Elephantopus carolinianus
Elephantopus carolinianus, commonly known as the Carolinian elephantfoot, is a perennial herb native to tropical regions. Valued in traditional medicine, this plant possesses significant bioactive properties, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Its leaves are frequently utilized in herbal remedies to treat various ailments, showcasing its profound ethnobotanical importance.
- Scientific name: Elephantopus carolinianus
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is a member of the family Asteraceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Elephantopus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Elephantopus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within certain regions of the United States. In the North-Central region, it can be found growing in the states of Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Additionally, its presence extends into the Northeastern part of the country. Specifically, records indicate that it inhabits the state of Indiana. These locations highlight the localized environmental niches where this medicinal species thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| North-Central U.S.A. | Illinois | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Kansas | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Missouri | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Oklahoma | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | Indiana | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | New Jersey | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | Ohio | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | Pennsylvania | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | West Virginia | WCVP |
| South-Central U.S.A. | Texas | WCVP |
Chemicals
Elephantopus carolinianus has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Deoxyelephantopin, isodeoxyelephantopin.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Deoxyelephantopin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isodeoxyelephantopin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Elephantopus carolinianus has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include bronchitis, cancer, diarrhea, diuresis, dysentery.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| bronchitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diuresis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dysentery | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| liver diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |