Acanthospermum hispidum

Acanthospermum hispidum, commonly known as burr salsify, is a versatile medicinal herb widely used in traditional folk medicine. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, it is frequently employed to treat inflammation, digestive issues, and skin ailments. This resilient plant offers significant therapeutic potential for various holistic healing practices.

  • Scientific name: Acanthospermum hispidum
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • 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 organized into the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by 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 widespread geographical distribution that spans across multiple continents and climate zones. In Middle Europe, its presence can be documented in Belgium. Moving toward the African continent, it is found in Egypt within Northern Africa. Its range extends to the Macaronesian islands, specifically reaching Cape Verde. Finally, the species is established in West Tropical Africa, occurring in both Benin and Burkina.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
Macaronesia Cape Verde WCVP
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP

Chemicals

Acanthospermum hispidum has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, hydrolyzable tannins, quercetin glucoside, steroids, tannins.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hydrolyzable tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin glucoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
steroids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Acanthospermum hispidum has 9 reported activities identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiparasitic, Anticholinesterase, Antimalarial, Antioxidant, Antiplasmodial.

Total activities
9
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiparasitic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticholinesterase 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiplasmodial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hypoglycemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hypotensive 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Acanthospermum hispidum has 10 reported medicinal uses identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum, malaria, Leishmania mexicana mexicana, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, antimalarial.

Total uses
10
Scientific sources
12

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Plasmodium falciparum 2 ★☆☆☆☆
malaria 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Leishmania mexicana mexicana 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Trypanosoma brucei brucei 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bovine herpesvirus 1 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gastrointestinal disorders 1 ★☆☆☆☆
infectious diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆