Homalanthus nutans

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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]

References

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


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