Himatanthus articulatus
Himatanthus articulatus, commonly known as the Madagascar Periwinkle or Madagascar Oleander, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is frequently utilized in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, skin ailments, and various infections, offering significant potential for modern pharmacological research.
- Scientific name: Himatanthus articulatus
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianales, it is classified under the family Apocynaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is completed within the genus Himatanthus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Himatanthus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Himatanthus articulatus, is known by a variety of regional common names across different linguistic groups. In English, it is frequently referred to as the Madagascar rose or the Madagascar frangipani. In Spanish, it is commonly called san juan, san juanito, or flor de san juan. Within Portuguese-speaking regions, it is often identified as san juan or flor de san juan. Furthermore, in French, the species is known as frangipanier de Madagascar.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated within the tropical regions of the Americas. In Central America, its presence is documented within the borders of Panamá. Moving into Northern South America, it can be found across the vast territories of Venezuela. The species also inhabits the Guianas, specifically occupying French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. Together, these locations define the primary geographical range for Himatanthus articulatus.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central America | Panamá | WCVP |
| Northern South America | French Guiana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Guyana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Suriname | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Ecuador | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Himatanthus articulatus, possesses various parts that are utilized for their medicinal properties. The leaves are a primary component often used in traditional remedies, while the stem bark and the general bark of the tree are frequently harvested for their bioactive compounds. Most notably, the plant is characterized by the presence of a milky latex that flows from its tissues, a substance that is often central to its therapeutic applications.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 10
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem bark | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| latex | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| bark | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Himatanthus articulatus has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiproliferative, Antiulcer.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiulcer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Himatanthus articulatus has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, breast cancer, cancer.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Bacillus subtilis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colon adenocarcinoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| non-small cell lung carcinoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| renal cell carcinoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |