Aerva javanica

Aerva javaica, commonly known as Hydnora or Gunung Lawang, is a versatile medicinal herb found across tropical regions. Renowned in traditional medicine, it possesses significant anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. This resilient plant is frequently utilized to treat various ailments, ranging from skin infections to digestive and respiratory issues.

  • Scientific name: Aerva javanica
  • Family: Amaranthaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Caryophyllales and the family Amaranthaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Aerva.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Caryophyllales WCVP
Family Amaranthaceae WCVP
Genus Aerva WCVP

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Aerva javanica, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the North African region. Its presence is well-documented in the country of Algeria, where it thrives in various local habitats. Furthermore, the species can be found throughout the territories of Egypt and Libya. The plant also inhabits the landscapes of Morocco, contributing to its regional prevalence. Finally, its geographical range extends into the arid environments of Western Sahara.

Region Area Source
Northern Africa Algeria WCVP
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
Northern Africa Libya WCVP
Northern Africa Morocco WCVP
Northern Africa Western Sahara WCVP
Macaronesia Cape Verde WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mauritania WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Niger WCVP

Chemicals

Aerva javanica has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, tannins, caffeic acid, gallic acid, hexacosyl ferulate.

Total chemicals
12
Scientific sources
14

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 2 ★☆☆☆☆
caffeic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gallic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hexacosyl ferulate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hexadecyl ferulate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
p-coumaric acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rutin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
steroids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Aerva javanica has 10 reported activities identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative.

Total activities
10
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Demulcent 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Emetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Purgative 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Aerva javanica has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anti-oxidant, breast cancer, cutaneous leishmaniasis, inflammation, liver diseases.

Total uses
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
anti-oxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
breast cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cutaneous leishmaniasis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
liver diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oxidative damage 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆