Botanical Overview
Chufle (Calathea macrosepala) is a species in the Marantaceae family. This species belongs to the Marantaceae family, a group of flowering plants. Although comprehensive ethnobotanical records are limited, phytochemical studies have identified 15 compounds in this species, suggesting potential medicinal value.
General Description
Other local names include k’uut and xucu. The native range of Goeppertia macrosepala is southern Mexico to western Colombia and Trinidad.
Family Context
The Marantaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
Geographic Distribution
Chufle has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 15 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:
- Alkaloid: nitrogenous compounds with diverse pharmacological activities
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Systematic pharmacological studies are needed to validate the traditional uses attributed to this species.