Cleome viscosa

Asian spiderflower

Cleome viscosa, commonly known as sticky spiderflower, is a versatile medicinal herb found in tropical regions. Characterized by its glandular, sticky stems, this plant is highly valued in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and insecticidal properties, often utilized to treat skin ailments, fever, and various digestive issues.

  • Scientific name: Cleome viscosa
  • Family: Cleomaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Cleome viscosa, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Brassicales and the family Cleomaceae. Finally, it is placed in the genus Cleome.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Brassicales WCVP
Family Cleomaceae WCVP
Genus Cleome WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Cleome viscosa, is known by various regional names across different languages and cultures. In China, it is referred to as 黄花草 (huánghuācǎo), while in Thailand, it is commonly called ผักเสี้ยนผี (phak sian phi). In Vietnam, the species is known as Màn màn vàng, and in the Tamil language, it is called நாய்வேளை (nāyvēḷai). Furthermore, in Bengali, it is identified as হলুদ হুড়হুড়ে (holud huṛhuṛe).
Language Common Name Source
zh 黄花草 Wikidata
th ผักเสี้ยนผี Wikidata
vi Màn màn vàng Wikidata
ta நாய்வேளை Wikidata
bn হলুদ হুড়হুড়ে Wikidata
ml അരിവാള Wikidata
ar ذفرة لزجة Wikidata
zh-tw 向天黃 Wikidata
dag Kaa Wikidata
arz ذفره لزجه Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Northern Africa, it can be found growing within the borders of Egypt. Its presence extends to Macaronesia, specifically inhabiting the islands of Cape Verde. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed throughout West Tropical Africa. Within this tropical zone, it is documented in Benin, Burkina, and Gambia.

Region Area Source
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
Macaronesia Cape Verde WCVP
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Cleome viscosa, possesses various components that contribute to its medicinal profile. The whole plant is frequently utilized in traditional remedies, as almost every part offers therapeutic potential. Specifically, the leaves are known for their bioactive properties, and even a single leaf can contain significant phytochemicals used in topical or oral applications. Beyond the foliage, the seeds are harvested for their distinct chemical compositions, while the root exudates play a crucial role in the plant's biological interactions with its environment.
Total parts
6
Scientific sources
7
Plant Part Sources Confidence
seeds 2 ★☆☆☆☆
whole plant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root exudates 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flowers 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cleome viscosa has 17 reported phytochemicals identified across 22 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include acetone, cleomiscosin A, cleomiscosin B, cleomiscosin C, methanol.

Total chemicals
17
Scientific sources
22

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
acetone 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cleomiscosin A 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cleomiscosin B 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cleomiscosin C 2 ★☆☆☆☆
methanol 2 ★☆☆☆☆
2-amino-9-(4-oxoazetidin-2-yl)-nonanoic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
NO 1 ★☆☆☆☆
benzene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
glucocapparin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
glucocleomin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Cleome viscosa has 10 reported activities identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Allelopathic, Analgesic.

Total activities
10
Scientific sources
14

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimicrobial 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Allelopathic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antihepatotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Cleome viscosa has 22 reported medicinal uses identified across 23 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria.

Total uses
22
Scientific sources
23

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
malaria 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Bacillus subtilis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Escherichia coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Gram-negative bacteria 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Gram-positive bacteria 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Klebsiella pneumoniae 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
burns 1 ★☆☆☆☆