Embelia schimperi
Embelia schimperi, commonly known as the African Embelia, is a significant medicinal plant native to East Africa. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, it is traditionally used to treat various ailments, including digestive issues and skin conditions. Scientific interest continues to grow regarding its potential therapeutic applications and bioactive compounds.
- Scientific name: Embelia schimperi
- Family: Primulaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Ericales and the family Primulaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Embelia, with its specific species being Embelia schimperi.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Primulaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Embelia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Embelia schimperi, is recognized by its local common name in Ethiopia, where it is referred to in Amharic as እንቆቆ (inqoko).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| am | እንቆቆ | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across several regions within West Tropical Africa. Specifically, its presence has been documented in the country of Benin. It can also be found growing in the territories of Burkina and Guinea. Furthermore, the species extends its range into Ivory Coast. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the nation of Liberia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Sierra Leone | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Togo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Embelia schimperi, utilizes various components for medicinal purposes depending on the specific application. The stem bark is often harvested to extract bioactive compounds, while the fruits serve as a primary source of traditional remedies. For practical use in preparations, the dried fruits are frequently employed, and the crushed seeds are specifically utilized to release their potent medicinal properties.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dried fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| crushed seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stem Bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Embelia schimperi has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include embelin, embelinone, epicatechin, flavonoids, phenols.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| embelin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| embelinone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epicatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| schimperinone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Embelia schimperi has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Disinfectant, Taenicide.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Disinfectant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Taenicide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Embelia schimperi has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Hymenolepis diminuta, Taenia saginata, disinfectant, dwarf tapeworm.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Heligmosomoides polygyrus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hymenolepis diminuta | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Taenia saginata | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| disinfectant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dwarf tapeworm | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fungal infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hookworm | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tapeworm infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |