Ehretia acuminata

Ehretiia acuminata, commonly known as the "Tree of Life" in some regions, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical climates. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is traditionally utilized to treat skin ailments, inflammation, and digestive issues, offering significant potential for modern pharmacological research and development.

  • Scientific name: Ehretia acuminata
  • Family: Boraginaceae
  • 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, it is organized under the order Boraginales and the family Boraginaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Ehrétia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Boraginales WCVP
Family Boraginaceae WCVP
Genus Ehretia WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across both the Indian Ocean and parts of East Asia. In the Western Indian Ocean, it can be found growing in Mauritius and Réunion. Its distribution continues into China, specifically within the South-Central and Southeast regions. Furthermore, the species is documented to occur in Eastern Asia, particularly in Japan. This wide dispersal highlights the plant's adaptability to different tropical and subtropical environments.

Region Area Source
Western Indian Ocean Mauritius WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Réunion WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
Eastern Asia Nansei-shoto WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Bangladesh WCVP

Chemicals

Ehretia acuminata has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include fatty acid esters, glycosides, lignans, saponins, steroids.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
fatty acid esters 1 ★☆☆☆☆
glycosides 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lignans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
steroids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Ehretia acuminata has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anti-oxidant, antispasmodic effects, antiviral, wound healing.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
anti-oxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antispasmodic effects 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wound healing 1 ★☆☆☆☆