Ternstroemia sylvatica

Ternstroemia sylvatica, commonly known as the forest ternstroemia, is a versatile evergreen shrub valued in traditional medicine. Native to various tropical regions, its leaves and bark possess significant bioactive properties. Researchers are increasingly exploring its potential pharmacological benefits, particularly for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial medicinal applications.

  • Scientific name: Ternstroemia sylvatica
  • Family: Pentaphylacaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae and order Ericales, it is placed in the family Pentaphylacaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Ternstroemia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ericales WCVP
Family Pentaphylacaceae WCVP
Genus Ternstroemia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Ternstroemia sylvatica, is known by various regional names across different linguistic landscapes. In English, it is frequently referred to as the Ternstroemia or the Sylvatiica, while in Chinese, it is commonly known as 榧 (bǐ). In Japanese, the species is identified as 榧 (kabi).
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several key regions across North and Central America. In Mexico, its presence is widespread, covering the central and northeastern territories. It is also found throughout the Mexican Gulf region and extends into the southwest part of the country. Moving further south, the species reaches into Central America. Specifically, its range includes the nation of El Salvador.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Central WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Central America El Salvador WCVP

Activities

Ternstroemia sylvatica has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antinociceptive, Antioxidant, Sedative.

Total activities
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antinociceptive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Sedative 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Ternstroemia sylvatica has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, antioxidant, anxiety, sedative effects, seizures.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anxiety 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sedative effects 1 ★☆☆☆☆
seizures 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sleep disorders 1 ★☆☆☆☆