Gynura procumbens

Gynura procumbens, commonly known as the Viviparous Viviparous or Creeping Katuk, is a versatile medicinal herb native to Southeast Asia. Renowned for its nutritional profile, it is widely used in traditional medicine to combat inflammation, manage blood sugar levels, and support overall kidney and cardiovascular health through its antioxidant properties.

  • Scientific name: Gynura procumbens
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Gynura and the specific species name procumbens.

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

Distribution

This plant, Gynura procumbens, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented in several key countries, including Benin and Guinea. Furthermore, the species can be found growing within the borders of Ivory Coast. It is also established in the tropical landscapes of Liberia. Finally, the geographical range of this medicinal plant extends into Nigeria.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Central African Republic WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Gabon WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa DR Congo WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Mauritius WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP

Chemicals

Gynura procumbens has 26 reported phytochemicals identified across 32 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoid, flavonoids, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin.

Total chemicals
26
Scientific sources
32

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoid 2 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
kaempferol 2 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
rutin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
steroids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
BA 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Caffeic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
IAA 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Gynura procumbens has 15 reported activities identified across 34 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Antihypertensive, Antiinflammatory.

Total activities
15
Scientific sources
34

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 9 ★★★★☆
Anticancer 5 ★★★☆☆
Antimicrobial 4 ★★☆☆☆
Antihypertensive 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiinflammatory 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antihyperglycemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiulcerogenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Gynura procumbens has 24 reported medicinal uses identified across 35 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include hypertension, constipation, rheumatism, cancer, diabetes mellitus.

Total uses
24
Scientific sources
35

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
hypertension 5 ★★★☆☆
constipation 3 ★★☆☆☆
rheumatism 3 ★★☆☆☆
cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
diabetes mellitus 2 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Sarcopenia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aberrant crypt foci 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆