Homalanthus nutans

Homalanthus nutans, known locally as the mamala tree, is a species of plant in the family Euphorbiaceae.

Homalanthus nutans
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Homalanthus
Species:
H. nutans
Binomial name
Homalanthus nutans
(G. Forst.) Guill.

Samoan healers use a concoction made from the bark to treat hepatitis. Research has indicated that a chemical from the bark called prostratin has in vitro activity against HIV.[1]

References

  1. Field, M. (2005). "Samoa forest holds secret of future drugs". Pacific Islands Report. Archived from the original on 2 August 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2011.


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