Hypericum aethiopicum
Hypericum aethiopicum, commonly known as St. John's Wort in certain African regions, is a perennial shrub valued for its medicinal properties. Native to various subtropical climates, this plant is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat wounds, inflammation, and digestive issues, offering a rich profile of bioactive compounds.
- Scientific name: Hypericum aethiopicum
- Family: Hypericaceae
- Native range: Africa
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 under the order Malpighiales and the family Hypericaceae. Finally, it is placed in the genus Hypericum as the species Hypericum aethiopicum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Hypericaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Hypericum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Hypericum aethiopicum, is recognized by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as Ethiopian St. John's Wort, a name that highlights both its botanical lineage and its geographical origins. In French, the species is known as le millepertuis d'Éthiopie, while in Spanish, it is called el hipérico etíope. These diverse names reflect the plant's widespread recognition across different cultures and its shared relationship with the broader Hypericum genus.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of the African continent. Within South Tropical Africa, it can be found growing in the countries of Angola, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Its range also extends into the Southern African region, specifically covering the Cape Provinces. Additionally, the species is documented to inhabit the mountainous terrain of Lesotho. Together, these locations highlight the diverse habitats where the species thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Lesotho | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Free State | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Eswatini | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Northern Provinces | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Hypericum aethiopicum, is characterized by several distinct morphological features used in traditional medicinal practices. The entire root system, including the deep-seated roots, is often harvested for its bioactive properties. The vibrant green leaves serve as a primary site for photosynthesis and contain various essential compounds. While the plant does not typically develop true bulbs like certain lilies, the underground structures and fleshy portions are vital to its overall biological profile.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bulbs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Hypericum aethiopicum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, tannins.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Hypericum aethiopicum has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, skin diseases, wound healing.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gardnerella vaginalis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neisseria gonorrhoeae | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wound healing | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |