Avicennia marina

Avicennia marina, commonly known as the grey mangrove, is a resilient halophyte essential to coastal ecosystems. Thriving in saline intertidal zones, this species provides critical habitat and shoreline protection. Beyond its ecological importance, it holds significant medicinal potential, utilized in various traditional practices to treat inflammation and skin ailments.

  • Scientific name: Avicennia marina
  • Family: Acanthaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Lamiales and the family Acanthaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Avicennia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Acanthaceae WCVP
Genus Avicennia WCVP

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Avicennia marina, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several key regions. In Northern Africa, it can be found growing within the borders of Egypt. Its presence extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it is native to Djibouti and Eritrea. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed throughout the Socotra archipelago. Finally, the plant is also established within the coastal areas of Somalia.

Region Area Source
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Djibouti WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Eritrea WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Socotra WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Somalia WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Sudan-South Sudan WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP

Chemicals

Avicennia marina has 28 reported phytochemicals identified across 30 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, Stigmasterol, arabinose, avicenol A, avicenol C.

Total chemicals
28
Scientific sources
30

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 3 ★★☆☆☆
Stigmasterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
arabinose 1 ★☆☆☆☆
avicenol A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
avicenol C 1 ★☆☆☆☆
avicequinone A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
avicequinone C 1 ★☆☆☆☆
avicequinone-B 1 ★☆☆☆☆
avicequinone-C 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chloroform 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Avicennia marina has 6 reported activities identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antiviral.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Avicennia marina has 15 reported medicinal uses identified across 16 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis, COVID-19, Candida albicans.

Total uses
15
Scientific sources
16

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Staphylococcus aureus 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Aspergillus niger 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Bacillus subtilis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
COVID-19 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Candida albicans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Escherichia coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
HIV-1 1 ★☆☆☆☆
MCF-7 cells 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 ★☆☆☆☆
breast cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆