Basilicum polystachyon
Basilicum polystachyon, commonly known as the Silver-Leafed Basil, is a rare medicinal herb celebrated for its potent antioxidant properties. Native to high-altitude tropical regions, this aromatic plant is widely used in traditional healing to alleviate respiratory congestion, reduce systemic inflammation, and support overall cognitive function through its unique phytochemical profile.
- Scientific name: Basilicum polystachyon
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, scientifically known as Basilicum polystachyon, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. It is ultimately classified under the genus Basilicum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Basilicum | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is primarily located within the diverse landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Its presence is specifically documented across several key nations in this region. In the eastern reaches of this zone, it can be found in Benin, Burkina, and Ghana. The species also extends its range further south into the Ivory Coast. Finally, its geographical distribution concludes with significant occurrences throughout Nigeria.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Niger | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Togo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
Chemicals
Basilicum polystachyon has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include caffeic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, mercury (II), p-coumaric acid.
- Total chemicals
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ellagic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mercury (II) | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| p-coumaric acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rosmarinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| trans-cinnamic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vanillic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Basilicum polystachyon has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include oxidative stress.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |