Dicoma anomala

Dicoma anomala, commonly known as the wild dicoma, is a resilient medicinal shrub native to various African regions. Renowned in traditional medicine, it is frequently utilized for its therapeutic properties, particularly in treating ailments related to the digestive system, skin conditions, and inflammatory responses through its bioactive compounds.

  • Scientific name: Dicoma anomala
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae and the genus Dicoma. As a member of the Dicoma genus, Dicoma anomaloma represents a specific medicinal species within this diverse botanical group.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Dicoma WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Dicoma anomala, is known by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the anomalous dicoma, while in German, it is known as die anomale Dicoma. In its local contexts, it is called dicoma anomalum in Latin and is identified as dicoma anomalum in scientific nomenclature.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is geographically distributed across several key regions within the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is noted in Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moving toward the southern part of the continent, its range extends into South Tropical Africa. Specifically, it can be found growing within the borders of Angola. Additionally, the distribution includes the country of Mozambique, completing its regional footprint.

Region Area Source
West-Central Tropical Africa Burundi WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Rwanda WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa DR Congo WCVP
South Tropical Africa Angola WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zambia WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zimbabwe WCVP
Southern Africa Botswana WCVP
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP
Southern Africa Lesotho WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Dicoma anomala, possesses several components that are of significant interest in pharmacological research. While the root serves as a foundational structural element, scientific investigations often focus on the chemical properties found within the roots. Specifically, the methanol root extract has been studied for its potential bioactive compounds and therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the leaves are a prominent feature of the plant's morphology, and detailed examinations of the leave tissues allow researchers to understand the cellular distribution of its medicinal constituents.
Total parts
6
Scientific sources
6
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆
methanol root extract 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leave tissues 1 ★☆☆☆☆
MeOH root extract 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Dicoma anomala has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include pheophorbide a, silver nanoparticles.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
pheophorbide a 1 ★☆☆☆☆
silver nanoparticles 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Dicoma anomala has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Dicoma anomala has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, fever, ulcers, cold, cough.

Total uses
9
Scientific sources
12

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
fever 2 ★☆☆☆☆
ulcers 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cold 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cough 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coughs 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dysentery 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lung cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
malaria 1 ★☆☆☆☆