Croton crassifolius

Croton crassifolius, commonly known as the thick-leaved croton, is a resilient medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Valued in traditional ethnobotany, its leaves possess significant bioactive properties. Often utilized for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, this plant serves as a vital natural resource for treating various skin ailments.

  • Scientific name: Croton crassifolius
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Croton, and its specific species name, Croton crassifolius.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Euphorbiaceae WCVP
Genus Croton WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Croton crassifolius, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Chinese, it is commonly called 鸡骨香, a name used across several written forms including 雞骨香 (Traditional Chinese), 鸡骨香 (Simplified Chinese), and 鸡骨香 (Simplified Chinese). In French-speaking contexts, it is sometimes associated with the name Croton chinensis.
Language Common Name Source
zh 鸡骨香 Wikidata
zh-tw 雞骨香 Wikidata
zh-cn 鸡骨香 Wikidata
zh-hans 鸡骨香 Wikidata
fr Croton chinensis Wikidata
fr Croton crozophoroides Wikidata
fr Croton kroneanus Wikidata
fr Oxydectes tomentosa Wikidata
fr Tridesmis hispida Wikidata
fr Tridesmis tomentosa Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across parts of Asia. Within China, it can be found in the Hainan province as well as throughout China Southeast. Its range extends into the Indo-China region, where it is naturally occurring in Laos. Furthermore, the species is documented to grow within the borders of Myanmar. Finally, the plant is also distributed across Thailand, completing its regional presence.

Region Area Source
China Hainan WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Indo-China Laos WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known as Croton crassifolium, possesses various anatomical structures that contribute to its medicinal profile. While the leaves and stems are often studied, the root serves as a vital component in traditional applications. Different preparations may utilize the primary roots to extract bioactive compounds, and in many ethnobotanical practices, the decoction of the Roots is specifically used to treat various ailments.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
root 2 ★☆☆☆☆
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Croton crassifolius has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cyperenoic acid, chettaphanin II, flavonoids, terpenoids.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Cyperenoic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chettaphanin II 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Croton crassifolius has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antitumor.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Croton crassifolius has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, ferroptosis, osteoporosis, rheumatic arthritis, rheumatism.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
ferroptosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
osteoporosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatic arthritis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatism 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sore throat 1 ★☆☆☆☆