Crotalaria agatiflora

Crotalaria agatiflora, commonly known as a species of rattlebox, is a medicinal plant valued in traditional healing practices. Found primarily in tropical regions, it contains bioactive alkaloids used to treat various ailments. Understanding its phytochemical properties is essential for exploring its potential therapeutic applications in modern pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Crotalaria agatiflora
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, it is identified as a member of the genus Crotalaria.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Crotalaria WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Crotalaria agatiflora, is recognized by several different common names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese, it is referred to by the names 金丝雀野百合 and 巨花猪屎豆.
Language Common Name Source
zh 金丝雀野百合 Wikidata
zh 巨花猪屎豆 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moving toward the northeast, the species can also be found within the borders of Ethiopia. Additionally, it extends into East Tropical Africa, specifically appearing in Kenya. Together, these locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in diverse tropical environments.

Region Area Source
West-Central Tropical Africa Burundi WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Rwanda WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa DR Congo WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Ethiopia WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
East Tropical Africa Uganda WCVP
South Tropical Africa Malawi WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zimbabwe WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Crotalaria agatiflora, is characterized by its distinct morphological features, particularly its leaves which play a role in its overall structure. The leaves serve as the primary site for photosynthesis, providing the energy necessary for the plant's growth and its potential medicinal properties. In many species of the Crotalaria genus, the leaf shape and arrangement are key identifying characteristics used by botanists to distinguish specific varieties within the family.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Crotalaria agatiflora has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include madurensine, doronenine, pyrrolizidine alkaloid.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
madurensine 2 ★☆☆☆☆
doronenine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pyrrolizidine alkaloid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Crotalaria agatiflora has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆