Cryptolepis nigrescens
Cryptolepis nigrescens, commonly known as a significant medicinal herb in tropical regions, holds profound ethnobotanical value. Renowned for its diverse bioactive compounds, this plant is traditionally utilized to treat various ailments, ranging from skin inflammations to digestive issues. Ongoing research continues to explore its potential pharmacological applications in modern medicine.
- Scientific name: Cryptolepis nigrescens
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianales, it is a member of the family Apocynaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Cryptolepis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cryptolepis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Cryptolepis nigrescens, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as West African Quassia, while in French, it is called Quassia d'Afrique. In local contexts, such as in Ghana, it is commonly known as Asante Herb or Asante Medicine.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant, Cryptolepis nigrescens, is primarily distributed across the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence can be documented within the borders of Benin and Burkina Faso. Additionally, the species is found throughout the territory of Ghana. The geographical range extends further into Guinea-Bissau as well. Finally, the plant is also naturally occurring within the country of Guinea.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Cryptolepis nigrescens, possesses various components that are utilized for its medicinal properties. The leaves are a primary part of the plant used in traditional preparations, often harvested in large quantities. Beyond the whole leaf, the leaf sap can also be extracted for specific therapeutic applications. Additionally, the medicinal potency is found within the structural elements of the plant, including the stem bark and the roots, both of which are frequently processed to create decoctions or extracts.- Total parts
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 8
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf sap | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| latex | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Cryptolepis nigrescens has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include convallatoxin.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| convallatoxin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cryptolepis nigrescens has 12 reported activities identified across 18 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Analgesic, Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 18
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipyretic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiasthmatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimalarial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Aphrodisiac | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |