Gnetum edule
Gnetum edule, commonly known as the edible Gnetum or "Saga," is a versatile medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia. Highly valued in traditional medicine, its leaves and seeds offer significant nutritional benefits and antioxidant properties, playing a crucial role in supporting digestive health and boosting overall immune functions.
- Scientific name: Gnetum edule
- Family: Gnetaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Gnetidae and order Gnetales, it is a member of the family Gnetaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Gnetum, specifically the species Gnetum edule.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Gnetidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gnetales | WCVP |
| Family | Gnetaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Gnetum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Gnetum eduled, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is frequently referred to as the edible gnetum, while in Indonesian, it is commonly known as melinjo. In Javanese, the plant is called melinjo, and in Malay, it is also referred to as melinjo.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant, Gnetum edule, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across parts of Southeast and South Asia. It is primarily found within the Indian Subcontinent, specifically throughout the country of India. Additionally, its range extends into the Indo-China region, covering the Andaman Islands. The species can also be located within the Nicobar Islands, which are part of the Indo-China geographical area. Consequently, its habitat is concentrated within these particular tropical island and mainland locations.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Andaman Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Nicobar Is. | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Gnetum edule, commonly known as Melinjo, utilizes its stem part as a vital structural component for supporting its climbing or sprawling growth habit. The stem serves not only as a conduit for transporting water and essential nutrients from the roots to the leaves but also acts as a storage vessel for various bioactive compounds. In many traditional medicinal practices, extracts derived from the stem are studied for their potential therapeutic properties, reflecting the integrated physiological role this part plays in the plant's overall survival and medicinal potency.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem part | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Gnetum edule has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |