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across the landscape of West Tropical Africa. Within this region, its presence is documented in the country of Ghana. It can also be found growing throughout the Ivory Coast. Furthermore, the species inhabits the territories of Liberia and Sierra Leone. Finally, its geographical range extends into Nigeria.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Sierra Leone | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cabinda | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Congo | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Symphonia globulifera, offers various components that are utilized in traditional medicinal practices. The root bark is often sought after for its potent bioactive compounds, which are frequently used to treat inflammatory conditions or infections. Additionally, the leaf serves as another vital part of the plant, often prepared in decoctions or infusions to harness its natural therapeutic properties for diverse healing purposes.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Symphonia globulifera has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Guttiferone K, isoflavones, stigmasterol, triterpenoids.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Guttiferone K | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoflavones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stigmasterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Symphonia globulifera has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antiparasitic, Antiprotozoal, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiparasitic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiprotozoal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Symphonia globulifera has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Leishmania donovani, malaria.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cryptococcus neoformans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leishmania donovani | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |