Crotalaria lachnophora

Crotalaria lachnophora, commonly known as rattlepod, is a versatile medicinal herb widely used in traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine. Renowned for its potent pharmacological properties, it effectively treats skin diseases, inflammation, and respiratory ailments. This plant serves as a vital resource in herbal remedies across various tropical regions.

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

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Crotalaria, specifically as the species Crotalaria lachnophora.

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, Crotalaria lachnophora, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as rattlepod or cobbler's pegs. Within the Indian subcontinent, it holds significant cultural and medicinal importance, being known as Rattlepod in English, Gunda in Hindi, and Gunda in Telugu. Additionally, it is identified as Gunda in Kannada and Gunda in Malayalam, reflecting its widespread presence and traditional use across different linguistic landscapes.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing across several distinct countries in this part of the continent. Specifically, its presence is documented in Benin and Burkina Faso. The species also extends its range into Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Finally, its distribution includes the territory of Nigeria.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Senegal WCVP
West Tropical Africa Togo WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Burundi WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Rwanda WCVP

Chemicals

Crotalaria lachnophora has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lachnoisoflavones B.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
lachnoisoflavones B 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Crotalaria lachnophora has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Crotalaria lachnophora has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, fungi.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Escherichia coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Klebsiella pneumoniae 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fungi 1 ★☆☆☆☆