Vernonanthura brasiliana
Vernonanthura brasiliana, commonly known as "erva-de-santa-luzia," is a versatile medicinal shrub native to Brazil. Renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it is traditionally used to treat digestive issues, skin inflammations, and respiratory ailments. Modern research continues to explore its bioactive compounds for diverse therapeutic applications.
- Scientific name: Vernonanthura brasiliana
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Vernonanthura brasiliana, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae and the genus Vernonanthura.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Vernonanthura | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Vernonanthura brasiliana, is known by a variety of common names depending on the region and language. In Portuguese, it is most frequently referred to as erva-de-santa-maria, carqueja-brava, or de erva-de-pau. When translated or used in Spanish-speaking contexts, it is commonly called hierba de santa maria or carqueja brava. These names reflect its widespread traditional use across different linguistic landscapes in South America.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several regions in the Neotropics. In Central America, its presence is specifically noted in Nicaragua. Moving into Northern South America, the species can be found throughout French Guiana. It is also widely distributed across the Guiana Shield, including Guyana and Suriname. Finally, its range extends into the northern territories of Venezuela.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central America | Nicaragua | WCVP |
| Northern South America | French Guiana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Guyana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Suriname | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Vernonanthura brasiliana, features a woody stem that serves as the primary structural support for its upright growth habit. The stem functions as a vital conduit, transporting water and essential nutrients from the root system to the leaves and flowers, while also providing the necessary stability to sustain the plant's branching architecture within its natural habitat.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Vernonanthura brasiliana has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include apigenin, flavonoids, luteolin.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| apigenin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| luteolin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Vernonanthura brasiliana has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include leishmaniasis.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leishmaniasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |