Boerhavia elegans
Boerhavia elegans, commonly known as Punarnava in Ayurvedic traditions, is a versatile medicinal herb celebrated for its restorative properties. Renowned for its ability to "renew" the body, this plant plays a vital role in supporting kidney health, reducing inflammation, and managing edema, making it a cornerstone of herbal wellness.
- Scientific name: Boerhavia elegans
- Family: Nyctaginaceae
- 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 Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Nyctaeginaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Boerhavia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Nyctaginaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Boerhavia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Boerhavia elegans, is referred to by the common name حثرة أنيقة in Arabic.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ar | حثرة أنيقة | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is noted within the borders of Niger. Moving toward the northeast, the species is also found throughout the territory of Chad. Its range extends further into Northeast Tropical Africa to include the nation of Djibouti. Finally, the distribution continues through Eritrea and into Somalia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Niger | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Chad | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Djibouti | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Eritrea | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Somalia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Sudan-South Sudan | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Iran | WCVP |
| Arabian Peninsula | Gulf States | WCVP |
| Arabian Peninsula | Oman | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Boerhavia elegans, possesses various morphological features that contribute to its medicinal profile. The stems are typically prostrate or ascending, often displaying a reddish hue as they spread across the ground. Attached to these stems are simple, alternate leaves that provide the necessary surface area for photosynthesis. Below the surface, the roots serve as a vital anchoring system and are frequently utilized in traditional herbal preparations. Furthermore, the plant produces small seeds that facilitate its reproduction and dispersal within its natural habitat.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 7
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Boerhavia elegans has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Magnesium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper.
- Total chemicals
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arsenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cadmium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chromium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| copper | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| iron | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lead | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| manganese | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nickel | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| zinc | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Boerhavia elegans has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |