Apocynum cannabinum
Indianhemp
Apocynum cannabinum, commonly known as the "cannabis-leaved dogbane," is a medicinal shrub native to tropical Africa. Renowned in traditional medicine, its leaves and roots are utilized to treat ailments ranging from malaria and skin infections to digestive issues, offering significant pharmacological potential for modern drug development and healing.
- Scientific name: Apocynum cannabinum
- Family: Apocynaceae
- 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 Gentianaales, it is classified under the family Apocyanaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Apoceun, specifically the species Apoceun cannabinum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Apocynum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Apocynum cannabinum, is referred to by various common names depending on the language. In Esperanto, it is called Kanaba apocino, while in Russian, it is known as Кутра коноплёвая. In Azerbaijani, the name used is Kənafabənzər kəndir, and in Arabic, it is written as أبوسينوم كانابيوم. Additionally, in Ukrainian, it is identified as Кутра конопляна.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| eo | Kanaba apocino | Wikidata |
| ru | Кутра коноплёвая | Wikidata |
| az | Kənafabənzər kəndir | Wikidata |
| ar | أبوسينوم كانابيوم | Wikidata |
| uk | Кутра конопляна | Wikidata |
| mk | конопен кучешки чемер | Wikidata |
| ja | アメリカアサ | Wikidata |
| azb | کنافابنزر کندیر | Wikidata |
| pl | toina konopiowata | Wikidata |
| zh | 夹竹桃麻 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad and diverse geographical distribution spanning multiple continents. In Middle Europe, it can be found within the borders of Germany, while it also inhabits parts of Eastern Europe, specifically Ukraine. Its range extends significantly into the northern reaches of Asia, covering the vast region of West Siberia and parts of Korea in Eastern Asia. Furthermore, the species reaches the northernmost parts of the Western Hemisphere in the Northwest Territories of Subarctic America. This wide dispersal demonstrates the plant's ability to adapt to various climates and environments across the globe.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Ukraine | WCVP |
| Siberia | West Siberia | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
| Subarctic America | Northwest Territories | WCVP |
| Western Canada | Alberta | WCVP |
| Western Canada | British Columbia | WCVP |
| Western Canada | Manitoba | WCVP |
| Western Canada | Saskatchewan | WCVP |
| Eastern Canada | New Brunswick | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Apocynum cannabinum, is a versatile species where various components serve different functional purposes. The green leaves are a primary focus for medicinal use, often being dried and prepared as a soothing herbal tea to treat various ailments. Beyond its therapeutic properties, the plant is also valued for its structural strength; the stem contains a robust natural fiber known as bast fiber, which has historically been harvested and used in the production of cordage and textiles. Whether one is utilizing a single leaf for a remedy or extracting the tough fibers from the stalk, every part of this plant offers unique utility.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 11
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| leaf | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| natural fiber | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| herbal tea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bast fiber | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leave | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Apocynum cannabinum has 4 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic, Hepatoprotective.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihyperlipidemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |