Detarium microcarpum
Detarium microcarpum, commonly known as the African detarium, is a significant medicinal plant native to tropical African forests. Valued in traditional medicine, its various parts are utilized to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to inflammatory conditions. This botanical resource offers promising potential for pharmacological research and therapeutic development.
- Scientific name: Detarium microcarpum
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it is further categorized under the family Fabaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Detarium, with its species name being microcarpum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Detarium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Detarium microcarpum, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Arabic, it is called كهبل صغير الثمار, while in Hausa, it is known as Taura. In Bambara, the species is called Ntamajalan, and in French, it is commonly referred to as Petit Detar.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ar | كهبل صغير الثمار | Wikidata |
| ha | Taura | Wikidata |
| bm | Ntamajalan | Wikidata |
| fr | Petit Detar | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed throughout the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented across several specific countries, including Benin and Burkina. Additionally, it can be found within the territories of Gambia and Ghana. The species also extends its range into Guinea-Bissau. Together, these locations define the specific geographical footprint of this medicinal species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | 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 | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Niger | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Detarium microcarpum, possesses various anatomical components that are utilized for their medicinal and nutritional properties. The leaves are often studied for their bioactive compounds, while the bark is frequently employed in traditional remedies to treat specific ailments. The seeds, contained within the fruit, are a significant part of the plant's reproductive structure, though they are often handled with care due to their chemical composition. Beneath the surface, the roots serve as a vital anchoring system and are sometimes harvested for their therapeutic potential. Finally, the fruit pulp provides a fleshy, nutrient-rich medium that is commonly consumed, showcasing the plant's versatility in both sustenance and healing.- Total parts
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 17
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| bark | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit pulp | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root barks | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaf Extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Detarium microcarpum has 35 reported phytochemicals identified across 37 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include D-glucose, gallic acid, 2-oxokolavenic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyclerodan-13E-en-15-oic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyclerodan-13Z-en-15-oic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 35
- Scientific sources
- 37
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| D-glucose | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 2-oxokolavenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3,4-dihydroxyclerodan-13E-en-15-oic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3,4-dihydroxyclerodan-13Z-en-15-oic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3,4-epoxyclerodan-13E-en-15-oic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| D-(-)-bornesitol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| D-galactose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| D-mannose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| D-pinitol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Detarium microcarpum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Detarium microcarpum has 13 reported medicinal uses identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease, Chikungunya virus infection, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhi, Shigella boydii.
- Total uses
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Chikungunya virus infection | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Salmonella enteritidis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Salmonella typhi | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Shigella boydii | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cervical cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dysentery | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastrointestinal disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |