Funtumia elastica
Funtumia elastica, commonly known as the rubber tree, is a significant medicinal plant native to African rainforests. Renowned for its latex, it also contains bioactive alkaloids with diverse therapeutic potential. Traditionally used to treat various ailments, modern research explores its pharmacological properties, particularly for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.
- Scientific name: Funtumia elastica
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Gentianales and the family Apocynaceae. Its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Funtumia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Funtumia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across the lush landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Within this specific region, it can be found growing in the diverse ecosystems of Benin. Its natural range also extends through the territories of Ghana and Guinea. Furthermore, the species is well-established within the tropical forests of Ivory Coast. Finally, its geographical presence includes the coastal and inland areas of Liberia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Sierra Leone | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cabinda | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
Chemicals
Funtumia elastica has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, steroids, 5-hydroxypyridine-3-carboxamide, Tannin, anthocyanins.
- Total chemicals
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| steroids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5-hydroxypyridine-3-carboxamide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tannin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anthocyanins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| starch | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Funtumia elastica has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antiparasitic, Antiplasmodial.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiparasitic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiplasmodial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Funtumia elastica has 10 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, LeiSHmania donovani, Plasmodium falciparum, asthma.
- Total uses
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Aspergillus flavus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| LeiSHmania donovani | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Plasmodium falciparum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fungal infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| painful menstruation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| whooping cough | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |