Gossypium herbaceum

Levant cotton

Gossypium herbaceum, commonly known as African cotton, is a versatile medicinal plant valued in traditional healing. Beyond its fiber production, various plant parts possess significant therapeutic potential. Rich in bioactive compounds, it is frequently utilized for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, offering promising applications in modern pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Gossypium herbaceum
  • Family: Malvaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malvales. Finally, it is a member of the family Malvaceae and falls under the genus Gossypium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malvales WCVP
Family Malvaceae WCVP
Genus Gossypium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Gossypium herbaceum, is recognized by various common names across different linguistic and cultural landscapes. In Denmark, it is referred to as Almindelig Bomuld (da), while in Sweden, it is called indisk bomull (sv). It holds the name Aborigen gowaça (tk) in certain regional contexts, and in Vietnam, it is known as Bông vải (vi). Additionally, in the Malayalam language, it is identified as നൂൽപ്പരുത്തി (ml).
Language Common Name Source
da Almindelig Bomuld Wikidata
sv indisk bomull Wikidata
tk Aborigen gowaça Wikidata
vi Bông vải Wikidata
ml നൂൽപ്പരുത്തി Wikidata
zh 草棉 Wikidata
ta பாரம் (மலர்) Wikidata
uz Afrika-osiyo gʻoʻzasi Wikidata
pl Bawełna indyjska Wikidata
uk Бавовник трав'янистий Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of Southern Europe. In the western part of the continent, its presence is noted in Spain within Southwestern Europe. Moving toward the east, the species can be found in the country of Albania. It is also widely distributed throughout Southeastern Europe, specifically within the borders of Greece and Italy. Additionally, the plant is documented to grow on the island of Kriti.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Kriti WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Sicilia WCVP
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
Macaronesia Canary Is. WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP

Chemicals

Gossypium herbaceum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Isoquercitrin, flavonoids, gossypol, hyperoside.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Isoquercitrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gossypol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hyperoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Gossypium herbaceum has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidepressant, Antiviral, Anxiolytic.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antidepressant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anxiolytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Gossypium herbaceum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Diabetes mellitus.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Diabetes mellitus 1 ★☆☆☆☆