Acanthospermum australe
Acanthospermum australe, commonly known as spiny rosette or burr plant, is a resilient herbaceous annual found in tropical regions. Valued in traditional medicine, it possesses significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This plant is frequently studied for its potential bioactive compounds and its diverse applications in treating various ailments.
- Scientific name: Acanthospermum australe
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is a member of the Asteraceae family. Its scientific classification concludes with the genus Acanthospermum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Acanthospermum | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across multiple continents. In Middle Europe, its presence can be documented within the borders of Germany. Moving toward the equatorial regions, it is found throughout West-Central Tropical Africa in both Cameroon and the DR Congo. The distribution also extends into South Tropical Africa, specifically within the country of Angola. Finally, its reach continues further east to include the nation of Mozambique.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zambia | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Eswatini | WCVP |
Chemicals
Acanthospermum australe has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 6-epi-ophiobolin K, flavonoids, ophiobolin K, saponins, silver.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 6-epi-ophiobolin K | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ophiobolin K | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| silver | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Acanthospermum australe has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria, diarrhea, dyspepsia, fever, gastrointestinal disorders.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| malaria | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dyspepsia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastrointestinal disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| parasitic worms | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |