Croton dichogamus

Croton dichogamus, commonly known as a significant medicinal shrub, is native to various tropical regions. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, this plant is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat diverse ailments. Its pharmacological potential offers promising avenues for developing new therapeutic agents in modern herbal medicine research.

  • Scientific name: Croton dichogamus
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified within the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Croton, where its species name is dichogamus.

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, scientifically known as Croton dichogamus, is recognized by its local common name in Rwanda, where it is referred to as Umuhuhe.
Language Common Name Source
rw Umuhuhe Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse distribution across several regions within the tropical belt of Africa. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted in Rwanda. Moving toward the northern part of the continent, it can be found in Northeast Tropical Africa within Ethiopia. The species is also widely distributed throughout East Tropical Africa, spanning across Kenya and Tanzania. Finally, its range extends further into the East Tropical African region to include Uganda.

Region Area Source
West-Central Tropical Africa Rwanda WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Ethiopia WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
East Tropical Africa Uganda WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Croton dichogamus, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional medicinal practices. The roots serve as a fundamental part of the organism, containing bioactive compounds that are often harnessed for therapeutic purposes. Specifically, root extracts are frequently studied or applied due to their concentrated chemical properties, which may offer various pharmacological benefits. Additionally, the leaf extract is another significant component, providing a different profile of phytochemicals that can be utilized in different medicinal preparations.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Root Extracts 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Leaf Extract 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Croton dichogamus has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, terpenoids.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

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

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Croton dichogamus has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Malaria, infectious diseases.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Malaria 1 ★☆☆☆☆
infectious diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆