Synsepalum dulcificum
Miracle fruit
Synsepalum dulcificum, commonly known as the Sweet Synsepalum, is a remarkable medicinal plant prized in traditional herbalism. Renowned for its unique bioactive properties, this species is frequently utilized to support digestive health and alleviate inflammation. Its diverse chemical profile offers significant potential for developing new therapeutic natural remedies.
- Scientific name: Synsepalum dulcificum
- Family: Sapotaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Ericales and the family Sapotaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Synsepalum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Sapotaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Synsepalum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Synsepalum dulcificum, is referred to by several distinct common names across different languages and regions. In Portuguese, it is called Fruta-milagrosa, while in Polish, it is known as synsepal słodki. Its popularity in Chinese-speaking areas is reflected in its various nomenclature, where it is called 神秘果 in Simplified Chinese (zh-hans), Traditional Chinese (zh-hant), and in the Cantonese-speaking region of Hong Kong (zh-hk).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Fruta-milagrosa | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 神秘果 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 神秘果 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 神秘果 | Wikidata |
| pl | synsepal słodki | Wikidata |
| so | Miraha Mucjisada | Wikidata |
| fr | Fruit miracle | Wikidata |
| ru | Магический фрукт | Wikidata |
| ca | fruit miracle | Wikidata |
| de | Wunderbeere | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern primarily concentrated across the tropical regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is well-documented in Benin, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. It can also be found extending further east into Nigeria within the same West Tropical zone. Additionally, the species reaches into West-Central Tropical Africa, specifically inhabiting the Central African Republic. Together, these locations highlight a significant range spanning both West and West-Central tropical environments.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Congo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gabon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Trinidad-Tobago | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Synsepalum dulciificum, commonly known as the miracle berry, is valued for its unique pharmacological properties found across its various structures. The most famous part is the small, bright red fruit, which consists of fleshy berries containing a protein that alters taste perception. Beyond the fruit, the medicinal potential extends to the stems, which are often utilized in traditional preparations, and the outer skin of the fruit, which holds specific bioactive compounds. Additionally, research into the roots suggests they may also possess therapeutic qualities, making the entire organism a subject of botanical interest.- Total parts
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 11
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruit | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| berries | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit's pulp | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| berry fruit | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Synsepalum dulcificum has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, N-cis-caffeoyltyramine, N-cis-feruloyl-tyramine, arthropsadiol D, dihydro-feruloyl-5-methoxytyramine.
- Total chemicals
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| N-cis-caffeoyltyramine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| N-cis-feruloyl-tyramine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arthropsadiol D | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dihydro-feruloyl-5-methoxytyramine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phytosterols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Synsepalum dulcificum has 4 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Anticonvulsant, Antidiabetic.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticonvulsant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Synsepalum dulcificum has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, cachexia, cancer, colorectal cancer.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anticonvulsant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cachexia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colorectal cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| insulin resistance | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| taste disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |