Pimenta racemosa

Pimenta racemosa is a species of plant in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) that is native to the Caribbean region. Common names include West Indian bay tree,[3] bay rum tree,[3] and ciliment.

Pimenta racemosa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Pimenta
Species:
P. racemosa
Binomial name
Pimenta racemosa
(Mill.) J.W.Moore
Synonyms[2]
List
    • Amomis acris (Sw.) O.Berg
    • Amomis anisomera Urb. & Ekman
    • Amomis caryophyllata Krug & Urb.
    • Amomis grisea (Kiaersk.) Britton
    • Amomis hispaniolensis Urb.
    • Amomis oblongata O.Berg
    • Amomis ozua Urb. & Ekman
    • Amomis pauciflora Urb.
    • Amomis pimento O.Berg
    • Amomis pimentoides O.Berg
    • Eugenia tabasco (Willd. ex Schltdl. & Cham.) G.Don
    • Myrcia acris (Sw.) DC.
    • Myrcia pimentoides DC.
    • Myrtus acris Sw.
    • Myrtus caryophyllata Jacq. nom. illeg.
    • Myrtus citrifolia Poir.
    • Myrtus pimentoides (DC.) T.Nees
    • Pimenta acris (Sw.) Kostel.
    • Pimenta acuminata Bello
    • Pimenta anisomera (Urb. & Ekman) Burret
    • Pimenta citrifolia (Poir.) Kostel.
    • Pimenta crenulata Alain
    • Pimenta hispaniolensis (Urb.) Burret
    • Pimenta officinalis var. cumanensis O. Berg
    • Pimenta ozua (Urb. & Ekman) Burret
    • Pimenta pauciflora (Urb.) Burret
    • Pimenta pimento Griseb.
    • Pimenta tabasco (Willd. ex Schltdl. & Cham.) Lundell
    • Pimenta terebinthina Burret
    • Pimentus cotinifolia Raf.

Uses

It is used in cooking and an essential oil is distilled to produce a fragrant cologne called bay rum; although the name is similar to names of flavored alcoholic beverages, the concentrated essential oil from the fruit is toxic and renders the product undrinkable.[4] The leaves are also used for herbal teas.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties

Extracts from multiple varieties of Pimenta racemosa display anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are mediated in part by terpenes such as abietic acid and lupeol, which alter neutrophil migration into inflamed regions.[5][6]

Pimenta racemosa also demonstrates antinociceptive properties and has historically been used as an analgesic in the Caribbean.[7]

Description

The tree is 4–12 m tall and the white flowers, about 10 mm wide, become black, oval fruits measuring 7–12 mm.[8] The ideal conditions for P. racemosa are regular irrigation and bright sunshine.

Ecology

Pimenta racemosa is widely introduced and can become an invasive weed.[8][9] The plants are now grown widely in other tropical areas, including Oceania.

References

  1. IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group; Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) (2022). "Pimenta racemosa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022: e.T62783A208346431. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T62783A208346431.en. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  2. "The Plant List: A Working List of all Plant Species".
  3. "Pimenta racemosa". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2012-08-23.
  4. desert-tropicals.com: West Indian Bay Tree, Bay Rum Tree
  5. Fernández, MA; Tornos, MP; García, MD; de las Heras, B; Villar, AM; Sáenz, MT (18 February 2010). "Anti-inflammatory activity of abietic acid, a diterpene isolated from Pimenta racemosa var. grissea". Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 53 (6): 867–872. doi:10.1211/0022357011776027.
  6. Fernández, A; Álvarez, A; Garcı́a, MD; Sáenz, MT (April 2001). "Anti-inflammatory effect of Pimenta racemosa var. ozua and isolation of the triterpene lupeol". Il Farmaco. 56 (4): 335–338. doi:10.1016/S0014-827X(01)01080-1.
  7. Garcı́a, MD; Fernández, MA; Alvarez, A; Saenz, MT (March 2004). "Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of the aqueous extract from leaves of Pimenta racemosa var. ozua (Mirtaceae)". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 91 (1): 69–73. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2003.11.018.
  8. Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER): Myrtaceae: Pimenta racemosa (by J.W.Moore)
  9. "USDA PLANTS Profile".

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