Chassalia parvifolia

Chassalia parvifolia, commonly known as a vital medicinal shrub in tropical regions, holds significant ethnobotanical value. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, this plant is frequently utilized in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Its unique phytochemical profile offers promising potential for modern pharmacological research and natural healing applications.

  • Scientific name: Chassalia parvifolia
  • Family: Rubiaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following its placement in the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianaales, it is a member of the Rubiaceae family. Finally, it is specifically identified under the genus Chassalia as Chassalia parvifolia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Rubiaceae WCVP
Genus Chassalia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Chassalia parvifolia, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context of its habitat. In English, it is commonly referred to as small-leaf chassalia, while in French, it is identified as chassalia à petites feuilles. In the local languages of its native regions, it is known as nshatshatsha in Bemba and mupala in Lozi.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, it can be found growing within the borders of Kenya and Tanzania. Moving toward the southern regions, its range extends into South Tropical Africa. Specifically, it inhabits the landscapes of Malawi and Mozambique. Finally, its documented presence is also confirmed in the country of Zambia.

Region Area Source
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
South Tropical Africa Malawi WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zambia WCVP

Chemicals

Chassalia parvifolia has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include circulin A, circulin B.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
circulin A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
circulin B 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Chassalia parvifolia has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HIV.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
HIV 1 ★☆☆☆☆