Botanical Overview
Savanna Courbaril (Simaba morettii) 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
Savanna Courbaril has been recorded in French Guiana, and Guyana.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 4 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Further ethnobotanical and pharmacological research may reveal additional therapeutic applications for this species.