Stryphnodendron polyphyllum
StarStryphnodendron polyphyllum
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Brazilian folk medicine, Stryphnodendron polyphyllum is one of the 'barbatimao' trees; a decoction of the tannin-rich stem bark is used to treat diarrhoea and gynaecological complaints and is applied to wounds to promote healing (de Souza et al., Stryphnodendron Species Known as 'Barbatimao': A Comprehensive Report, Molecules, 2018). Experimental work supports this species specifically, with bark-extract ointments accelerating epithelialisation in rodent wound models (as reviewed in de Souza et al., 2018). These uses are documented for this species within Brazilian (non-Western-canonical) traditional practice.
Botanical Description
Stryphnodendron polyphyllum is a small tree or shrub of the Fabaceae (subfamily Caesalpinioideae, mimosoid clade) native to the Brazilian cerrado and adjacent savanna woodland. It is one of several species known collectively as 'barbatimão.' The plant has a rugged, fissured stem bark and bipinnate leaves bearing numerous small leaflets, the abundant foliage giving rise to the epithet 'polyphyllum.' Tiny, sessile flowers are crowded into slender, cylindrical, spike-like inflorescences, creamy to yellowish in colour, and are followed by woody, often somewhat constricted legume pods containing several seeds. Like its relatives it is rich in condensed and hydrolysable tannins, particularly profisetinidin-type proanthocyanidins concentrated in the bark, which give the bark its strongly astringent character. It is a characteristic component of the fire-adapted cerrado flora of central and southeastern Brazil.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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