Hymenocardia acida

Hymenocardia acida, commonly known as the "Acidic Hymenocardia," is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, it is traditionally used to treat skin ailments, inflammation, and digestive issues. This resilient shrub offers significant pharmacological potential for developing modern therapeutic treatments.

  • Scientific name: Hymenocardia acida
  • Family: Phyllanthaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Malpighiales and the family Phyllanthaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Hymenocardia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Phyllanthaceae WCVP
Genus Hymenocardia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Hymenocardia acida, is referred to by various local names across different linguistic groups. In the dag language, it is called Daŋkuŋa, while in sg, it is known as Dangâa-këlë, and in kai, it is commonly referred to as Saalò.
Language Common Name Source
dag Daŋkuŋa Wikidata
sg Dangâa-këlë Wikidata
kai Saalò Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing within the borders of Benin. Furthermore, the species is present in the territories of Burkina and Gambia. Its range also extends through the nation of Ghana. Finally, the distribution includes the coastal areas of Guinea-Bissau.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia 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 Mali WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mauritania WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Hymenocardia acida, possesses various components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The stem bark is frequently employed in traditional remedies, often prepared as decoctions to address specific ailments. Similarly, the root bark contains bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's medicinal profile when processed correctly. Additionally, the leaves are a significant part of the plant, often used in topical applications or infusions due to their distinct chemical constituents.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Stem Bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Hymenocardia acida has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lupeol, anthocyanins, coumarins, fatty acids, flavonoids.

Total chemicals
15
Scientific sources
15

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Lupeol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anthocyanins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coumarins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fatty acids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
glycosides 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hymenocardine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hymenocardine N-oxide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hymenocardine-H 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hymenocardinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Hymenocardia acida has 5 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiulcer, Mutagenic.

Total activities
5
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Cytotoxic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiulcer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Mutagenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Hymenocardia acida has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, Plasmodium falciparum, breast cancer, colon cancer, hypertension.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Plasmodium falciparum 1 ★☆☆☆☆
breast cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
colon cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hypertension 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ulcer 1 ★☆☆☆☆