Acokanthera oblongifolia
Acokanthera oblongifolia, commonly known as the Poison Bush, is a significant medicinal plant native to African regions. Renowned for its potent cardiac glycosides, it holds a dual nature: while highly toxic if misused, its alkaloids are studied for pharmacological potential in treating heart conditions and managing complex biochemical processes.
- Scientific name: Acokanthera oblongifolia
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianaales, it is classified under the family Apocynaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Acokanthera.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Acokanthera | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within certain regions of the African continent. It can be found in South Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Mozambique. Furthermore, its presence extends into the Southern Africa region, including the Cape Provinces. The species is also widely distributed throughout the KwaZulu-Natal area of Southern Africa. These distinct locations define the natural habitat where this medicinal plant thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal | WCVP |
Chemicals
Acokanthera oblongifolia has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Acobioside A, Acovenoside A, Cardenolides, acobioside A, acospectoside A.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Acobioside A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Acovenoside A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cardenolides | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| acobioside A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| acospectoside A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Acokanthera oblongifolia has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiangiogenic, Anticancer, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiangiogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Acokanthera oblongifolia has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |