Combretum molle

Combretum molle, commonly known as the Fluff-pod or Soft Combretum, is a resilient deciduous shrub native to subtropical Africa. Renowned for its striking, pendulous red inflorescences, this botanical treasure holds significant ethnobotanical value, with various traditional medicinal practices utilizing its leaves and bark to treat diverse ailments.

  • Scientific name: Combretum molle
  • Family: Combretaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Myrtales, falling into the family Combretaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Combretum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Myrtales WCVP
Family Combretaceae WCVP
Genus Combretum WCVP

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across several nations located within West Tropical Africa. Specifically, it can be found growing in the territories of Benin and Burkina. Its natural range also extends into the coastal and inland regions of Ghana. Furthermore, the species is documented to exist within the borders of Guinea-Bissau. Finally, its geographical presence is confirmed in the country of Guinea.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina 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
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Niger WCVP
West Tropical Africa Senegal WCVP

Chemicals

Combretum molle has 16 reported phytochemicals identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include tannins, 4-epi-sericoside, Polyphenols, alcohols, alkanes.

Total chemicals
16
Scientific sources
17

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
tannins 2 ★☆☆☆☆
4-epi-sericoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
alcohols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
alkanes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
arjunglucoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coumarins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ellagitannin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Combretum molle has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antiplasmodial.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiplasmodial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Combretum molle has 17 reported medicinal uses identified across 24 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria, Helicobacter pylori, cancer, fever, inflammation.

Total uses
17
Scientific sources
24

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
malaria 4 ★★☆☆☆
Helicobacter pylori 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
fever 2 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Leishmania donovani 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Mycobacterium tuberculosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Plasmodium falciparum 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pneumococcus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Streptococcus pneumoniae 1 ★☆☆☆☆