Gymnanthemum coloratum

Gymnanthemum coloratum, commonly known as the "herb of longevity," is a remarkable medicinal plant native to East Asia. Renowned for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is traditionally used to support metabolic health, improve glucose regulation, and promote overall vitality through its unique bioactive compounds and natural strength.

  • Scientific name: Gymnanthemum coloratum
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is specifically nested in the family Asteraceae. It is further identified by the genus Gymnanthemum, which includes the species Gymnanthemum coloratum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Gymnanthemum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Gymnanthemum coloratum, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese, it is commonly referred to as 蓝花菜 (lán huā cài), while in English, it is often identified by its botanical name or categorized under the broader umbrella of medicinal gymnanthemums. These common names reflect its specific botanical characteristics and its traditional role in regional herbal practices.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct regions. Within the Macaronesia archipelago, its presence is noted in Cape Verde. The species is also found throughout West Tropical Africa, specifically spanning multiple countries. Its documented range includes Benin, Burkina, and the Gambia. Furthermore, the plant can be located within the territory of Ghana.

Region Area Source
Macaronesia Cape Verde WCVP
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mauritania WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Gymnanthemum coloratum, is primarily utilized in traditional medicine for its various therapeutic properties derived from its vegetative structures. The medicinal potency is concentrated within the leaves and the broader aerial parts of the herb, which are often harvested during the growing season. Depending on the specific preparation method, a single aerial part or a mixture of the entire above-ground biomass may be dried and processed to extract active compounds.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial part 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Gymnanthemum coloratum has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆