Cissampelos capensis
Cisampelos capeensis, commonly known as the Cape Climber, is a fascinating climbing shrub native to Southern Africa. Renowned for its medicinal properties, it has traditionally been used in various herbal remedies. This resilient plant features distinctive foliage and serves as a vital component in ethnobotanical studies regarding natural healing.
- Scientific name: Cissampelos capensis
- Family: Menispermaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales, it is classified under the family Menispermaceae. It is specifically identified by its genus, Cissampelos.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ranunculales | WCVP |
| Family | Menispermaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cissampelos | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Cissampelos pendulus (often referred to in botanical contexts related to Cissampelos capensis), is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic landscape. In English, it is frequently called Cape Cissampel. Moving into local African languages, it is known as isithunzi in isiZulu and umkhanyakude in isiXhosa. Additionally, in Afrikaans, the plant is referred to as kapstokbos.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is indigenous to specific regions within the southern portion of the African continent. Its primary geographical range includes the Cape Provinces of Southern Africa. In addition to these coastal and inland areas, it can also be found extending into Namibia. This distribution pattern suggests that the species thrives in the unique ecological zones of these territories. Consequently, its presence is localized to these specific southern African landscapes.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Namibia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Cissampelos capensis, possesses a variety of specialized structures that contribute to its growth and medicinal properties. Its climbing habit is supported by slender, woody stems that allow it to navigate through surrounding vegetation. Beneath the soil, the plant develops thick, fleshy rhizomes that serve as vital storage organs. These underground rhizomes are frequently harvested for their concentrated bioactive compounds, making the rhizome a primary part of the plant used in traditional medicine. Additionally, the plant features green leaves that facilitate photosynthesis and support the overall vitality of the organism.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizome | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Cissampelos capensis has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 12-O-methylcurine, Bulbocapnine, bulbocapnine, cycleanine, dicentrine.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 12-O-methylcurine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bulbocapnine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bulbocapnine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cycleanine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dicentrine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| insularine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| salutaridine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cissampelos capensis has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |