Balanophora fungosa
Balanophora fungosa, commonly known as a specialized medicinal plant, holds significant importance in traditional healing practices. Characterized by its unique fungal-like morphology, this species is valued for its bioactive compounds. Research continues to explore its potential therapeutic applications, particularly in addressing various ailments through its natural phytochemical properties.
- Scientific name: Balanophora fungosa
- Family: Balanophoraceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls into the order Santalales and is the defining member of the family Balanophoraceae. It is further categorized under the genus Balanophora.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Santalales | WCVP |
| Family | Balanophoraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Balanophora | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated primarily within East Asia. It can be found growing in the Nansei-shoto islands and throughout the territory of Taiwan. Within mainland China, its presence is noted in the South-Central and Southeast regions. Additionally, the species is documented as occurring on the island of Hainan. Together, these locations define the natural range of this medicinal species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Laos | WCVP |
Chemicals
Balanophora fungosa has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, lignans, sterols, tannins, terpenes.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sterols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Balanophora fungosa has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gonorrhea, syphilis, uterine prolapse, wounds.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| gonorrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| syphilis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| uterine prolapse | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |