Botanical Overview
Acerola (Malpighia glabra) belongs to the Malpighiaceae family. Limited but reliable traditional records indicate this plant has recognized medicinal applications in one or more healing traditions. This species belongs to the Malpighiaceae family, a group of flowering plants.
General Description
It has often been confused with the related cultivated crop tree M. emarginata, but has small insipid fruit and a very different flower structure.
Family Context
The Malpighiaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
Geographic Distribution
Acerola has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Brazil, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and others.
Traditional Uses
Acerola has been traditionally used for digestive health and fever management.
Digestive health.
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
For digestive complaints, the herb is typically prepared as a tea or decoction taken before meals. The bitter compounds stimulate digestive secretions and improve nutrient absorption. Some traditions use the powdered root or leaves in small doses as a stomachic tonic.
Fever management.
- Fever
Febrifuge preparations are typically administered as hot teas to induce perspiration, which helps the body regulate temperature. The patient is kept warm and encouraged to rest while the herb promotes sweating.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 20 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