Xylopia sericea

Xylopia sericea, commonly known as the African Pepper tree, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its aromatic bark and seeds, it is widely utilized in traditional medicine to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to inflammatory conditions, offering significant phytochemical potential for modern pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Xylopia sericea
  • Family: Annonaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known as Xylopia sericea, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Magnoliales. Finally, it is a member of the family Annonaceae and falls under the genus Xylopia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Magnoliales WCVP
Family Annonaceae WCVP
Genus Xylopia WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning across both Central and Northern South America. In the Central American region, its presence is documented in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panamá. Moving into Northern South America, the species can also be found growing in the tropical landscapes of Guyana. Furthermore, its distribution extends eastward into the territory of Suriname. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's preference for specific neotropical environments.

Region Area Source
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Central America Nicaragua WCVP
Central America Panamá 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

Chemicals

Xylopia sericea has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include germacrene D, guaiol, spathulenol.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
germacrene D 1 ★☆☆☆☆
guaiol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
spathulenol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Xylopia sericea has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Xylopia sericea has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, malaria.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Bacillus cereus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Enterobacter cloacae 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Klebsiella pneumoniae 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
malaria 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatism 1 ★☆☆☆☆