Adenium obesum

Adenium obesum, commonly known as the Desert Rose, is a striking succulent celebrated for its sculptural caudex and vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms. Native to arid regions of Africa, this resilient plant thrives in heat. While ornamental, it holds traditional medicinal significance, though its sap contains potent toxins requiring careful handling.

  • Scientific name: Adenium obesum
  • Family: Apocynaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Gentianales and the family Apocynaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Adenium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Apocynaceae WCVP
Genus Adenium WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical presence across several regions within West Tropical Africa. It can be found growing in the nation of Benin, where it occupies local ecological niches. The distribution extends further into Burkina, contributing to its regional availability. Additionally, the species is documented within the borders of Ghana. Finally, its range continues through Guinea-Bissau and Guinea, marking a significant presence in these West African territories.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mauritania WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Niger WCVP

Chemicals

Adenium obesum has 20 reported phytochemicals identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 16-acetylstrospeside, 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid (R)-1-carboxy-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) ethyl ester, 3-O-methylkaempferol, Cardiac glycosides, Neridienone A.

Total chemicals
20
Scientific sources
20

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
16-acetylstrospeside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid (R)-1-carboxy-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) ethyl ester 1 ★☆☆☆☆
3-O-methylkaempferol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cardiac glycosides 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Neridienone A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
acetyldigitoxigenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cadmium 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cardiac glycoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cardiac glycosides 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Adenium obesum has 6 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
9

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Neuroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Adenium obesum has 15 reported medicinal uses identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Liver cancer, Parkinson's disease, Parkinsonism, breast cancer, cancer.

Total uses
15
Scientific sources
15

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Liver cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Parkinson's disease 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Parkinsonism 1 ★☆☆☆☆
breast cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cervix cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
depression 1 ★☆☆☆☆
headaches 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hepatocellular carcinoma 1 ★☆☆☆☆