Cola cordifolia

Cola cordifolia, commonly known as heart-leaved cola, is a significant medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its bioactive compounds, it is traditionally utilized in various herbal remedies to support digestive health and revitalize energy levels. This versatile species holds immense potential for contemporary pharmacological research and development.

  • Scientific name: Cola cordifolia
  • Family: Malvaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malvales, eventually reaching its taxonomic placement in the family Malvaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Cola.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malvales WCVP
Family Malvaceae WCVP
Genus Cola WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Cola cordifolia, is known by various names across different linguistic and regional contexts. In English, it is commonly referred to as Heartleaf Cola, a name that directly reflects its distinctive foliage. Within local Indian contexts, it is identified by its Hindi name, Gudmar, and its Sanskrit name, Gudmar. Additionally, in certain regional dialects, it may be referred to as Gulmar.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant, Cola cordifolia, exhibits a specific distribution pattern throughout the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented across several distinct nations, starting with Burkina. It can also be found within the territories of Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the country of Guinea. Finally, its geographical reach includes the coastal landscapes of the Ivory Coast.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP
West Tropical Africa Senegal WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Central African Republic WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Heart-leaved Moonseed, utilizes various components for its therapeutic purposes. The leaves are highly significant, often used in traditional remedies to treat ailments such as inflammation and skin issues due to their bioactive properties. Additionally, the bark of the plant is frequently employed in herbal preparations, contributing its specific chemical constituents to help manage various medicinal needs.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cola cordifolia has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include GalA, Rha, pectins.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
GalA 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Rha 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pectins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Cola cordifolia has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include dermatitis, nausea.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
dermatitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
nausea 1 ★☆☆☆☆