Himatanthus drasticus
Himatanthus drasticus, commonly known as Devil's Trumpet or Madagascar Periwinkle, is a tropical shrub prized in ethnobotany. Renowned for its milky latex, this plant contains diverse alkaloids used traditionally for healing wounds and treating inflammation. Its potent bioactive compounds continue to inspire modern pharmacological research into various therapeutic applications.
- Scientific name: Himatanthus drasticus
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Gentianales and the family Apocynaceae. Finally, it is identified by 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 drasticus, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the Madagascar Periwinkle or the Madagascar Oleander, while in Portuguese, it is widely called Jasmim-manga. In Spanish, the plant is known as Jazmín de Madagascar, and in French, it is identified as Pervenche de Madagascar.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern primarily focused across Northern South America. It can be found inhabiting the natural landscapes of French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. Furthermore, its presence extends significantly into the Brazilian territory. Within Brazil, the species is notably distributed throughout the Northeast region. Additionally, the plant is also documented to grow within the Southeast region of the country.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern South America | French Guiana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Guyana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Suriname | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Himatanthus dracunculus, possesses several distinctive components that are utilized for their medicinal properties. When the stem or branches are injured, the plant exudes a thick, milky white latex that is often the primary focus of its therapeutic study. The bark, which forms a protective outer layer for the trunk, is also frequently harvested for its chemical constituents. Additionally, the broad, green leaves serve as important vegetative structures that contribute to the plant's overall biological profile.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| latex | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| exudates | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Himatanthus drasticus has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 16 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include plumieride, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, betulin, caffeic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 15
- Scientific sources
- 16
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| plumieride | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betulin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| latex | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lupeol acetate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| protocatechuic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Himatanthus drasticus has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antiallergic, Antimicrobial, Antineoplastic, Antiproliferative.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiallergic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antineoplastic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Himatanthus drasticus has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Sarcoma 180, Staphylococcus aureus, analgesic.
- Total uses
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Klebsiella pneumoniae | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sarcoma 180 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antiallergic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antineoplastic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| type 2 diabetes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |