Combretum leprosum
Combretum leprosum, commonly known as the "wild marula" or "leprosy bush," is a significant medicinal shrub native to southern Africa. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is traditionally used to treat various ailments, including skin infections, digestive issues, and inflammatory conditions, showcasing its vital role in ethnobotany.
- Scientific name: Combretum leprosum
- Family: Combretaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Myrtales and is a member of the family Combretaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Combretum, which includes the medicinal species Combretum leprosum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Myrtales | WCVP |
| Family | Combretaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Combretum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, scientifically known as Combretum leprosum, is recognized by several regional names depending on the linguistic context. In Portuguese, it is commonly referred to as Mofumbo.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Mofumbo | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed throughout various regions of South America. In the western part of the continent, it can be found specifically in Bolivia. Its presence is also widespread across the vast territory of Brazil. Within Brazil, it inhabits the North, Northeast, and Southeast regions. Additionally, the species is documented to grow throughout the West-Central part of the country.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina Northeast | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Paraguay | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Combretum leprosum, possesses various components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The stem bark is often harvested for its chemical constituents, which are frequently studied for their medicinal potential. Additionally, the root is a significant part of the plant used in traditional practices to address various ailments. Finally, the flowers contribute to the plant's biological profile and are another integral part of its overall structure.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Combretum leprosum has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-) epicatechin, 5,3',4'-trihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone, 5,3'-dihydroxy-3,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone, arjunolic acid, flavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| (-) epicatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5,3',4'-trihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5,3'-dihydroxy-3,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arjunolic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Combretum leprosum has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antinociceptive, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Genotoxic, Spasmolytic.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antinociceptive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Genotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Spasmolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Combretum leprosum has 14 reported medicinal uses identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer, inflammation, pain, Bothrops jararaca venom, Parkinson's disease.
- Total uses
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 17
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| breast cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bothrops jararaca venom | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Parkinson's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| collagenase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cough | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| glioblastoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyaluronidase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |