Azima tetracantha
Azyma tetracantha, commonly known as the thorny Azima, is a resilient medicinal plant prized in traditional healing. Characterized by its distinctive defensive spines, it contains unique bioactive compounds. Used primarily for treating inflammatory conditions and skin ailments, this plant remains a vital subject of ethnobotanical study and pharmacological research.
- Scientific name: Azima tetracantha
- Family: Salvadoraceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Brassicales, it is further categorized into the family Salvadoraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Azima, specifically the species Azima tetracantha.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Brassicales | WCVP |
| Family | Salvadoraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Azima | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical range across several distinct regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moving toward the northeast, the species can also be found within the borders of Somalia. Additionally, its distribution extends into East Tropical Africa, specifically in Kenya. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in diverse tropical environments.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Rwanda | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Somalia | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Uganda | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Malawi | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
Chemicals
Azima tetracantha has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, polyphenols.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Azima tetracantha has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include acute renal failure, breast cancer, diarrhea, rheumatism.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| acute renal failure | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatism | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |