Boerhavia repens
Common hogweed
Boerhavia repens, commonly known as Punarnava, is a versatile medicinal herb celebrated in Ayurvedic medicine. Renowned for its profound rejuvenating properties, it is primarily used to support kidney function, reduce inflammation, and combat edema. This resilient plant offers powerful restorative benefits, promoting overall vitality and detoxification within the body.
- Scientific name: Boerhavia repens
- Family: Nyctaginaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Caryophyllales and is a member of the Nyctaginaceae family. Ultimately, it is categorized under 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 repens, is referred to by various common names across different languages and regions. In Arabic, it is called حثرة زاحفة, while in Bengali, it is known as পুনন্ররবা. In Chinese, the names vary slightly by script and region: it is called 黃細心 in Traditional Chinese (zh-tw), 匍匐黄细心 in Simplified Chinese (zh-hans), and also 匍匐黄细心 in Mainland Chinese (zh).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ar | حثرة زاحفة | Wikidata |
| bn | পুনন্ররবা | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 黃細心 | Wikidata |
| zh | 匍匐黄细心 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 匍匐黄细心 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 匍匐黄细心 | Wikidata |
| en | Common Hogweed | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across the Mediterranean region. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Spain. Its presence extends significantly into Northern Africa, where it inhabits the landscapes of Algeria. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed throughout Libya and Morocco. Finally, its range reaches as far east as Egypt, completing its North African coverage.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Western Sahara | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Boerhavia repens, is a creeping herb where the therapeutic properties are often derived from the whole plant. Every part of the organism, including the roots, stems, and flowers, contributes to its traditional medicinal profile, making the use of the whole plant common in various herbal formulations. Additionally, the leaf serves as a significant component of the plant's structure, playing a vital role in its physiological processes and often being included in preparations used to treat various ailments.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| whole plant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Boerhavia repens has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5,7,3'-trihydroxycoumaronochromone, boeravinone F.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 5,7,3'-trihydroxycoumaronochromone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| boeravinone F | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Boerhavia repens has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiglycation, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiglycation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Boerhavia repens has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum, parasitemia.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Plasmodium falciparum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| parasitemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |