Euphorbia resinifera

Euphorbia resinifera, commonly known as the resin spurge, is a medicinal plant native to Morocco. It is most renowned for producing resiniferatoxin, a potent compound used in scientific research. This plant holds significant pharmacological importance due to its unique chemical properties and its potential applications in pain management studies.

  • Scientific name: Euphorbia resinifera
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Euphorbiaceae and specifically within the genus Euphorbia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Euphorbiaceae WCVP
Genus Euphorbia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Euphorbia resinifera, is referred to by various names across different languages and cultures. In Japanese, it is called ハッカクキリン, while in Russian, it is known as Молочай смолонносный. The French name for this species is Euphorbé résinifère, and in Azerbaijani, it is identified as Qətranlı südləyən. Additionally, in Arabic, the plant is commonly called لبانة مغربية.
Language Common Name Source
ja ハッカクキリン Wikidata
ru Молочай смолоносный Wikidata
fr Euphorbe résinifère Wikidata
az Qətranlı südləyən Wikidata
ar لبانة مغربية Wikidata
fi hartsityräkki Wikidata
zh-hant 樹脂大戟 Wikidata
zh-hans 树脂大戟 Wikidata
zh 树脂大戟 Wikidata
kab Tikiwt Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within a specific range in the Mediterranean region. Its distribution is notably concentrated in Southwestern Europe, specifically within the country of Spain. Additionally, the species can be located across the sea in Northern Africa. Within this African territory, it is documented to grow in Morocco. Consequently, its natural habitat is limited to these two distinct geographical areas.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Northern Africa Morocco WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as resinifer, is primarily valued for the production of resiniferatoxin, a potent compound derived from its specialized secretory structures. The most significant medicinal component is the milky latex that flows from the plant's tissues when the stems or leaves are damaged. This viscous substance contains high concentrations of diterpene esters, which are harvested and processed for their intense physiological effects, particularly in the study and treatment of pain signaling.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
latex 3 ★★☆☆☆

Chemicals

Euphorbia resinifera has 16 reported phytochemicals identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include resiniferatoxin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, aluminium, capsaicin, carotenoids.

Total chemicals
16
Scientific sources
17

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
resiniferatoxin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
4-hydroxybenzoic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aluminium 1 ★☆☆☆☆
capsaicin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
carotenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
copper 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gallic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hexoses 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inoterpene A 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Euphorbia resinifera has 4 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antidiuretic, Antimalarial.

Total activities
4
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Euphorbia resinifera has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, neurogenic inflammation, neuropathic pain, osteoarthritis, pain.

Total uses
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
neurogenic inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
neuropathic pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
osteoarthritis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
postherpetic neuralgia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
uterine cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆