Botanical Overview
Ampelozizyphus amazonicus belongs to the Rhamnaceae family. Limited but reliable traditional records indicate this plant has recognized medicinal applications in one or more healing traditions. The buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) includes shrubs and trees with simple, alternate leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers with four or five petals. The fruits are typically drupes or capsules. Many species contain anthraquinone glycosides with strong purgative activity.
General Description
It includes two species Ampelozizyphus amazonicus, which is known from Amazonian Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil, and Ampelozizyphus guaquirensis, native to the central portion of the Coastal Cordillera of Venezuela.
Family Context
The Rhamnaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Ceanothus americanus — 21 documented uses
- Buckthorn — 8 documented uses
- Cascara Sagrada — 6 documented uses
- Mabi — 5 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Ampelozizyphus amazonicus has been recorded in 9 countries and territories worldwide, including Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 2 compounds in this species: betulin, betulinic-acid.