Terminalia argentea

Terminalia argentea, commonly known as the Silver Terminalia, is a versatile medicinal plant prized in traditional herbalism. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, it is frequently utilized to treat skin ailments, inflammation, and digestive issues. This resilient species offers significant therapeutic potential for modern pharmacological research and holistic wellness.

  • Scientific name: Terminalia argentea
  • Family: Combretaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Myrtales, it is classified under the family Combretaceae. It is further categorized into the genus Terminalia, where its specific species is identified as Terminalia argentea.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Myrtales WCVP
Family Combretaceae WCVP
Genus Terminalia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Terminalia argentea, is recognized by various regional names depending on the language and culture. In Portuguese, it is commonly referred to as Capitão-do-campo, while in Arabic, it is known as هليلج فضي.
Language Common Name Source
pt Capitão-do-campo Wikidata
ar هليلج فضي Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution throughout much of South America. In the western part of the continent, it can be found within the borders of Bolivia. Its presence is also heavily concentrated in Brazil, where it spans multiple distinct regions. Specifically, the species is documented across the North, Northeast, Southeast, and West-Central areas of Brazil. Together, these locations highlight the significant range occupied by this medicinal species.

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

Plant Parts

This plant, Terminalia argentea, possesses various components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The roots are often harvested for traditional remedies, with the raw root being processed to harness its natural compounds. The leaves are equally important, as they are frequently used in decoctions or infusions to treat various ailments. Furthermore, the stem bark is highly valued in herbal medicine for its specific chemical constituents. Beyond using the whole parts, concentrated leaf extracts are specifically prepared to provide potent doses of the plant's medicinal essence for targeted healing.
Total parts
7
Scientific sources
9
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 2 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf extracts 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Terminalia argentea has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include quercetin, quercetin glucoside, quercetin rhamnoside, rutin, terminalin.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
quercetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin glucoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin rhamnoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rutin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terminalin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Terminalia argentea has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antioxidant, Antiparasitic, Gastroprotective, Hepatoprotective.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiparasitic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Gastroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Lipolytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Terminalia argentea has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include bronchitis, gastric ulcer, gastritis, inflammation, ulcers.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
bronchitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gastric ulcer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gastritis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ulcers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wound healing 1 ★☆☆☆☆