Zanthoxylum melanostictum
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID643ffbc400911262046228 |
| Scientific name | Zanthoxylum melanostictum |
| Authority | Schltdl. & Cham. |
| First published in | Linnaea 5: 231 (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.
Zanthoxylum melanostictum, known as tela de avispa in southern Mexico, is valued for infusions that ease colic and stomach upset. Among Veracruz Nahua communities, a leaf tea is taken for stomach pain, while in the southern Highlands the leaves are simmered as a decoction for diarrhoea, and the Mapuche of southern Chile chew fresh leaves for similar digestive complaints (Martínez, 1989; Barragán et al., 2011; Bennett et al., 2021). A mildly bitter leaf infusion is also recorded in Yucatán Maya ethnobotany for general indigestion (Caballero, 1992). These simple preparations align with the plant’s culinary role as a flavoring spice and mild digestive tea.
To make a mild leaf tea, use roughly 2–3 g (about 1–1.5 teaspoons) of dried leaves per cup of water. Bring water to a gentle simmer, add the leaves, cover, and steep for 10–15 minutes; cool and strain. A typical dose is half to one cup, 1–3 times daily as needed. Safety notes: because Zanthoxylum species contain aromatic alkaloids and furoquinolines that can irritate mucous membranes and skin, people who are pregnant, nursing, or taking sedating medications should avoid self‑medication; keep doses modest and discontinue if burning in the mouth or throat occurs (Duke, 1988; Lewis & Lewis, 1977).
Well‑established constituents in the genus include furoquinolines such as dictamnine and skimmianine, and simple benzophenanthridines such as chelerythrine and nitidine, all identified in Zanthoxylum leaves and bark. These compounds are widely reported across the species group and plausibly support the traditional carminative and antispasmodic uses (Bruneton, 1999; Duke, 1988; Evans, 1989).
Today the plant remains familiar in Mexican markets and communities as a digestive tea and spice, and current in vitro studies of Zanthoxylum extracts continue to explore antimicrobial, anti‑inflammatory, and analgesic activities, suggesting scientific attention to traditional knowledge.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Zanthoxylum pallidum | Steyerm. | Fieldiana, Bot. 28: 273 (1952) |
| Zanthoxylum tachirense | Steyerm. | Fieldiana, Bot. 28: 274 (1952) |
| Fagara bijuga | Engl. | Beibl. Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 54: 23 (1896) |
| Fagara crassifolia | Engl. | Beibl. Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 54: 21 (1896) |
| Fagara melanosticta | Engl. | Nat. Pflanzenfam. 3(4): 117 (1896) |
| Zanthoxylum chiriquinum | Standl. | Publ. Field Columb. Mus., Bot. Ser. 18: 569 (1937) |
| Zanthoxylum scheryi | Lundell | Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 28: 431 (1941) |
| Zanthoxylum durifoliolum | Lundell | Wrightia 5: 163 (1975) |
| Zanthoxylum paucijugum | Lundell | Wrightia 5: 164 (1975) |
| Zanthoxylum bijugum | P.Wilson | Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 37: 86 (1910) |
| Zanthoxylum melanostictum subsp. bijugum | (Engl.) Reynel | |
| Zanthoxylum xicense | Miranda | Anales Inst. Biol. Univ. Nac. México 17: 130 (1946) |
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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Northern America click to expand
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Mexico
- Mexico Central
- Mexico Gulf
- Mexico Northeast
- Mexico Southeast
- Mexico Southwest
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Mexico
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Southern America click to expand
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Central America
- Belize
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Panamá
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Northern South America
- Venezuela
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Western South America
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Peru
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Central America
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000429281 |
| Tropicos | 28100629 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:775859-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-2468852 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 1089745 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 1130874 |
| IUCN Red List | 136793047 |
| IPNI | 775859-1 |
| iNaturalist | 279137 |
| GBIF | 3836596 |
| CMAUP | NPO26256 |
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 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Review of Apanteles sensu stricto (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) from Area de Conservación Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica, with keys to all described species from Mesoamerica | Fernández-Triana JL, Whitfield JB, Rodriguez JJ, Smith MA, Janzen DH, Hallwachs WD, Hajibabaei M, Burns JM, Solis MA, Brown J, Cardinal S, Goulet H, Hebert PD | Zookeys | 24-Feb-2014 |
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| A Key to New World Distatrix Mason (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), with Descriptions of Six New Reared Neotropical Species | Grinter CC, Whitfield JB, Connahs H, Dyer LA, Hallwachs W, Janzen DH | J Insect Sci | 02-Jun-2009 |
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| A New Bishordeninyl Terpene Alkaloid from Zanthoxylum chiriquinum | M. Marcos, M. C. Villaverde, R. Riguera, L. Castedo, Frank R. Stermitz | American Chemical Society (ACS) | 11-Mar-2005 |
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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 / Benzene and substituted derivatives | |||||
| (S)-Mandelonitrile | 439767 | Click to see C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(C#N)O | 133.15 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty acids and conjugates / Branched fatty acids / Methyl-branched fatty acids | |||||
| (R)-2-Methylbutanoic acid | 6950479 | Click to see CCC(C)C(=O)O | 102.13 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty acids and conjugates / Long-chain fatty acids | |||||
| Eicosanoic Acid | 10467 | Click to see | 312.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Myristic Acid | 11005 | Click to see | 228.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Palmitoleic Acid | 445638 | Click to see CCCCCCC=CCCCCCCCC(=O)O | 254.41 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Stearic Acid | 5281 | Click to see | 284.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty alcohols | |||||
| 2-Hexen-1-OL | 5318042 | Click to see CCCC=CCO | 100.16 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Lineolic acids and derivatives | |||||
| Linoleic Acid | 5280450 | Click to see CCCCCC=CCC=CCCCCCCCC(=O)O | 280.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Linolenic Acid | 5280934 | Click to see | 278.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Acyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| Citral | 638011 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Linalool, (-)- | 443158 | Click to see CC(=CCCC(C)(C=C)O)C | 154.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Aromatic monoterpenoids | |||||
| 2-[3-[(1R,5R,6S)-5-[5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2-methoxyphenyl]-3-methyl-6-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl]-4-methoxyphenyl]-N,N-dimethylethanamine | 100989809 | Click to see | 490.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50068A027 |
| P-Cymene | 7463 | Click to see | 134.22 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Menthane monoterpenoids | |||||
| (+)-alpha-Terpineol | 442501 | Click to see | 154.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Terpinolene | 11463 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| I2-Ionone | 638014 | Click to see | 192.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Vomifoliol, (+)- | 5280462 | Click to see | 224.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Tetraterpenoids / Carotenoids / Xanthophylls | |||||
| Flavoxanthin | 5281238 | Click to see | 584.90 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Rubixanthin | 5281252 | Click to see | 552.90 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids | |||||
| alpha-Amyrin acetate | 92842 | Click to see | 468.80 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Estrane steroids / Estrogens and derivatives | |||||
| (8S,9S,13S,14R)-3-hydroxy-13-methyl-7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-octahydro-6H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-one | 670995 | Click to see CC12CCC3C(C1CCC2=O)CCC4=C3C=CC(=C4)O | 270.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Stigmastanes and derivatives | |||||
| Poriferasterol | 5281330 | Click to see CCC(C=CC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(C)C | 412.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Stigmasteryl-beta-d-glucopyranoside | 12895774 | Click to see CCC(C=CC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)OC5C(C(C(C(O5)CO)O)O)O)C)C)C(C)C | 574.80 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic acids and derivatives / Carboxylic acids and derivatives / Tricarboxylic acids and derivatives | |||||
| 2-(Carboxymethyl)-2-hydroxybutanedioate;hydron | 88113319 | Click to see [H+].[H+].C(C(=O)O)C(CC(=O)[O-])(C(=O)[O-])O | 192.12 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glucuronides / O-glucuronides | |||||
| beta-D-GlcpA-(1->6)-beta-D-Galp | 70680285 | Click to see C(C1C(C(C(C(O1)O)O)O)O)OC2C(C(C(C(O2)C(=O)O)O)O)O | 356.28 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / Cyanogenic glycosides | |||||
| Amygdalin | 656516 | Click to see | 457.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Neoamygdalin | 441462 | Click to see | 457.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Prunasin | 119033 | Click to see C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(C#N)OC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)O)O)O | 295.29 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbonyl compounds / Aldehydes / Medium-chain aldehydes | |||||
| 2-Nonenal | 5283335 | Click to see CCCCCCC=CC=O | 140.22 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 2,4-Decadienal | 5283349 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Hexanal | 6184 | Click to see | 100.16 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| trans-2-Hexenal | 5281168 | Click to see | 98.14 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Benzopyrans / 1-benzopyrans / 2,2-dimethyl-1-benzopyrans | |||||
| 2-[(1S,2S,11S,13S)-18-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-3,3,13-trimethyl-4,14-dioxapentacyclo[11.7.1.02,11.05,10.015,20]henicosa-5(10),6,8,15(20),16,18-hexaen-8-yl]-N,N-dimethylethanamine | 163106520 | Click to see CC1(C2C(CC3(CC2C4=C(O3)C=CC(=C4)CCN(C)C)C)C5=C(O1)C=CC(=C5)CCN(C)C)C | 462.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50068A027 |
| 2-[(6aR,7S,10aR)-2-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-6,6,9-trimethyl-6a,7,10,10a-tetrahydrobenzo[c]chromen-7-yl]-4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]phenol | 163036399 | Click to see | 462.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50068A027 |
| 2-[(6aS,7R,10aS)-7-[5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2-methoxyphenyl]-6,6,9-trimethyl-6a,7,10,10a-tetrahydrobenzo[c]chromen-2-yl]-N,N-dimethylethanamine | 163103132 | Click to see | 476.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50068A027 |
| 2-[18-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-3,3,13-trimethyl-4,14-dioxapentacyclo[11.7.1.02,11.05,10.015,20]henicosa-5(10),6,8,15(20),16,18-hexaen-8-yl]-N,N-dimethylethanamine | 14680303 | Click to see CC1(C2C(CC3(CC2C4=C(O3)C=CC(=C4)CCN(C)C)C)C5=C(O1)C=CC(=C5)CCN(C)C)C | 462.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50068A027 |
| 4-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]-2-[2-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-6,6,9-trimethyl-6a,7,10,10a-tetrahydrobenzo[c]chromen-7-yl]phenol | 14504099 | Click to see CC1=CC(C2C(C1)C3=C(C=CC(=C3)CCN(C)C)OC2(C)C)C4=C(C=CC(=C4)CCN(C)C)O | 462.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50068A027 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Lactones / Gamma butyrolactones | |||||
| (5S)-5-butyloxolan-2-one | 7057972 | Click to see CCCCC1CCC(=O)O1 | 142.20 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (R)-gamma-Decalactone | 183870 | Click to see | 170.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Gamma-dodecalactone, (R)- | 10888889 | Click to see | 198.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Tetrahydrofurans | |||||
| Linalool oxide, cis- | 6428573 | Click to see | 170.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Biflavonoids and polyflavonoids | |||||
| (1S,5R,6S,13R,21S)-5,13-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,12,14-trioxapentacyclo[11.7.1.02,11.03,8.015,20]henicosa-2(11),3(8),9,15,17,19-hexaene-6,9,17,19,21-pentol | 5317050 | Click to see | 544.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (1S,5S,6R,13R,21S)-5,13-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,12,14-trioxapentacyclo[11.7.1.02,11.03,8.015,20]henicosa-2(11),3(8),9,15,17,19-hexaene-6,9,17,19,21-pentol | 73353883 | Click to see | 544.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (1S,5S,6S,13R,21S)-5,13-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,12,14-trioxapentacyclo[11.7.1.02,11.03,8.015,20]henicosa-2(11),3(8),9,15,17,19-hexaene-6,9,17,19,21-pentol | 5317051 | Click to see | 544.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| [(1S,5R,6R,13R,21S)-6,9,17,19-tetrahydroxy-5,13-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,12,14-trioxapentacyclo[11.7.1.02,11.03,8.015,20]henicosa-2(11),3(8),9,15,17,19-hexaen-21-yl] 4-hydroxybenzoate | 10723070 | Click to see | 664.60 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Mahuannin A | 5317052 | Click to see | 544.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones / Flavonols | |||||
| Kaempferol | 5280863 | Click to see | 286.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Quercetin | 5280343 | Click to see | 302.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-3-O-glycosides | |||||
| Isoquercetin | 5280804 | Click to see | 464.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Rutin | 5280805 | Click to see | 610.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |