Thoroughwort
Chromolaena · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (10 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Thoroughwort, scientifically known as Chromolaena, is a versatile medicinal shrub widely utilized in traditional healing practices across tropical regions. Renowned for its potent antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, this plant plays a crucial role in treating skin infections, cuts, and gastrointestinal ailments through its bioactive phytochemical compounds.
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Thoroughwort
- Scientific synonyms
- Osmia · Viereckia
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- Thoroughwort
Scientific Names
Accepted name
ChromolaenaSynonyms
- Osmia
- Viereckia
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Albahaquillas y hierbas de ángel
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Chromolaena.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Chromolaena |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread distribution throughout various regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, it can be found growing in the nations of Benin, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. Its presence is also well-documented within the borders of Nigeria. Moving further south, the species extends into West-Central Tropical Africa. Specifically, it is known to inhabit the region of Cabinda.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cabinda |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Congo |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gabon |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Activities
Chromolaena has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Anticancer
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Antimicrobial
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Antioxidant
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Conditions
Chromolaena has 7 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include asthma, cold, cough, eye disorders, headache.
| Condition | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Asthma | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cold | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cough | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Eye disorders | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Headache | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Inflammation | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Malaria | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Asthma
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Cold
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Cough
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Eye disorders
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Headache
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Inflammation
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Malaria
- Journal of ethnopharmacology