Tabernaemontana catharinensis

Tabernaemontana catharinensis, commonly known as the "Catherina" or "Catherina-plant," is a significant medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, it is traditionally utilized in various cultures to treat inflammatory conditions, skin ailments, and digestive issues, offering a rich subject for ethnobotanical research.

  • Scientific name: Tabernaemontana catharinensis
  • Family: Apocynaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed in the order Gentianaales and the family Apocynaceae. It is further identified by the genus Tabernaemontana, specifically as the species Tabernaemontana catharinensis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Apocynaceae WCVP
Genus Tabernaemontana WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions of South America. In the western part of the continent, it can be found growing in Bolivia. Its presence is also extensively documented throughout various parts of Brazil. Specifically, it inhabits the West-Central and Northeast regions of the Brazilian territory. Furthermore, the species extends its reach into both the Southeast and South regions of Brazil.

Region Area Source
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil South WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northeast WCVP
Southern South America Paraguay WCVP
Southern South America Uruguay WCVP

Chemicals

Tabernaemontana catharinensis has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include coronaridine, heyneanine, sterols, terpenes, voacangine.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
coronaridine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
heyneanine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sterols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
voacangine 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Tabernaemontana catharinensis has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease, Cancer, infections, injuries, neurological disorders.

Total uses
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Alzheimer's disease 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆
injuries 1 ★☆☆☆☆
neurological disorders 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
snake bite 1 ★☆☆☆☆