Cuphea glutinosa
Cuphea glutinosa, commonly known as the sticky cuphea, is a distinctive medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its unique adhesive properties and vibrant foliage, it holds significant ethnobotanical value. Traditional healers utilize its specific chemical compounds to treat various ailments, showcasing its vital role in natural pharmacology.
- Scientific name: Cuphea glutinosa
- Family: Lythraceae
- 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 is organized under the order Myrtaleales and the family Lythraceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Cuphea as the species Cuphea glutinosa.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Myrtales | WCVP |
| Family | Lythraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cuphea | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Cuphea glutinosa, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently called the sticky cuphea, while in Spanish, it is known as cuphea glutinosa or sometimes referred to by local names related to its physical characteristics. In Portuguese, the plant is commonly known as cuphea glutinosa.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse and wide-ranging geographical distribution across several continents. In the Western Indian Ocean, it can be found specifically in Mauritius. Moving to the Americas, its presence extends to the South-Central United States in Texas and the Southeastern United States in Louisiana. Its reach also covers Western South America, particularly within the borders of Bolivia. Finally, the species is located in the northeastern region of Brazil.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius | WCVP |
| South-Central U.S.A. | Texas | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Louisiana | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil South | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina Northeast | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina Northwest | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Paraguay | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Cuphea glutinosa, possesses distinct morphological features, most notably its leaves which play a significant role in its botanical identification. The leaves are typically arranged along the stems and serve as a primary site for photosynthesis, contributing to the overall vitality of the specimen. In the context of traditional medicinal practices, these leaves are often the specific parts studied or harvested for their potential bioactive compounds and therapeutic properties.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Cuphea glutinosa has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, miquelianin.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| miquelianin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cuphea glutinosa has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Diuretic.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cuphea glutinosa has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anti-hypertensives, antioxidant, diuretic.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anti-hypertensives | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |