Botanical Overview
Machaerocereus gummosus belongs to the Cactaceae family. Limited but reliable traditional records indicate this plant has recognized medicinal applications in one or more healing traditions. The cactus family (Cactaceae) includes succulent plants with thick, fleshy stems modified for water storage and spines instead of leaves. The flowers are typically large, showy, and short-lived with numerous petals and stamens. Many species produce alkaloids and have traditional medicinal uses.
Family Context
The Cactaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Peyote — 19 documented uses
- Indian Fig — 19 documented uses
- Night-Blooming Cereus — 9 documented uses
- Night-Blooming Cereus — 3 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Machaerocereus gummosus has been recorded in AS, Mexico, United States, and ZZ.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 1 compound in this species: betulinic-acid.
ⓘ Information
Information on this page is compiled from Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases (USDA ARS), a public domain resource. Consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal preparation.