Botanical Overview
Awarra Palm (Astrocaryum vulgare) belongs to the Arecaceae family. Limited but reliable traditional records indicate this plant has recognized medicinal applications in one or more healing traditions. The palm family (Arecaceae) includes trees, shrubs, and climbers with unbranched stems topped by a crown of large, compound, evergreen leaves. The flowers are small and clustered on branched inflorescences, and the fruits are typically drupes. Palms provide oils, waxes, and other useful products.
General Description
It is a species which has greatly benefited from deforestation, as it cannot grow in undisturbed rainforest. It is common in the Pará state of Brazil, to the east of the Amazon. This plant has edible fruit.
Family Context
The Arecaceae family is primarily tropical and subtropical. Notable medicinal members include:
- Coconut — 93 documented uses
- Betel Nut — 52 documented uses
- Date Palm — 42 documented uses
- Dragon’s Blood — 13 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Awarra Palm has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Brazil, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, French Guiana, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 6 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Sterol: cholesterol-like compounds with anti-inflammatory properties