Terminalia bentzoe
Terminalia bentzoe · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Terminalia bentzoe, scientifically known as Terminalia bentzoe, is a versatile medicinal tree prized for its aromatic resin, known as benzoin. Widely used in traditional medicine, it possesses significant antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties. This species is essential in treating respiratory ailments and skin conditions across various global cultures.
- Family
- Combretaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Leaf
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Croton Bentzoe · Catappa Bentzoe · 1 more
Names
Regional and Traditional Names
French:
- Terminalia bentzoë
- bois benzoin
- Benzoin
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Terminalia bentzoeSynonyms
- Croton bentzoe
- Catappa bentzoe
- Myrobalanus bentzoe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Myrtales, it is classified under the family Combretaceae. Specifically, Terminalia bentzoe is a member of the genus Terminalia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Myrtales | WCVP |
| Family | Combretaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Terminalia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, known as Terminalia bentzoe, exhibits a specific distribution across the Western Indian Ocean. It can be found growing naturally within the island nation of Mauritius. Additionally, the species is established in the territory of Réunion. The plant also inhabits the smaller island of Rodrigues. Consequently, its presence is concentrated within these distinct maritime regions of the Indian Ocean.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Réunion | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Rodrigues | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Terminalia benzoe, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, most notably its leaves and bark. The leaves are often employed in traditional remedies for their therapeutic qualities, while the bark is highly valued for its ability to produce a fragrant resin used in various healing applications. Together, these plant parts serve as essential sources for extracting the bioactive compounds necessary for its medicinal use.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | Scientific reports (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Terminalia bentzoe has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include quercetin.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| quercetin | 2 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
quercetin
- International journal of molecular sciences
- Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
Activities
Terminalia bentzoe has 3 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimalarial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antimalarial | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Terminalia bentzoe has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Plasmodium falciparum | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| polyphenolic extracts | International journal of molecular sciences (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| MeOH bark extract | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |