Botanical Overview
Sansapote (Licania platypus) is a species in the Chrysobalanaceae family. This species belongs to the Chrysobalanaceae family, a group of flowering plants. Although comprehensive ethnobotanical records are limited, phytochemical studies have identified 13 compounds in this species, suggesting potential medicinal value.
General Description
The specific epithet (platypus) is Neo-Latin for “flat-footed”.
Family Context
The Chrysobalanaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Cocoa plum — 13 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Sansapote has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 13 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. Further ethnobotanical and pharmacological research may reveal additional therapeutic applications for this species.