Boehmeria nivea

Ramie

Boehmeria nivea, commonly known as ramie, is a versatile perennial herb valued for its high-quality bast fibers. Beyond its industrial importance in textile production, this plant holds significant medicinal potential. It is traditionally utilized in various cultures to treat inflammation, skin conditions, and promote wound healing through its bioactive compounds.

  • Scientific name: Boehmeria nivea
  • Family: Urticaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Rosales, it is classified under the family Urticaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Boehmeria.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Rosales WCVP
Family Urticaceae WCVP
Genus Boehmeria WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Boehmeria nivea, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Hindi, it is called रैमी, while in Portuguese, it is known as Rami. In Javanese, it shares the name Rami, and in Basque, it is called Rami. In Polish, the plant is specifically referred to as szczmiel biały.
Language Common Name Source
hi रैमी Wikidata
pt Rami Wikidata
jv Rami Wikidata
pl szczmiel biały Wikidata
eu Rami Wikidata
su Haramay Wikidata
ru рами белое Wikidata
fr ramie Wikidata
ko 모시풀 Wikidata
ca rami Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Boehmeria nivea, exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within West-Central Tropical Africa. Its presence is documented across several key regions, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. Furthermore, the species can be found within the borders of Gabon and the island territories of the Gulf of Guinea. The distribution also extends eastward to include the nation of Rwanda. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's establishment within the tropical ecosystems of the African continent.

Region Area Source
West-Central Tropical Africa Congo WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Gabon WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Gulf of Guinea Is. WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Rwanda WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa DR Congo WCVP
Central Asia Tadzhikistan WCVP
Central Asia Uzbekistan WCVP
Caucasus Transcaucasus WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP
China Hainan WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Boehmeria nivea, commonly known as ramie, is a versatile species where various components can be utilized for medicinal and industrial purposes. While the entire whole plant is often studied for its diverse biochemical properties, the leaf is particularly noted for its significant role in traditional applications. The leaves are frequently harvested to prepare infusions or extracts, leveraging their specific bioactive compounds to support various health benefits.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
whole plant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Boehmeria nivea has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include beta-galactosidase, beta-sitosterol, cellulose, daucosterol, tannins.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
beta-galactosidase 1 ★☆☆☆☆
beta-sitosterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cellulose 1 ★☆☆☆☆
daucosterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
triterpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
vitamin C 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Boehmeria nivea has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Laxative.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Laxative 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Boehmeria nivea has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antidiabetic, antioxidant, cancer, constipation, neurodegenerative diseases.

Total uses
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
constipation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
neurodegenerative diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oxidative stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆
snakebite 1 ★☆☆☆☆