Chromolaena
Chromolaena, commonly known as Siam weed, is a versatile medicinal plant widely used in traditional healing. Renowned for its potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, it is frequently applied to treat skin infections and minor cuts. This resilient shrub plays a vital role in diverse herbal medicine practices worldwide.
- Scientific name: Chromolaena
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Africa
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 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Chromolaena | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, belonging to the genus Chromolaena, is referred to by various names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese, it is known as 飞机草属 (zh), 飞机草属 (zh-hans), and 飞机草属 (zh-cn), while in Traditional Chinese characters, it is written as 飛機草屬 (zh-tw).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 飞机草属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 飞机草属 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 飞机草属 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 飛機草屬 | Wikidata |
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 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cabinda | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Congo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gabon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
Activities
Chromolaena has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Chromolaena has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, cold, cough, eye disorders, headache.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cold | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cough | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| eye disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| headache | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |