Calophyllum
Calophyllum, commonly known as Tamanu or Alexandrian Laurel, is a versatile tropical evergreen tree celebrated in traditional medicine. Renowned for its restorative properties, the plant's nutrient-rich oil is widely utilized to soothe skin irritations, accelerate wound healing, and reduce inflammation, making it a cornerstone of natural dermatological care.
- Scientific name: Calophyllum
- Family: Calophyllaceae
- 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 Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Calophyllaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Calophyllum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Calophyllaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Calophyllum | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, it can be found in the nations of Gambia and Guinea. Its presence continues through the Ivory Coast and extends into Mali within the same tropical zone. Additionally, the species is located in West-Central Tropical Africa, specifically in Cameroon. Together, these locations define the documented geographical range of the Calophyllum genus in these areas.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Congo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gabon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
Chemicals
Calophyllum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include morellic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| morellic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Calophyllum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Calophyllum has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gastric ulcers, infections, pain, tumors.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| gastric ulcers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tumors | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |