Echinops kebericho

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further organized into the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus name, Echinops.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Echinops kebericho, possesses a very specific and limited natural range. Its geographical distribution is primarily concentrated within the Northeast Tropical Africa region. More specifically, this medicinal species is endemic to the high-altitude areas of Ethiopia. Because it is found in such a localized manner, it is closely tied to the unique ecological conditions of the Ethiopian highlands. Consequently, its availability for medicinal use is inherently linked to this specific African territory.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Echinops kebericho is characterized by its growth form as a herb, presenting a non-woody structure throughout its vegetative development. As a herbaceous plant, it lacks the lignified tissues found in shrubs or trees, instead maintaining a relatively soft and flexible stem architecture. This non-woody habit is typical of its life cycle, where the plant focuses on rapid seasonal growth and the production of distinctive, globose, spiny flower heads that are characteristic of the genus.

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Echinops kebericho has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Infection and drug resistance
2. Malaria journal

Chemicals

Echinops kebericho has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Tannins, Cardiac Glycosides, Dehydrocostus lactone, Glycosides.

Flavonoids

1. PeerJ
2. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Tannins

1. PeerJ
2. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Cardiac Glycosides

1. PeerJ

Dehydrocostus lactone

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Glycosides

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Saponins

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Steroids

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Triterpenes

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Activities

Echinops kebericho has 8 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Analgesic, Antimicrobial.

Antibacterial

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
2. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM

Antifungal

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
2. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM

Antioxidant

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
2. BioMed research international

Analgesic

1. Journal of inflammation research

Antimicrobial

1. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM

Antiplasmodial

1. Malaria journal

Antipyretic

1. BioMed research international

Antiviral

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Medicinal Uses

Echinops kebericho has 15 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, E. coli.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations