Himatanthus obovatus

Himatanthus obovatus, commonly known as Madagascar Periwinkle or Madagascar Oleander, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to Madagascar. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, it is extensively studied for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, offering significant therapeutic potential in modern pharmacology and traditional herbal medicine practices.

  • Scientific name: Himatanthus obovatus
  • Family: Apocynaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianales, it falls under the family Apocynaceae. It is specifically identified by its 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, scientifically known as Himatanthus obovatus, is recognized by various regional names depending on the location. In Portuguese, it is commonly referred to as Janaguba.
Language Common Name Source
pt Janaguba Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several distinct regions of the South American continent. In Northern South America, its presence is documented within the territory of Guyana. Moving toward the western portion of the continent, the species can be found in Bolivia. Within Brazil, the plant spans a vast area including the West-Central region. Finally, its range extends through the Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil as well.

Region Area Source
Northern South America Guyana WCVP
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP

Activities

Himatanthus obovatus has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiprotozoal.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiprotozoal 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Himatanthus obovatus has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Leishmania donovani.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Leishmania donovani 1 ★☆☆☆☆