Vismia cayennensis

Vismia cayennensis, commonly known as a valuable medicinal shrub in Neotropical regions, holds significant ethnobotanical importance. Native to the Amazonian rainforest, this plant is traditionally utilized for its bioactive compounds. Research explores its potential pharmacological properties, particularly its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, offering promising avenues for natural medicine.

  • Scientific name: Vismia cayennensis
  • Family: Hypericaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known as Vismia cayennensis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta. It is further classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Hypericaceae and is categorized under the genus Vismia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Hypericaceae WCVP
Genus Vismia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Vismia cayennensis, is known by several different common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is referred to as the Cayenne Vismia, while in French, it is called Vismia de Cayenne. In the local Creoles of the Guianas, it is commonly known as Vismia, and in Spanish, it is called Vismia de Cayenne.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is distributed across several specific regions within the Caribbean and Northern South America. In the Caribbean, its presence is documented within the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Moving to the mainland, it can be found throughout the territory of Venezuela. The species also inhabits the Guiana Shield, specifically covering Guyana and Suriname. Finally, its geographical range extends into the region of French Guiana.

Region Area Source
Caribbean Trinidad-Tobago 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 Ecuador WCVP
Western South America Peru WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Vismia cayennensis, is a species frequently studied for its potential therapeutic properties, with much of its medicinal interest centered on its leaves. These leaves serve as a primary source of bioactive compounds, which are often extracted to investigate their pharmacological activities. In various traditional and scientific contexts, the chemical constituents found within the leaf tissue are analyzed to understand their contribution to the plant's overall medicinal profile.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Vismia cayennensis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include vismiaquinone.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
vismiaquinone 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Vismia cayennensis has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Leishmania infection.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Leishmania infection 1 ★☆☆☆☆