Cynomorium coccineum
Cynomorium coccineum, commonly known as the coral coral or desert cynomorium, is a unique holoparasitic plant found in arid regions. Lacking chlorophyll, it derives nutrients from host roots. Traditionally valued in various medicinal systems, it is utilized for its purported rejuvenating properties and its potential to treat various ailments.
- Scientific name: Cynomorium coccineum
- Family: Cynomoriaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is positioned in the order Saxifrages and falls under the family Cynomoriaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Cynomorium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Saxifragales | WCVP |
| Family | Cynomoriaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cynomorium | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated within the Mediterranean region of Southwestern Europe. Its presence is documented across several key island territories, including the Baleares, Corse, and Sardegna. Beyond these islands, it can also be found on the mainland portions of the Iberian Peninsula. Specifically, its range extends through the countries of Portugal and Spain. Consequently, the geographical footprint of Cynomorium coccineum is defined by these distinct coastal and island habitats.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
Chemicals
Cynomorium coccineum has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, FSH, Gallic acid, LH, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside.
- Total chemicals
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| FSH | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| LH | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cyanidin 3-O-glucoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| steroids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cynomorium coccineum has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Anticarcinogenic, Antihypertensive, Antiviral, Cardioprotective.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticarcinogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cardioprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cynomorium coccineum has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, antihypertensive, colic, hepatocellular carcinoma, impotence.
- Total uses
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hepatocellular carcinoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| impotence | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myocardial infarction | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| premature ejaculation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stomach ulcers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stroke | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tumorigenesis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |