| Homalanthus nutans | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Homalanthus |
| Species: | H. nutans |
| Binomial name | |
| Homalanthus nutans (G. Forst.) Guill. |
|
Homalanthus nutans, known locally as the mamala tree, is a species of plant in the Euphorbiaceae family. It is found in Samoa. Samoan healers use a concoction made from the bark to treat hepatitis. Research has indicated that a protein from the bark called prostratin has the potential to act as a treatment for HIV.[1]