Grewia lasiocarpa
Grewia lasiocarpa, commonly known as Phalsa, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to the Indian subcontinent. Renowned for its small, tangy berries, it offers significant health benefits, including cooling properties and antioxidant support. Traditionally used in Ayurveda, it aids digestion, manages fever, and promotes overall wellness through its nutritional richness.
- Scientific name: Grewia lasiocarpa
- Family: Malvaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malvales, it is further categorized into the family Malvaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Grewia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malvales | WCVP |
| Family | Malvaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Grewia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Grewia lasiocarpa, is referred to by the common name Bosrosyntjie in Afrikaans (af).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| af | Bosrosyntjie | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is native to specific regions within the southern portion of the African continent. Its geographical distribution is primarily concentrated within the Cape Provinces of Southern Africa. Additionally, it can be found growing in the KwaZulu-Natal province. These locations represent the core areas where the species thrives in its natural habitat. Consequently, its range is limited to these distinct southern African territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Grewia lasiocarpu, utilizes various components for its traditional medicinal purposes, most notably the stem bark and fresh leaves. The stem bark is often harvested for its astringent properties and is frequently used in decoctions to treat ailments such as diarrhea or skin inflammations. Similarly, the fresh leaves are highly valued in herbal preparations, often being crushed or boiled to serve as a remedy for various digestive issues or topical applications. Together, these parts represent the primary botanical sources for the plant's therapeutic applications.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fresh leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Grewia lasiocarpa has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2-methylheptadecane, farnesol, heptacosane, n-hexadecanoic acid, phytol.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 2-methylheptadecane | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| farnesol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| heptacosane | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| n-hexadecanoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phytol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Grewia lasiocarpa has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Grewia lasiocarpa has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Klebsiella pneumoniae | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |