Rhizophora mucronata

Botanical Overview

Rhizophora mucronata belongs to the Rhizophoraceae family. Limited but reliable traditional records indicate this plant has recognized medicinal applications in one or more healing traditions. This species belongs to the Rhizophoraceae family, a group of flowering plants.

Family Context

The Rhizophoraceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:

Geographic Distribution

Rhizophora mucronata has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Micronesia, Indonesia, India, Madagascar, Philippines, and others.

Traditional Uses

Rhizophora mucronata has been traditionally used for cardiovascular health and metabolic and nutritional health.

Cardiovascular health.

  • Hemorrhage

Metabolic and nutritional health.

  • Diabetes

Metabolic applications include consuming the plant as a food, fresh juice, or herbal infusion. Regular use supports the body’s natural metabolic processes and nutritional status.

Active Compounds

Phytochemical research has identified 1 compound in this species: betulin.

ⓘ 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.

Distribution and Conservation

Reported distribution: Micronesia, Indonesia, India, Madagascar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Thailand, United States, South Africa.

Complete Use Records

CategoryCultural Context
HematuriaBakau belukap, Elsewhere
AnginaElsewhere
HemorrhageElsewhere
ParturitionJava
AstringentElsewhere
DiabetesElsewhere

Complete Chemical Inventory

CompoundFormulaMW
BETULINC₃₀H₅₀O₂442.7 Da

Data from PubChem (NIH/NLM, public domain).


References & Further Reading

External Research Links

Data Sources