Hydnocarpus
Hydnocarpus, commonly known as Chaulmoogra, is a significant medicinal plant celebrated for its historical role in treating leprosy. Extracted from its seeds, chaulmoogra oil contains unique fatty acids that possess potent antimicrobial properties. Today, it remains a vital subject in ethnobotany and traditional pharmacology for various skin ailments.
- Scientific name: Hydnocarpus
- Family: Achariaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Malpighiales and the family Achariaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Hydnocarpus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Achariaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Hydnocarpus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Hydnocarpus, is referred to by various names depending on the region and language. In Chinese contexts, it is identified as 大风子属 (zh-hans), 大風子屬 (zh-hant), and 大風子屬 (zh-hk). In Vietnam, it is commonly called Chi Nang trứng (vi), while in Russia, it is known as Гиднокарпус (ru).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 大风子属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 大風子屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 大風子屬 | Wikidata |
| vi | Chi Nang trứng | Wikidata |
| ru | Гиднокарпус | Wikidata |
| zh | 大风子属 | Wikidata |
| fi | leprapuut | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 大风子属 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 大风子属 | Wikidata |
| ms | setumpul | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it can be found in the South-Central areas as well as across the Southeast. Additionally, its presence extends to the tropical island of Hainan. Moving to the Indian Subcontinent, the species is native to the region of Assam. Finally, it is also documented to grow within the borders of Bangladesh.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Laos | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Hydnocarpus wightianus, is highly valued for its therapeutic properties derived primarily from its reproductive structures. The most significant medicinal component is found within the seeds, which serve as the source of its potent bioactive compounds. Through specialized extraction processes, the oil of hydnocarpus is obtained, providing a concentrated form of the plant's healing essence. This valuable seed oil, commonly referred to as chang oil, is widely utilized in dermatological applications to treat various skin conditions such as scabies and leprosy.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oil of hydnocarpus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Seed oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Hydnocarpus has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Hydnocarpin, flavonoids, sterols.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Hydnocarpin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sterols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Hydnocarpus has 9 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antileprotic, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antileprotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipsoriatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antirheumatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitubercular | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypolipidemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Hydnocarpus has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include leprosy, skin diseases, ulcers, wound healing, wounds.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leprosy | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ulcers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wound healing | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |