Erythrina excelsa
Erythrina excelsa, commonly known as the Red Coral Tree, is a magnificent tropical evergreen native to East Africa. Renowned for its striking scarlet blossoms, this medicinal plant has long been utilized in traditional healing practices to treat various ailments, offering significant pharmacological potential in contemporary botanical research and medicine.
- Scientific name: Erythrina excelsa
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known as Erythrina excelsa, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific classification falls under the genus Erythrina.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Erythrina | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Erythrina excelsa, is recognized in various regions by different local designations. In the Arabic language, it is commonly referred to as حمرية باسقة.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ar | حمرية باسقة | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Erythrina excelsa, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented in several key countries, starting with Benin. It is also found within the borders of the Ivory Coast and Liberia. Furthermore, the species extends its range into Mali. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the nation of Nigeria.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Congo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Equatorial Guinea | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known commonly as the Red Coral Tree, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional medicine, most notably its stem bark. The stem bark of Erythrina excelsa is highly valued for its therapeutic properties and is often prepared in decoctions or infusions to treat various ailments. Due to its specific chemical composition, this part of the plant is frequently employed in folk medicine to address conditions such as inflammation, digestive issues, or even as a remedy for certain skin ailments.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem bark | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Erythrina excelsa has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 6,8-diprenylgenistein, ferulic acid, isoflavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 6,8-diprenylgenistein | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ferulic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoflavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Erythrina excelsa has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cytotoxic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Erythrina excelsa has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colon cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| prostate cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |