Trichilia catigua

Trichilia catiagua, commonly known as Catiguá, is a medicinal tree native to South American forests. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, particularly alkaloids and triterpenes, it is traditionally used to treat inflammation, digestive issues, and skin ailments. This botanical powerhouse offers significant pharmacological potential for modern therapeutic research.

  • Scientific name: Trichilia catigua
  • Family: Meliaceae
  • 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 Sapindales, it is classified under the family Meliaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Trichilia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Meliaceae WCVP
Genus Trichilia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Trichilia catigua, is recognized by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as catigua, while in Portuguese, it is commonly called catiguá. In Spanish, the plant is identified as catigua or catigua-falsa, reflecting its widespread use throughout various South American regions.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across several key regions within South America. In the western part of the continent, its range extends into the country of Bolivia. Within Brazil, the species is widely distributed across multiple diverse territories. It can be found throughout the North, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the Brazilian landscape. Additionally, its geographical footprint includes the West-Central area of Brazil.

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 Argentina Northeast WCVP
Southern South America Paraguay WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Trichilia catigua, commonly known as catigua, utilizes its bark as the primary source of its therapeutic properties. The bark is the most significant medicinal part of the species, often harvested and processed to create decoctions or extracts used in traditional medicine. It is highly valued for its bioactive compounds, which are believed to contribute to its recognized effects as a stimulant and anxiolytic.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
bark 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Trichilia catigua has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechin, catechins, catuabine D, dopamine, epicatechin.

Total chemicals
8
Scientific sources
9

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
catechin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
catechins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
catuabine D 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dopamine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
epicatechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
serotonin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Trichilia catigua has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Adaptogen, Antidepressant, Antioxidant, Anxiolytic, Neurostimulant.

Total activities
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Adaptogen 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidepressant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anxiolytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Neurostimulant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Trichilia catigua has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include depression, depressive disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, varicocele.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
depression 1 ★☆☆☆☆
depressive disorders 1 ★☆☆☆☆
neurodegenerative diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
neurodegenerative disorders 1 ★☆☆☆☆
varicocele 1 ★☆☆☆☆