Heliotropium bacciferum
Turnsole
Heliotropium bacciferum, commonly known as the Heliotrope herb, is a significant medicinal plant found in tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is utilized in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including skin inflammations and digestive issues, owing to its rich concentration of bioactive phytochemical compounds.
- Scientific name: Heliotropium bacciferum
- Family: Boraginaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Boraginales and the family Boraginaceae. Finally, the medicinal species is identified by its genus, Heliotropium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Boraginales | WCVP |
| Family | Boraginaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Heliotropium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Heliotropium bacciferum, is referred to by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly called Turnsole, while in Arabic, it is known as رمرام. Its names in other languages include آفتابپرست ساحلی in Persian and Gerohi in Fulfulde.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| fa | آفتابپرست ساحلی | Wikidata |
| ar | رمرام | Wikidata |
| ff | Gerohi | Wikidata |
| en | Turnsole | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several regions across the African continent. In Northern Africa, its presence is documented within the territories of Egypt and Libya. Moving toward West Tropical Africa, the species can be found inhabiting the landscape of Burkina. The plant is also distributed across Mauritania, which is located within the West Tropical region. Finally, its range extends further into West Tropical Africa to include Nigeria.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Niger | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Chad | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Djibouti | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Eritrea | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Heliotropium bacciferum, possesses several distinct morphological features that contribute to its biological profile. The structure is supported by a central stem that facilitates nutrient transport throughout the organism, while a robust system of roots anchors the plant into the soil to absorb water and minerals. The leaves are typically arranged along the stem, serving as the primary site for photosynthesis. During its reproductive phase, the plant produces a characteristic flower that attracts pollinators. Furthermore, the plant contains essential oil, which serves as a concentrated source of bioactive compounds used in various medicinal applications.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| essential oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial part | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Heliotropium bacciferum has 25 reported phytochemicals identified across 27 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include linalool, phenols, Alkanes, agarospirol, alcohols.
- Total chemicals
- 25
- Scientific sources
- 27
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| linalool | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenols | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Alkanes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| agarospirol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alcohols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alkenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| amines | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| carboxylic acids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| eicosadienoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| elemol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Heliotropium bacciferum has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Heliotropium bacciferum has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include colon cancer, skin diseases, tonsillitis.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| colon cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tonsillitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |