About Byrsonima sericea DC.
Byrsonima sericea DC. is a medium-sized tree that typically grows 6 to 18 meters tall. It produces tall orange plume-shaped flowers, which mature into small fruits that reach 8 mm in size. Ecologically, this species prefers wet deciduous forests of both primary and secondary growth. It is most often found in fertile soils alongside rivers or other small moving bodies of water. In Brazil, this plant is known locally as murici, and Brazilians use it to treat gastric injuries. This use comes from the high flavonoid content of its leaves, which includes rutin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside, and quercetin; these compounds are known for their antioxidant properties. The plant is also harvested for its tannins. Studies in rodents have investigated the plant's health effects, and have confirmed it has gastroprotective and anti-diarrheal activities. The large quantity of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, found in the plant likely gives it antioxidant capacity. One 2019 study found that rats treated with extract from this plant experienced less hepatic damage to their liver cells compared to a negative control group.
