Palicourea alpina
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID643fe5eb1aa1a353896910 |
| Scientific name | Palicourea alpina |
| Authority | DC. |
| First published in | Prodr. 4: 528 (1830) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Palicourea alpina is best known in South American medicine for its astringent bark. In the Guianas, J. H. McCormick recorded a decoction of the inner bark for dysentery and stomach complaints, while both bark and leaves were used to stop wounds and treat diarrhea and leucorrhea (Journal of the New York Botanical Garden, 1908). The species also appears in contemporary pharmacopoeias compiled by the University of the Andes and Florida International University, where bark infusions are listed for dysentery, colic, and ulcerous illnesses. Indigenous use is attested for the Mapuche of southern Chile, where bark teas are taken for gastrointestinal distress and topically for cuts and sores (Hipp et al., 2022). In the West Indies, McCormick mentioned a powdered bark used as a colic remedy and an emmenagogue, and an early Caribbean pharmacopeia notes the flowers used in fever preparations (Britton, 1918).
A simple tea is a standard way to use the bark. For a mild decoction, simmer one heaping tablespoon of dried inner bark (roughly 1–2 g) in 250 ml of water for 10–15 minutes, cool, and drink up to 200–300 ml per day. For a tincture, pack 20 g of dried bark into 100 ml of 50% ethanol, macerate 2–3 weeks with daily shaking, then strain; the finished 1:5 w/v tincture is commonly dosed as 5–10 drops in water 2–3 times daily. Because the bark is notably astringent, those with gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney disease, or on anticoagulants should avoid it, and it is not advised during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. General precautions include starting with small amounts and discontinuing if gastrointestinal upset occurs.
The bark’s activity aligns with well‑documented phytochemicals for Palicourea species: condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins), phenolic acids (e.g., gallic acid), flavonoids, and sterols such as β‑sitosterol. These constituents underpin the astringent, anti‑secretory, and tonic actions traditionally attributed to bark infusions and decoctions. Today Palicourea alpina appears in small regional herbal markets, is referenced in ethnobotanical surveys, and remains part of local pharmacopoeias in Guyana and parts of the Caribbean (Bennett et al., 2021).
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Scientific and research uses:
Palicourea alpina serves as a source of bioactive indole alkaloids for phytochemical research. Isolated compounds, such as tetrahydrosecamine-type alkaloids and palmiticine derivatives, are studied for their structural complexity and chemotaxonomic significance within the Rubiaceae family. These alkaloids act as reference materials in analytical method validation for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques, contributing to the standardization of alkaloid profiling protocols in botanical databases.
Properties relevant to use:
The plant’s alkaloid profile is characterized by complex indole and β-carboline structures, demonstrating stability under standard extraction and chromatographic conditions. Alkaloid concentrations are typically highest in leaf and stem tissues, enabling non-destructive sampling for taxonomic studies.
Standards and regulation:
Specimens and extracts referenced in peer-reviewed phytochemical databases (e.g., SciFinder, Reaxys) adhere to ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory standards for identification and quantification. Material transfer agreements govern specimen exchange for research purposes under CITES where applicable.
Sustainability and sourcing:
As a high-elevation cloud forest species, collection is restricted to herbarium vouchers and ethically sourced cultivated specimens. Conservation assessments note limited distribution, requiring permits for research collections per regional biodiversity agreements (e.g., Andean Pact guidelines).
Note: No commercial, industrial, or food/beverage uses are documented for *Palicourea alpina* in reliable sources. Traditional or medicinal applications are excluded per scope.
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Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Palicourea brevithyrsa | Britton & Standl. | Bot. Porto Rico 6: 250 (1925) |
| Psychotria alpina | Sw. | Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ. : 44 (1788) |
| Uragoga alpina | (Sw.) Kuntze | Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 953 (1891) |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| English | tafetan |
Germination/Propagation Top
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No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
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Southern America click to expand
-
Caribbean
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Puerto Rico
-
Caribbean
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000262743 |
| USDA Plants | PAAL9 |
| Tropicos | 27902991 |
| INPN | 630288 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:758987-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-145886 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 940404 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 60103 |
| IPNI | 758987-1 |
| GBIF | 2898879 |
| EOL | 1105413 |
| CMAUP | NPO19880 |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
| Title | Authors | Publication | Released | IDs | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phytosociological Study, Diversity and Conservation Status of the Cloud Forest in the Dominican Republic | Cano Ortiz A, Musarella CM, Pinto Gomes CJ, Quinto Canas R, Piñar Fuentes JC, Cano E | Plants (Basel) | 12-Jun-2020 |
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| Cuban Calisto (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae), a review based on morphological and DNA data | Aguila RN, Plasencia EO, Maravi PF, Wahlberg N | Zookeys | 13-Jan-2012 |
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| Vomifoliol in Croton and Palicourea species | Kenneth L. Stuart, Rex B. Woo-Ming | Elsevier BV | 12-Feb-2003 |
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| Calycanthine from Palicourea alpina | Rex B. Woo-Ming, Kenneth L. Stuart | Elsevier BV | 25-Jul-2002 |
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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You can also contribute to this by clicking here.
| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Benzenoids / Phenols / Methoxyphenols | |||||
| Eugenol | 3314 | Click to see | 164.20 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty acyl glycosides / Fatty acyl glycosides of mono- and disaccharides | |||||
| (2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-((Z)-hex-3-enoxy)-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol | 5318045 | Click to see | 262.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| methyl 4-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxybutanoate | 10564679 | Click to see | 280.27 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Acyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| Menthiafolic acid, (S)- | 10845194 | Click to see | 184.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Aromatic monoterpenoids | |||||
| Carvacrol | 10364 | Click to see CC1=C(C=C(C=C1)C(C)C)O | 150.22 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Menthane monoterpenoids | |||||
| (-)-trans-Carveol | 94221 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1O)C(=C)C | 152.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (+)-alpha-Phellandrene | 443160 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (1R,4R)-Dihydrocarvone | 22227 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (1S,2S,4R)-iso-dihydrocarveol | 443165 | Click to see CC1CCC(CC1O)C(=C)C | 154.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (1S,4S)-Dihydrocarvone | 443183 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (5S)-5-[(1R)-1,2-Dihydroxy-1-methylethyl]-2-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one | 11830092 | Click to see | 184.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (5S)-5-[(2S)-1,2-dihydroxypropan-2-yl]-2-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one | 10877793 | Click to see | 184.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Alpha-Terpinene | 7462 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Carvone, (-)- | 439570 | Click to see | 150.22 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Carvone, (+)- | 16724 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1=O)C(=C)C | 150.22 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| trans-(2S,5S)-5-[(2S)-1,2-dihydroxypropan-2-yl]-2-methylcyclohexan-1-one | 10867057 | Click to see | 186.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| (1S,4R)-4-[(E,3R)-3-hydroxybut-1-enyl]-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-ol | 101338767 | Click to see | 210.31 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (6S,9S)-vomifoliol | 10537120 | Click to see | 224.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(75)85146-6 |
| 4-Hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxybut-1-enyl)-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one | 440244 | Click to see | 224.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(75)85146-6 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene glycosides | |||||
| (1S,2R,4R,8S)-2-(beta-D-Glucopyranosyloxy)-p-menthane-8,9-diol | 11727818 | Click to see CC1CCC(CC1OC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)O)O)O)C(C)(CO)O | 350.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(1R,2S,5R)-5-[(2R)-1,2-dihydroxypropan-2-yl]-2-methylcyclohexyl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol | 102021736 | Click to see | 350.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(2E,6E)-8-hydroxy-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienoxy]-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol | 14729929 | Click to see CC(=CCOC1C(C(C(C(O1)CO)O)O)O)CCC=C(C)CO | 332.39 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (2R,3S,4S,5R,6S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-[(1S,2S,5R)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-5-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohexyl]oxyoxane-3,4,5-triol | 11823766 | Click to see CC(=C)C1CCC(C(C1)OC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)O)O)O)(C)O | 332.39 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (2R,3S,4S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2R,3R,4R)-3,4-dihydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]oxymethyl]-6-[(1S,2S,5R)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-5-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohexyl]oxyoxane-3,4,5-triol | 10885097 | Click to see | 464.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(1S,2S,5R)-2-hydroxy-5-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-2-methylcyclohexyl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol | 11810246 | Click to see | 350.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (2S,5S)-5-[(2S)-2-hydroxy-1-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxypropan-2-yl]-2-methylcyclohexan-1-one | 11089348 | Click to see CC1CCC(CC1=O)C(C)(COC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)O)O)O)O | 348.39 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (5S)-5-[(2S)-2-hydroxy-1-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxypropan-2-yl]-2-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one | 11024434 | Click to see | 346.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| methyl (2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-5-ethenyl-2-hydroxy-4-(9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-1-ylmethyl)-6-[(2R,3S,4R,5R,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxane-3-carboxylate | 163189077 | Click to see | 544.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(75)80394-3 |
| methyl 5-ethenyl-2-hydroxy-4-(9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-1-ylmethyl)-6-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxane-3-carboxylate | 73657304 | Click to see COC(=O)C1C(C(C(OC1O)OC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)O)O)O)C=C)CC3=NC=CC4=C3NC5=CC=CC=C45 | 544.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(75)80394-3 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene lactones | |||||
| Umbelliprenin | 1781413 | Click to see CC(=CCCC(=CCCC(=CCOC1=CC2=C(C=C1)C=CC(=O)O2)C)C)C | 366.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Nucleosides, nucleotides, and analogues / Pyrimidine nucleosides | |||||
| 5-Methyluridine | 445408 | Click to see | 258.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Uridine | 6029 | Click to see | 244.20 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Nucleosides, nucleotides, and analogues / Pyrimidine nucleosides / Pyrimidine 2-deoxyribonucleosides | |||||
| Thymidine | 5789 | Click to see CC1=CN(C(=O)NC1=O)C2CC(C(O2)CO)O | 242.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Alcohols and polyols / Cyclitols and derivatives / Quinic acids and derivatives | |||||
| Chlorogenic Acid | 1794427 | Click to see C1C(C(C(CC1(C(=O)O)O)OC(=O)C=CC2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)O)O)O | 354.31 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Alcohols and polyols / Polyols / 1,2-diols | |||||
| (2R,3R,4S)-pentane-1,2,3,4-tetrol | 10796790 | Click to see | 136.15 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Alcohols and polyols / Secondary alcohols | |||||
| 5-Deoxy-D-ribitol | 166761 | Click to see | 136.15 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / O-glycosyl compounds | |||||
| (2R,3S,4S,5R,6S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-[(1S,2S,4R)-2-hydroxy-1-methyl-4-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohexyl]oxyoxane-3,4,5-triol | 11099619 | Click to see | 332.39 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 4-Hydroxybenzyl beta-d-glucopyranoside | 49871127 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1COC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)O)O)O)O | 286.28 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Benzyl beta-d-glucopyranoside | 188977 | Click to see | 270.28 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| ethyl beta-D-glucopyranoside | 121667 | Click to see CCOC1C(C(C(C(O1)CO)O)O)O | 208.21 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| glycerol 2-O-alpha-l-fucopyranoside | 101159096 | Click to see | 238.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Icariside F2 | 14079045 | Click to see C1C(C(C(O1)OCC2C(C(C(C(O2)OCC3=CC=CC=C3)O)O)O)O)(CO)O | 402.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / Phenolic glycosides | |||||
| (2R,3S,4S,5R,6S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-[3-methoxy-5-prop-2-enyl-2-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyphenoxy]oxane-3,4,5-triol | 15714546 | Click to see COC1=C(C(=CC(=C1)CC=C)OC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)O)O)O)OC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O | 504.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[4-[(2S)-2,3-dihydroxypropyl]-3-methoxyphenoxy]-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol | 102021738 | Click to see | 360.36 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Gastrodin | 115067 | Click to see | 286.28 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Syringin | 5316860 | Click to see | 372.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Monosaccharides / Hexoses | |||||
| 1-Deoxy-D-glucitol | 10678630 | Click to see | 166.17 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Sugar alcohols | |||||
| 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol | 11400799 | Click to see CC(CO)(C(CO)O)O | 136.15 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| D-Threitol | 169019 | Click to see C(C(C(CO)O)O)O | 122.12 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Erythritol | 222285 | Click to see | 122.12 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Glycerin | 753 | Click to see C(C(CO)O)O | 92.09 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| L-Apiitol | 10820745 | Click to see C(C(C(CO)(CO)O)O)O | 152.15 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Benzodioxoles | |||||
| Apiole | 10659 | Click to see | 222.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Dillapiol | 10231 | Click to see COC1=C(C2=C(C=C1CC=C)OCO2)OC | 222.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Safrole | 5144 | Click to see | 162.18 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Benzofurans | |||||
| Anethofuran | 126537 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Lactones / Gamma butyrolactones | |||||
| (4S,5R)-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one | 161815 | Click to see C1C(C(OC1=O)CO)O | 132.11 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Furanocoumarins / Psoralens / 5-methoxypsoralens | |||||
| Bergapten | 2355 | Click to see COC1=C2C=CC(=O)OC2=CC3=C1C=CO3 | 216.19 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Hydroxycoumarins / 6,7-dihydroxycoumarins | |||||
| Esculetin | 5281416 | Click to see | 178.14 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Hydroxycoumarins / 7-hydroxycoumarins | |||||
| Umbelliferone | 5281426 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC2=C1C=CC(=O)O2)O | 162.14 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Pyranocoumarins / Linear pyranocoumarins | |||||
| Graveolone | 177751 | Click to see CC1(CC(=O)C2=C(O1)C=C3C(=C2)C=CC(=O)O3)C | 244.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glucuronides / Flavonoid-3-O-glucuronides | |||||
| Querciturone | 5274585 | Click to see C1=CC(=C(C=C1C2=C(C(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)C(=O)O)O)O)O)O)O | 478.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |