Hunteria umbellata
Hunteria umbellaata, commonly known as the Umbella cane, is a significant medicinal shrub native to tropical African rainforests. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is traditionally utilized to treat ailments ranging from malaria and fever to skin infections, offering valuable bioactive compounds for modern pharmacological research and development.
- Scientific name: Hunteria umbellata
- Family: Apocynaceae
- 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 Gentianaales, it is classified under the family Apocynaceae and the genus Hunteria. Specifically, its scientific identity is defined as Hunteria umbellata.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Hunteria | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Hunteria umbellata, is known by various names across different linguistic and regional contexts. In English, it is commonly referred to as the Umbellate Hunteria, while in French, it is known as l'Hunteria ombellée. Within local contexts in Nigeria, where it is frequently studied for its medicinal properties, it is often called Hunteria umbellata or referred to by its descriptive botanical characteristics.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant, known scientifically as Hunteria umbellata, is primarily found within the West Tropical Africa region. Its geographical range includes several key countries across this part of the continent. Specifically, it can be located in the coastal and forest zones of Benin and Ghana. The species also thrives within the territories of Guinea-Bissau and Guinea. Furthermore, its distribution extends into the Ivory Coast, marking its presence across these diverse West African landscapes.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Sierra Leone | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cabinda | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Hunteria umbellata, possesses various anatomical structures that contribute to its medicinal profile, though specific components are utilized for different therapeutic purposes. While the leaves and bark are frequently studied for their alkaloid content, the fruit produces a fleshy pulp that can be of interest in botanical studies. In many medicinal species, the chemical constituents found within the pulp play a role in the plant's overall biological activity, providing a unique layer to the complex pharmacological potential of the species.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| pulp | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Hunteria umbellata has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, phenols, quercetin.
- Total chemicals
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| steroid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Hunteria umbellata has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antihypertensive, Antiproliferative.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Hunteria umbellata has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, erectile dysfunction.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| erectile dysfunction | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |