Balanophora polyandra
Balanophora polyandra, commonly known as a unique medicinal shrub, belongs to the Polygalaceae family. Found primarily in specific tropical regions, this plant is valued in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties. Researchers continue to explore its bioactive compounds to uncover potential applications in treating various human ailments.
- Scientific name: Balanophora polyandra
- Family: Balanophoraceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Santalales, it is uniquely classified under the family Balanophoraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Balanophora, with the specific species name Balanophora polyandra.
| 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 range spanning across parts of East and South Asia. Within China, its presence is noted in the South-Central and Southeast regions, as well as in the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Moving into the Indian Subcontinent, the species can be found growing in the state of Assam. It is also distributed throughout the East Himalaya mountain range. Together, these locations define the specific ecological territories where the species thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| China | Tibet | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
Chemicals
Balanophora polyandra 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 polyandra 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 | ★☆☆☆☆ |