Madeira blueberry
Vaccinium padifolium · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (29 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Madeira blueberry, scientifically known as Vaccinium padifolium, is an endemic shrub found exclusively in the lush, subtropical forests of Madeira. Renowned for its vibrant berries, this medicinal plant is traditionally valued for its antioxidant properties, offering significant health benefits and serving as a unique botanical treasure of the Atlantic.
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Fruit · Leaf
- Common names
- Madeiran Blueberry
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names
Common Names
- Madeiran blueberry
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Vaccinium padifoliumTaxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ericales, it is further categorized into the family Ericaceae. Finally, it is placed within the genus Vaccinium under the specific species name Vaccinium padifolium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Ericaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Vaccinium | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is a specialized species found within a very restricted range. Its natural distribution is confined exclusively to the Macaronesian region. Specifically, it is endemic to the island of Madeira. Due to this localized presence, it plays a unique role in the island's specific ecosystem. Understanding its limited habitat is essential for the ongoing conservation of this rare flora.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Macaronesia | Madeira | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Vaccinium padifolium, is characterized by several distinct botanical features used in medicinal studies. The most prominent feature is the leaves, which are typically arranged to maximize sunlight absorption. Each individual leaf possesses a specific structure that contributes to the plant's overall chemical profile. During its reproductive stage, the plant produces a small fruit that serves as a vital component of its biological cycle. This fruit is technically a berry, which contains the seeds necessary for propagation. Once the plant matures, it often yields clusters of dark berries that are characteristic of the Vaccinium genus.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| fruit | Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences (and other 4 sources) | ★★☆☆☆ |
| leaf | Food science & nutrition (and other 3 sources) | ★★☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Vaccinium padifolium has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Anthocyanins, ANTHOCYANIN, Hydroxyl, Polysaccharide, SILVER NITRATE.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Anthocyanins | 2 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ANTHOCYANIN | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hydroxyl | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Polysaccharide | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| SILVER NITRATE | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Anthocyanins
- Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
- Phytotherapy research : PTR
ANTHOCYANIN
- Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences
Hydroxyl
- BioMed research international
Polysaccharide
- International journal of biological macromolecules
SILVER NITRATE
- BioMed research international
quercetin
- Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR
Activities
Vaccinium padifolium has 7 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antihypertensive, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antihyperlipidemic.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antidiabetic | Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences (and other 4 sources) | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | Complementary therapies in medicine (and other 4 sources) | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | International journal of biological macromolecules (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | Food science & nutrition (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihyperlipidemic | Food science & nutrition (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | International journal of biological macromolecules (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiplatelet | Food science & nutrition (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit extract | Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aqueous extract | BioMed research international (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| berry hydro-alcoholic extract | Complementary therapies in medicine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| extract capsule | Complementary therapies in medicine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit hydroalcoholic extract | Phytotherapy research : PTR (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| herbal combination | Journal of dietary supplements (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyherbal mixture | Journal of lipids (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |