Aristolochia paucinervis

Aristolochia paucinervis, commonly known as a member of the birthwort family, is a medicinal plant native to specific tropical regions. Renowned for its unique botanical features, it has historically been studied for its phytochemical properties. However, caution is essential due to the presence of potentially nephrotoxic aristolochic acids.

  • Scientific name: Aristolochia paucinervis
  • Family: Aristolochiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Piperales, falling into the family Aristolochiaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Aristolochia as the species Aristolochia paucinervis.

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, known scientifically as Aristolochia paucinervis, is recognized by various local and regional names across different languages. In Portuguese (pt) and Middle Wolayta (mwl), it is referred to as junciana, while in Arabic (ar), its name is زراوند قليل العروق. In Spanish (es), it is commonly called both Aristoloquia larga and Aristoloquia macho.
Language Common Name Source
pt junciana Wikidata
ar زراوند قليل العروق Wikidata
mwl junciana Wikidata
es Aristoloquia larga Wikidata
es Aristoloquia macho Wikidata
fr Aristoloche à nervures peu nombreuses Wikidata
fr Aristoloche longue Wikidata
mwl jenciana Wikidata
pt aristolóquia Wikidata
pt erva-bicha Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution primarily concentrated around the Mediterranean region. It can be found across several areas of Southwestern Europe, including Spain and Portugal. Within this European range, the species also inhabits France and the Balearic Islands. Beyond the European continent, its presence extends into Northern Africa, specifically within Algeria. Consequently, its habitat spans both coastal European territories and parts of the North African coastline.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Northern Africa Algeria WCVP
Northern Africa Morocco WCVP
Northern Africa Tunisia WCVP
Macaronesia Canary Is. WCVP
Macaronesia Madeira WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Aristolochia paucinervis, possesses several distinct anatomical features that contribute to its botanical profile. The underground structure is characterized by its robust rhizomes, which serve as vital storage organs for the species. These rhizome systems are connected to a network of roots that anchor the plant firmly into the soil and facilitate nutrient uptake. Above the ground, the plant displays prominent leaves that are essential for photosynthesis and are often used as a key identifier for the species in its natural habitat.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rhizome 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Rhizomes 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Aristolochia paucinervis has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthraquinones, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, sterols.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
anthraquinones 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sterols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Aristolochia paucinervis has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidermatophytic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antidermatophytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Aristolochia paucinervis has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Helicobacter pylori, cancer, gas gangrene, intestinal diseases, tinea.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Helicobacter pylori 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gas gangrene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
intestinal diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tinea 1 ★☆☆☆☆