Botanical Overview
Tetracera akara is a species in the Dilleniaceae family. The dillenia family (Dilleniaceae) includes trees, shrubs, and climbers with simple, alternate leaves with prominent parallel veins. The flowers are showy with five petals and numerous stamens. Species in this family are primarily tropical and produce fruits with fleshy calyces. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
Family Context
The Dilleniaceae family is primarily tropical. Notable medicinal members include:
- Dillenia indica — 9 documented uses
- Tetracera scandens — 9 documented uses
- Dillenia pentagyna — 7 documented uses
- Curatella americana — 6 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Tetracera akara has been recorded in 9 countries and territories worldwide, including Brunei, Indonesia, India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 2 compounds in this species: betulin, betulinic-acid.
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Systematic pharmacological studies are needed to validate the traditional uses attributed to this species.