Cnestis palala

Cnestis palala, commonly known as Pala, is a significant medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Widely utilized in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, it possesses diverse therapeutic properties. This plant is primarily valued for its potent purgative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, making it a crucial resource in various herbal formulations.

  • Scientific name: Cnestis palala
  • Family: Connaraceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Oxalidales. It is further classified into the family Connaraceae and the genus Cnestis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Oxalidales WCVP
Family Connaraceae WCVP
Genus Cnestis WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Cnestis palaestra, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Chinese, it is referred to as 螫毛果 (zh), while in Malay, it is commonly called garing-garing (ms).
Language Common Name Source
zh 螫毛果 Wikidata
ms garing-garing Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread geographical distribution across several distinct regions in Asia. In China, its presence is specifically noted in the tropical province of Hainan. Moving into the Indo-China region, it can be found throughout the Andaman Islands. The species also thrives within the mainland territories of Cambodia and Laos. Furthermore, its habitat extends into the country of Myanmar, completing its regional range.

Region Area Source
China Hainan WCVP
Indo-China Andaman Is. WCVP
Indo-China Cambodia WCVP
Indo-China Laos WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Indo-China Nicobar Is. WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP
Malesia Borneo WCVP
Malesia Malaya WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Cnestis palaestra (often referred to as Cnestis palaela), possesses a woody and sprawling structure where the stem plays a crucial role in its growth habit. The stem is typically branched and can become quite tough and woody as the plant matures, providing the necessary support for its climbing or scrambling nature. In traditional medicinal practices, different parts of the plant are studied, but the structural integrity provided by the stem serves as the primary framework that connects the leaves and reproductive organs.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cnestis palala has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include tyrosinase.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
tyrosinase 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Cnestis palala has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆