Euphorbia
Spurge
Euphorbia, commonly known as spurge, is a diverse genus of flowering plants spanning many environments worldwide. Renowned for their unique milky sap, these resilient species offer significant medicinal potential. While some varieties are used in traditional remedies, their potent chemical compounds require careful handling due to inherent toxicity.
- Scientific name: Euphorbia
- 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. It is further classified within the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, the medicinal plant is identified by its 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, belonging to the genus Euphorbia, is known by various names across different linguistic regions. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 大戟属 (zh-hans) and 大戟属 (zh-cn), as well as 大戟属 (zh-sg) in Singapore. In Traditional Chinese contexts, it is written as 大戟屬 (zh-hant) and 大戟屬 (zh-hk) in Hong Kong.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 大戟属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 大戟屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 大戟屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 大戟属 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 大戟属 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 大戟屬 | Wikidata |
| eu | Esne-belar | Wikidata |
| pl | Wilczomlecz | Wikidata |
| be | Малачай | Wikidata |
| he | חלבלוב | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the northernmost regions of the European continent. Within Northern Europe, its presence can be identified in the territories of Denmark and Finland. The species also extends to the island nations of Iceland and the Førøya islands. Additionally, its geographical range encompasses the landmass of Great Britain. Together, these locations define the northern limits of its natural habitat.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known as Euphorbia, is characterized by several distinct morphological features that contribute to its medicinal properties. The stems are often succulent or fleshy, providing a structural base for the plant's growth. Beneath the surface, the plant may develop specialized tubers or extensive roots that serve to store nutrients and anchor the organism. A defining characteristic of many species in this genus is the presence of a white sticky latex sap that flows through its internal tissues; this latex is highly distinctive and is frequently the primary component sought for its bioactive chemical compounds.- Total parts
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 11
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| latex | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| white sticky latex sap | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tubers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflorescences | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Euphorbia has 21 reported phytochemicals identified across 24 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, triterpenoids, Euphorbia factor L3, betulinic acid, cycloartenol.
- Total chemicals
- 21
- Scientific sources
- 24
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| triterpenoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Euphorbia factor L3 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betulinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cycloartenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| euphol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ingenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ingenol 3-angelate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ingenol mebutate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lectin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Euphorbia has 11 reported activities identified across 22 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antiviral.
- Total activities
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 22
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Genotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Euphorbia has 16 reported medicinal uses identified across 19 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, pregnancy, actinic keratosis, amaurosis, cancers.
- Total uses
- 16
- Scientific sources
- 19
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| pregnancy | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| actinic keratosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| amaurosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| deafness | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dropsy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| herpes simplex virus type 2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| paralysis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |