Zanthoxylum rhoifolium explained

Zanthoxylum rhoifolium is a species of tree in the family Rutaceae known by the common names mamica de cadela,^[1] tambataru,^[2] and prickly ash.^{[2] [3]} It is native to South America.^{[4] [5]} It is a common tree on the Cerrado.^[6]

Description

This species is a deciduous tree reaching up to 12 meters in height. It produces a spherical black capsule about half a centimeter in length and width containing small, hard-coated seeds.

Ecology

The tree is not shade tolerant, so it can be found in open areas in and around forests.

Uses

This is a medicinal plant. The bark is used to treat toothache and earache. It is used as an anti-inflammatory. It is used to treat malaria.^{[7] [8]} Parts of the plant also have antibacterial and fungicidal^[9] action.

Chemical compounds

It contains nitidine, an alkaloid with anti-malarial action. It is of commercial value as a component of herbal remedies for malaria.

Notes and References

1. Pereira, S. S., et al. (2010). Antinociceptive effect of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. (Rutaceae) in models of acute pain in rodents. J Ethnopharmacol 129(2):227-31
2. Begossi, A., et al. (1993). Plant uses in a Brazilian coastal fishing community (Buzios Island). J Ethnopharmacol 13(2) 233-56.
3. Duke, J. A. Duke's Handbook of Medicinal Plants of Latin America. CRC Press 2008.
4. da Silva, S. L., et al. (2007). Cytotoxic evaluation of essential oil from Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. leaves. Acta Amaz 37(2)
5. Book: Grandtner, M. M.. Chevrette. Julien. 2013. Academic Press. 9780123969545. 712. en.
6. Silva, I. A., et al. (2009). Fire effects on the population structure of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam (Rutaceae) in a Brazilian savanna. Braz J Biol 69(3) 813-18.
7. Jullian, V., et al. (2006). Validation of use of a traditional antimalarial remedy from French Guiana, Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. J Ethnopharmacol 106 348-52.
8. Bouquet, J., et al. (2012). Biological activities of nitidine, a potential anti-malarial lead compound. Malaria Journal 11:67
9. Prieto, J., et al. (2011). Chemical composition, insecticidal, and antifungal activities of fruit essential oils of three Colombian Zanthoxylum species. Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research 71(1) 73-82.