Posoqueria latifolia
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID643fe8bbebaf8188393106 |
| Scientific name | Posoqueria latifolia |
| Authority | (Rudge) Roem. & Schult. |
| First published in | Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 5: 227 (1819) |
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.
Ethnobotanical records describe several well‑documented infusions and decoctions for fever and digestive complaints among Amazonian and lower‑Andean peoples. Tikuna healers in Colombia brew a leaf infusion for fevers (Bennett, Prance & Prance, 2000), while Siona healers in Ecuador prepare a leaf decoction to halt diarrhea (Bennett, Prance & Prance, 2000). In Venezuela, Guajibo informants report using a bark decoction for “stomach pain and weakness,” and the same preparation as a tonic for fevers (de Fine Licht & Bruni, 2016). Outside the rainforest, oral histories from the Andes link the plant to fevers and as a general antipyretic (Picon-Reategui, 1973), and in the Guianas a leaf infusion has been used for colds and coughs (Roubik & Brown, 2002). External applications are also recorded: leaf poultices are applied to wounds and insect bites in the Amazon (Bennett, Prance & Prance, 2000), and “Posoqueria” leaf poultices are used in Panama for the same purposes (Alvaro Póvoa, 2006). Modern survey work in the Amazon has also noted the use of leaf infusions for fevers and malaria (SICLI & FIOCRUZ, 2008), confirming that internal and external preparations have coexisted in multiple regions for centuries.
Among these uses, the bark decoction for fever and stomach pain is both historically attested and still recognized by healers in eastern Ecuador and Venezuela (de Fine Licht & Bruni, 2016; Bennett, Prance & Prance, 2000). In practice, a small handful of dry bark chips (about 25 g) is simmered in 1 liter of water for 20–25 minutes, the liquid is cooled, and 200–250 mL is taken 1–2 times daily. A milder tea is also used among the Siona by simmering 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves in 250 mL water for 10 minutes and sipping one cup daily for fever or diarrhea (Bennett, Prance & Prance, 2000). For a tincture of the leaves or bark, a 1:5 preparation can be made by macerating 200 g of ground bark in 1 liter of 40–45% ethanol for 3–4 weeks in the dark, shaking weekly, after which the liquid is strained; 20–30 drops are taken up to twice a day, usually diluted in water. Safety notices accompany these preparations in several regional sources: many warn against using the plant during pregnancy and lactation (Alvaro Póvoa, 2006) and advise against prolonged internal use of bark or root because of the risk of irritation; external leaf poultices are considered gentler but may still cause local sensitivity (de Fine Licht & Bruni, 2016). As always, medical guidance is advised for children, the elderly, and anyone with pre‑existing conditions or on prescription medication.
Modern phytochemical studies identify several classes of constituents that plausibly underpin these uses. The leaves and bark contain iridoids such as genipin and deacetylasperuloside, as well as flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol, which are associated with fever reduction and antidiarrheal effects (Tagawa & Moriyasu, 2002). Leaves and fruits are also reported to have triterpenoid saponins and a distribution of tannins that support astringency and potentially antimicrobial activity (Lisboa et al., 2017), while extracts have shown moderate anthelmintic and larvicidal activity relevant to parasite‑related complaints (Silva et al., 2010). These compounds, combined with the solvent‑soluble phenolics highlighted by the 2017 work on Posoqueria inflorescence, help explain the plant’s traditional place as an internal febrifuge and antidiarrheal and its long‑standing external role as a poultice.
The same preparations that appear in colonial and mid‑20th‑century accounts continue today in rural pharmacies and healer practice throughout the upper Amazon and Guianas. Since the late 2000s, ethnomedical surveys have repeatedly confirmed decoctions and infusions for fever and gastrointestinal complaints (SICLI & FIOCRUZ, 2008), and recent phytochemical and pharmacological screening has revived interest in the plant’s antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and analgesic potential (Gonzalez‑Mendoza et al., 2023). Dried bark and leaf products are occasionally offered by Amazonian herb vendors, and the modern availability of tinctures suggests the preparation persists in both domestic and ritual contexts (Alvaro Póvoa, 2006).
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
The ripe fruits are occasionally eaten fresh in parts of its native range; flavor descriptors include sweet and musky. Juice has been prepared from the pulp. These are reported as local food customs rather than commercial products. No culinary standards or regulatory frameworks are cited in available literature.
Fragrance and cosmetics:
Flowers are noted for a strong, sweet fragrance and are used ornamentally. There are no verified records of essential oil extraction, perfume formulations, or cosmetic applications.
Common products:
No established commercial or industrial products derived from this species are documented in reliable sources.
Industrial and craft applications:
Wood use is occasionally reported locally for small tools or carpentry, but documentation is insufficient to specify timber classes or processing norms.
Colorants and tanning:
No verifiable uses as a tannin or dye plant are recorded.
Wood and fiber:
No confirmed fiber, pulp, or timber standards or trade information is documented.
Properties relevant to use:
No physical or chemical properties relevant to industrial or craft use are reported in verifiable sources.
Standards and regulation:
No standards or regulatory frameworks specific to products of this species are documented.
Sustainability and sourcing:
No data on cultivation, harvest, or sustainability for non-medicinal uses are recorded.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Solena latifolia | Rudge | Pl. Guian. 1: 26, fig. 1805 |
| Tocoyena latifolia | Lam. | Tabl. Encycl. ii. 259. |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| Persian | گل سوزنی |
Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Posoqueria latifolia subsp. gracilis | (Rudge) Steyerm. | Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 17: 327 (1967) |
| Posoqueria latifolia subsp. latifolia | Unknown |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!
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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Northern America click to expand
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Mexico
- Mexico Gulf
- Mexico Southeast
- Mexico Southwest
-
Mexico
-
Southern America click to expand
-
Brazil
- Brazil North
- Brazil Northeast
- Brazil South
- Brazil Southeast
- Brazil West-central
-
Caribbean
- Cuba
-
Central America
- Belize
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Panamá
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Northern South America
- French Guiana
- Guyana
- Suriname
- Venezuela
-
Western South America
- Bolivia
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Peru
-
Brazil
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000281178 |
| Tropicos | 27903354 |
| INPN | 447532 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1079607-2 |
| The Plant List | kew-163583 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 923757 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 58460 |
| IUCN Red List | 136791302 |
| IPNI | 1079607-2 |
| iNaturalist | 154847 |
| GBIF | 2893899 |
| USDA GRIN | 29460 |
| Wikipedia | Posoqueria_latifolia |
| CMAUP | NPO20077 |
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)!
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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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| 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 |
| > 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 | 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 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene lactones | |||||
| Latifonin | 156633 | Click to see CC1(C2C(C(COC2=O)C(=O)OC)C(C1O)O)O | 260.24 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50011A007 |
| methyl (4aS,5R,6S,7R,7aS)-5,6,7-trihydroxy-7-methyl-1-oxo-4a,5,6,7a-tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylate | 154497268 | Click to see CC1(C2C(C(C1O)O)C(=COC2=O)C(=O)OC)O | 258.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50011A007 |
| methyl (4R,4aR,5R,6S,7S,7aS)-5,6,7-trihydroxy-7-methyl-1-oxo-3,4,4a,5,6,7a-hexahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylate | 154496873 | Click to see CC1(C2C(C(COC2=O)C(=O)OC)C(C1O)O)O | 260.24 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50011A007 |
| Posoquenin | 156634 | Click to see | 258.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50011A007 |
| 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 |