Desmodium intortum

Desmodium intortum, commonly known as a vital medicinal herb in traditional practices, belongs to the Fabaceae family. Renowned for its therapeutic properties, this plant is frequently utilized to treat various ailments, including inflammation and digestive issues. Understanding its phytochemical profile is essential for exploring its significant pharmacological potential.

  • Scientific name: Desmodium intortum
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Desmodium intortum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, it is categorized under the genus Desmodium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Desmodium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Desmodium tortum, is known by several different common names depending on the linguistic context. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 绿叶山蚂蝗 (zh-hans, zh-cn) or 绿叶山蚂蝗 (zh), while in Traditional Chinese, it is commonly called 西班牙三葉草 (zh-tw). Additionally, it is also identified by the name 西班牙三叶草 (zh) in certain Chinese contexts.
Language Common Name Source
zh 绿叶山蚂蝗 Wikidata
zh-tw 西班牙三葉草 Wikidata
zh-hans 绿叶山蚂蝗 Wikidata
zh-cn 绿叶山蚂蝗 Wikidata
zh 西班牙三叶草 Wikidata
zh 扭曲山蚂蟥 Wikidata
zh 扭曲山蚂蝗 Wikidata
es Maricao Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Nigeria. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species can be found in both Cameroon and Rwanda. The plant also extends into East Tropical Africa, where it inhabits the landscapes of Kenya. Finally, its range continues through East Tropical Africa to include the territory of Uganda.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Rwanda WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
East Tropical Africa Uganda WCVP
South Tropical Africa Angola WCVP
South Tropical Africa Malawi WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zambia WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zimbabwe WCVP
Middle Atlantic Ocean St.Helena WCVP

Chemicals

Desmodium intortum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CT, condensed tannins, tannin.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
CT 1 ★☆☆☆☆
condensed tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannin 1 ★☆☆☆☆