Balanophora harlandii

Balanophora harlandii, commonly known as a rare medicinal plant, holds significant potential in traditional healing practices. Endemic to specific ecological niches, this unique species is studied for its bioactive compounds. Understanding its phytochemical properties is essential for exploring its therapeutic applications in treating various ailments and advancing pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Balanophora harlandii
  • Family: Balanophoraceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known as Balanophora harlandii, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Santalales. It is further distinguished by its membership in the family Balanophoraceae and 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 broad geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within mainland China, it can be found spanning from the South-Central areas to the North-Central territories. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the Southeast regions of China. Moving east, the species is native to the island of Taiwan in Eastern Asia. Finally, its range extends to the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the state of Assam.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP

Chemicals

Balanophora harlandii 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 harlandii 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 ★☆☆☆☆