Morphoanatomical and phytochemical delimitation of cinchona in six municipal markets in the Central District, Honduras

Abstract

The “quina”, as it is commonly known in Honduras, is a medicinal plant used to heal and disinfect wounds, also to relieve stomach pain. However, this name is assigned to several plant species in the country. This study aimed to identify the plants commonly known as cinchona that are commercialized in six municipal markets of the Central District. For their taxonomic identification, a morphoanatomical and phytochemical analysis was performed using conventional tests, expert consultations, and comparisons with herbarium specimens deposited in the Cyril Hardy Nelson Sutherland Herbarium (TEFH ) and the Paul R. House Herbarium of Useful Plants. As a result, six morphospecies were identified based on morphological and anatomical characteristics of the stem, including Cordia alliodora and Croton spp. The morphospecies were designated by common names such as “red cinchona,” “brown cinchona,” “yellow cinchona,” and “cinchona.” In addition, using a cluster analysis based on morphoanatomical and phytochemical data, three groups were identified, some of which coincide with the vernacular names. This study demonstrates the importance of the taxonomic identification of medicinal plants of popular use for an adequate treatment of diseases and their toxicity, since the effectiveness will depend on the specific chemical compounds of each plant species.