Croton membranaceus

Croton membranaceuus, commonly known as a significant medicinal shrub, holds profound importance in traditional healing practices. Native to various tropical regions, this plant is celebrated for its diverse pharmacological properties. It is frequently utilized to treat skin ailments, inflammation, and digestive issues, offering a natural approach to holistic wellness.

  • Scientific name: Croton membranaceus
  • 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. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Euphorbiaceae and the genus Croton. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined as Croton membranceus.

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 membranaceus, is referred to by various names depending on the language used. In Arabic, it is called كروتون غشائي, while in its Egyptian Arabic dialect, it is known as كروتون غشائى. Furthermore, in French botanical contexts, it is identified as Oxydectes membranacea.
Language Common Name Source
ar كروتون غشائي Wikidata
arz كروتون غشائى Wikidata
fr Oxydectes membranacea Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Croton membranaceuus, exhibits a specific geographical distribution within the African continent. Its presence is notably documented across the region of West Tropical Africa. Specifically, the species can be found growing in the Ivory Coast. Additionally, its range extends further east into Nigeria. These locations represent the primary areas where this medicinal plant is naturally distributed.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Croton membranaceus, utilizes various components of its underground structure for medicinal purposes. The roots serve as the primary source of bioactive compounds, which can be processed into a concentrated root extract to facilitate therapeutic use. Furthermore, specific parts such as the root-bark are often targeted for their distinct chemical properties, making the entire root system a vital resource in traditional pharmacological applications.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root-bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root extract 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Croton membranaceus has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Julocrotine, scopoletin.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Julocrotine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
scopoletin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Croton membranaceus has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hypoglycemic, Hypotensive.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Hypoglycemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hypotensive 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Croton membranaceus has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include benign prostatic hyperplasia, Cardiovascular disease, Prostate cancer, measles, prostate cancer.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
benign prostatic hyperplasia 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Cardiovascular disease 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Prostate cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
measles 1 ★☆☆☆☆
prostate cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
prostatitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆