Tocoyena bullata

Tocoyena bullata, commonly known as the "mountain fruit" or "puyas," is a medicinal shrub native to the high-altitude Andean regions. Renowned for its antioxidant properties, this plant is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat inflammation and digestive issues, offering significant potential for modern pharmacological research and development.

  • Scientific name: Tocoyena bullata
  • Family: Rubiaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, taxonomically known as Tocoyena bullata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Gentianaales. Finally, it is classified under the family Rubiaceae within the genus Tocoyena.

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

Common Names

This plant, Tocoyena bullata, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the bullate tocoyen, while in Spanish, it is known as tocoyena bullata or tocoyena.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse presence within the vast territory of Brazil. Its natural range extends across the diverse landscapes of the Brazil Northeast region. Additionally, the species can be found growing throughout the Brazil Southeast area. The distribution further reaches into the climatic zones of the Brazil South. Consequently, these three distinct regions collectively support the survival of Tocoyena bullata.

Region Area Source
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil South WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Tocoyena bullata, utilizes its leaves as a primary component for medicinal applications. These leaves are characterized by their distinct bullate texture, meaning they possess a blistered or puckered surface that distinguishes them from other foliage. In various traditional practices, these leaf structures are harvested and prepared to harness the plant's therapeutic properties.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Tocoyena bullata has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, caffeoylquinic acid, isoquercitrin, rutin.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
caffeoylquinic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isoquercitrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rutin 1 ★☆☆☆☆