Tocoyena formosa
Tocoyena formosa, commonly known as the "Miracle Fruit" or Synsepalum dulcificum, is a remarkable medicinal plant celebrated for its unique properties. It contains miraculin, a glycoprotein that temporarily transforms sour flavors into intense sweetness, offering transformative potential for managing taste disorders and enhancing dietary enjoyment for many patients.
- Scientific name: Tocoyena formosa
- Family: Rubiaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianaales, it is classified under the family Rubiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is placed 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 formosa, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the golden berry or golden berry plant, while in Spanish, it is known as uchuva or aguaymanto. In Quechua, the plant is called aguaymanto, reflecting its deep roots in Andean culture.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several regions of South America. In the northern part of the continent, its presence is recorded in Suriname. Moving toward the western side, the species can be found within the borders of Bolivia. Within the massive territory of Brazil, it occupies multiple distinct zones including the West-Central region. Furthermore, its range extends through both the Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern South America | Suriname | WCVP |
| 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 |
Chemicals
Tocoyena formosa has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include caffeic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ellagic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| luteolin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| n-nonacosane | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oleanolic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Tocoyena formosa has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Tocoyena formosa has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gastrointestinal disorders, infections, lower back pain, myalgia.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| gastrointestinal disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lower back pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myalgia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |