Croton macrostachyus
Croton macrostachyus, commonly known as a significant medicinal plant in tropical regions, offers a wealth of therapeutic potential. Renowned for its diverse bioactive compounds, this species is traditionally utilized to treat various ailments. Exploring its pharmacological properties provides vital insights into developing natural treatments for modern healthcare challenges.
- Scientific name: Croton macrostachyus
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it follows the order Malpighiales and is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Croton, which includes the species Croton macrostachyus.
| 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 macrostachyus, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Rwanda, it is called Umurangara (rw), while in Bulgaria, it is referred to as широколистен кротон (bg). It is known as ብሳና (am) in Amharic, and in Greece, its name is Κροτών ο μακροστάχυος (el). Additionally, in the Kikuyu language, it is identified as Mũtũndũ wa Njora (Mũtĩ) (ki).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| rw | Umurangara | Wikidata |
| bg | широколистен кротон | Wikidata |
| am | ብሳና | Wikidata |
| el | Κροτών ο μακροστάχυος | Wikidata |
| ki | Mũtũndũ wa Njora (Mũtĩ) | Wikidata |
| fr | Croton butaguensis | Wikidata |
| fr | Croton guerzesiensis | Wikidata |
| fr | Oxydectes macrostachya | Wikidata |
| fr | Rottlera schimperi | Wikidata |
| rw | Umubonobono | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily located within the West Tropical Africa region. Specifically, its range includes the country of Ghana, where it can be found growing in native habitats. It is also distributed across the coastal and inland areas of Guinea. Furthermore, the species extends its presence into the Ivory Coast and Liberia. Finally, its geographical reach concludes with documented occurrences in Nigeria.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Rwanda | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Croton macrostachyus, possesses various components that contribute to its medicinal profile. The plant leaves, or simply the leaves, are often the most studied part of the specimen for their bioactive compounds. Below the surface, the plant roots, specifically the roots, serve as a vital foundation for the organism's nutrient uptake and structural stability. Additionally, the seed plays a crucial role in the reproductive cycle, ensuring the continuation of the species within its natural habitat.- Total parts
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 15
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| plant roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| plant leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Root Bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fresh leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Croton macrostachyus has 28 reported phytochemicals identified across 36 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, Fe, Mn.
- Total chemicals
- 28
- Scientific sources
- 36
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Fe | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mn | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ash | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ca | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cr | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cu | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fat | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Croton macrostachyus has 11 reported activities identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anthelmintic, Anticancer, Anticonvulsant.
- Total activities
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticonvulsant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiplasmodial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bacteriostatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Croton macrostachyus has 21 reported medicinal uses identified across 26 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria, wounds, Escherichia coli, HIV, Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- Total uses
- 21
- Scientific sources
- 26
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| malaria | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| wounds | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Escherichia coli | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| HIV | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Klebsiella pneumoniae | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mycobacterium tuberculosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| abdominal pains | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |