Balanophora
Balanophora fungosa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (9 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Balanophora, scientifically known as Balanophora fungosa, is a distinctive medicinal plant prized for its unique biological properties. Often recognized by its fungal-like appearance, this species holds significant potential in traditional healing practices. Researchers are currently exploring its bioactive compounds to uncover new therapeutic applications for modern pharmacology.
- Family
- Balanophoraceae
- Native range
- Asia-Temperate
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Fungus Root · Balanophora
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names
Common Names
- fungus root
- Balanophora
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Balanophora fungosaTaxonomical 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 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Lignans, Sterols, Tannins, Terpenes.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Flavonoids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Lignans | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sterols | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tannins | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Terpenes | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Flavonoids
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Lignans
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Sterols
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Tannins
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Terpenes
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Medicinal Uses
Balanophora fungosa has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gonorrhea, syphilis, uterine prolapse, wounds.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| gonorrhea | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| syphilis | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| uterine prolapse | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| methanol extract | Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |