Asclepias curassavica
Scarlet milkweed
Asclepia curassavica, commonly known as Tropical Milkweed, is a vibrant medicinal plant native to the Americas. Renowned for its striking orange and yellow blooms, it holds significant ethnobotanical value. Traditionally used in various cultures, its bioactive compounds offer potential therapeutic properties, making it a subject of pharmacological interest.
- Scientific name: Asclepias curassavica
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Gentianales and the family Apocynaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Asclepias.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Asclepias | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Asclepias curassavica, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Chinese, it is referred to as 马利筋 (zh-hans), 馬利筋 (zh-hant), and 馬利筋 (zh-hk). In Finnish, the plant is called punasilkkiyrtti, while in Hungarian, it is known as selyembokoor.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 马利筋 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 馬利筋 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 馬利筋 | Wikidata |
| fi | punasilkkiyrtti | Wikidata |
| hu | selyembokor | Wikidata |
| to | Tuʻulapepe | Wikidata |
| de | Indianer-Seidenpflanze | Wikidata |
| te | జిల్లేడు మందార | Wikidata |
| ar | تفله تركي | Wikidata |
| nl | Frederiksbloem | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across several different regions. In Middle Europe, its presence can be noted within the borders of Germany. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it is found in Southwestern Europe, specifically in Spain. Its distribution continues through Southeastern Europe, where it grows in Greece and on the island of Kriti. Finally, the species extends its reach into Northern Africa, specifically within Morocco.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Madeira | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as passionflower vine, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, primarily involving its roots and aerial parts. The roots are often sought after for their specific chemical compounds, while the aerial parts—which include the stems, leaves, and flowers—contain a diverse array of bioactive substances used in traditional remedies. Together, these distinct anatomical structures contribute to the overall therapeutic profile of the species.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Asclepias curassavica has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,4-seco-urs-20(30)-en-3-oic acid, cardenolide, cardenolides, cardiac glycosides, conduritol F.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 3,4-seco-urs-20(30)-en-3-oic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardenolide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardenolides | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardiac glycosides | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| conduritol F | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Asclepias curassavica has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiproliferative.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Asclepias curassavica has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, colon cancer.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colon cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |