Cleistanthus bracteosus

Cleistanthus bracteosus, commonly known as the "flor de luna," is a remarkable medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its striking blooms, it is traditionally utilized in various cultures for its potent healing properties, specifically targeting inflammation, skin ailments, and digestive issues through its unique bioactive compounds.

  • Scientific name: Cleistanthus bracteosus
  • Family: Phyllanthaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Malpighiales and the family Phyllanthaceae. Its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Cleistanthus, identifying it as Cleistanthus bracteosus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Phyllanthaceae WCVP
Genus Cleistanthus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Cleistanthus bracteosus, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently called the prickly cleistanthes, while in Spanish, it is known as cleistanthe espinoso. Additionally, in Portuguese, the plant is identified as cleistanthe espinhoso.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is a specific medicinal species known as Cleistanthus bracteosus. Regarding its natural range, its occurrence is quite restricted to specific tropical regions. It is primarily found within the broader Malesia floristic region. More specifically, its documented geographical distribution is centered in Malaya. Therefore, this plant maintains a very localized presence within these particular Southeast Asian habitats.

Region Area Source
Malesia Malaya WCVP

Chemicals

Cleistanthus bracteosus has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include cedrene, cedrol, digoxigenin.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
cedrene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cedrol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
digoxigenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Cleistanthus bracteosus has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Human metapneumovirus, Nipah virus.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Human metapneumovirus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Nipah virus 1 ★☆☆☆☆