Zanthoxylum rhoifolium is a species of tree in the family Rutaceae. It is known by the common names mamica de cadela, tambataru,Begossi, A., et al. (1993). Plant uses in a Brazilian coastal fishing community (Buzios Island). J Ethnopharmacol 13(2) 233-56. and prickly ash. It is native to Central and South America.da Silva, S. L., et al. (2007). Cytotoxic evaluation of essential oil from Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. leaves. Acta Amaz 37(2) It is a common tree on the Cerrado.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.
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. It has cone-shaped thorns on its trunk and branches.
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.Bouquet, J., et al. (2012). Biological activities of nitidine, a potential anti-malarial lead compound. Malaria Journal 11:67 Parts of the plant also have antibacterial and fungicidalPrieto, 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. 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.
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