Botanical Overview
Maytenus octogona is a species in the Celastraceae family. The staff-vine family (Celastraceae) includes shrubs, trees, and vines with simple, opposite or alternate leaves and small flowers. The fruits are often brightly colored capsules that split open to reveal seeds with fleshy arils. Many species produce alkaloids and terpenoids with insecticidal and medicinal properties. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
Family Context
The Celastraceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Maytenus senegalensis — 24 documented uses
- Burning Bush — 18 documented uses
- Khat — 17 documented uses
- Maytenus boaria — 1 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Maytenus octogona has been recorded in Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and ZZ.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 1 compound in this species: betulin.
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. The limited documentation available for this species represents an opportunity for ethnobotanical research.