Acalypha
Acalypha, commonly known as copperleaf or chenille plant, is a versatile genus within the Euphorbiaceae family. Renowned for its striking, colorful foliage, this medicinal herb is valued in traditional healing. It possesses significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, frequently used to treat skin ailments, respiratory issues, and digestive discomfort.
- Scientific name: Acalypha
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further categorized under the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Acalypha.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Acalypha | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning several distinct regions of the world. In Southeastern Europe, its presence is documented across Bulgaria, Italy, and Romania. The distribution extends further into Eastern Europe, where it can be found in Ukraine. Additionally, the species reaches the Macaronesian islands, specifically documented in the Canary Is. These varied locations highlight the wide environmental adaptability of the Acalypha species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Romania | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Ukraine | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Madeira | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
Activities
Acalypha has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Acalypha has 10 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, bronchitis, dysentery, eczema, fever.
- Total uses
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bronchitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dysentery | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| eczema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| jaundice | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mycoses | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| scabies | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| schistosomiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |