Aristolochia constricta
Aristolochia constricta, commonly known as Constricted Birthwort, is a climbing herbaceous perennial native to subtropical regions. Historically utilized in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties, this plant belongs to the Aristolochiaceae family. However, caution is essential due to the presence of nephrotoxic aristolochic acids within its tissues.
- Scientific name: Aristolochia constricta
- Family: Aristolochiaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Piperales, it is situated in the family Aristolochiaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Aristolochia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Piperales | WCVP |
| Family | Aristolochiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Aristolochia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Aristolochia constricta, is known by various regional names depending on the language and local culture. In English, it is commonly referred to as the constricted birthwort, while in Spanish, it is known as la aristolochia constricta. In Portuguese, the plant is called aristolóchia constricta, and in French, it is identified as l'aristoloche constricte.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed throughout the diverse landscapes of Central America. Specifically, its range includes the tropical regions of Costa Rica and Honduras. It can also be found growing within the territories of Nicaragua and Panamá. Beyond the mainland, the species extends its reach into the Caribbean islands. In particular, its presence is noted among the Leeward Islands.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | Honduras | WCVP |
| Central America | Nicaragua | WCVP |
| Central America | Panamá | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Leeward Is. | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Windward Is. | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Ecuador | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Aristolochia constricta, is characterized by its distinct aerial parts which are utilized in various botanical studies. The aerial parts include the climbing vines and specialized structures that grow above the ground, while the stem serves as the primary structural support for the plant, facilitating the transport of nutrients and water throughout its system.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aerial parts | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Aristolochia constricta has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-cubebin, (-)-hinokinin, (-)-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid, (-)-pluviatolide, 3,5-di-O-methylconstrictosine.
- Total chemicals
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| (-)-cubebin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (-)-hinokinin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (-)-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (-)-pluviatolide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3,5-di-O-methylconstrictosine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3-O-methylconstrictosine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5,6-dihydro-3,5-di-O-methylconstrictosine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5,6-dihydroconstrictosine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| constrictosine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |