Botanical Overview
Wasakusili (Simaba cuspidata) is a species in the Simaroubaceae family. The quassia family (Simaroubaceae) includes trees and shrubs with bitter bark, compound leaves, and small, unisexual flowers. The fruits are typically drupes or samaras. Many species contain quassinoids, intensely bitter compounds with antimalarial and anticancer activity. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
Family Context
The Simaroubaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Stinktree — 36 documented uses
- Bitterwood — 21 documented uses
- Simaruba Bark — 19 documented uses
- Cedron — 10 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Wasakusili has been recorded in , and Brazil.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 2 compounds in this species: 6-alpha-tigloyloxychaparrine, 6-alpha-tigloyloxychaparrone.
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. The limited documentation available for this species represents an opportunity for ethnobotanical research.