Crotalaria quinquefolia
Crotalaria quinquefolia, commonly known as rattlebox, is a versatile medicinal herb found in tropical and subtropical regions. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is traditionally used to treat skin ailments, respiratory issues, and inflammation. This plant serves as a significant botanical resource in various ethnomedicinal practices worldwide.
- Scientific name: Crotalaria quinquefolia
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically categorized under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. It is further identified by the genus Crotalaria, with the specific species name quinquefolia.
| 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 quinquefolia, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as rattlebox or pois, while in Spanish, it is known as rátulo or rátulo de sangre. In Portuguese, the plant is called rátulo, and in French, it is identified as crotalaire à cinq feuilles.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It also extends its range to the island nation of Sri Lanka. Beyond the mainland, the species is also present in the Western Indian Ocean, specifically in Mauritius. These locations collectively highlight the plant's presence across both South Asian and oceanic territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Laos | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Chemicals
Crotalaria quinquefolia has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, rutin.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| kaempferol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myricetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Crotalaria quinquefolia has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include eczema, fever, impetigo, pain, scabies.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| eczema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| impetigo | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| scabies | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |