false yam
Icacina oliviformis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (9 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
False yam, scientifically known as Icacinina oliviformis, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, it is traditionally utilized to treat various ailments, including inflammation and digestive issues. Exploring its bioactive compounds offers significant potential for developing modern therapeutic treatments and natural remedies.
- Family
- Icacinaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Leaves · Tubers
- Common names
- False Yam
- Scientific synonyms
- Hirtella Oliviformis
Names
Common Names
- false yam
Regional and Traditional Names
French:
- bankanas
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Icacina oliviformisSynonyms
- Hirtella oliviformis
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Icacina oliviformis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling under the order Icacinales. Finally, it is a member of the Icacinaceae family and is categorized under the genus Icacina.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Icacinales | WCVP |
| Family | Icacinaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Icacina | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions. Within the Macaronesia archipelago, it can be found specifically in Cape Verde. Its presence extends significantly into West Tropical Africa, where it inhabits various coastal and inland areas. Specifically, it is documented in the nations of Benin, Gambia, and Ghana. Furthermore, its range continues through the territory of Guinea-Bissau.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | 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 | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Togo | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Icacinina oliviformis, utilizes different anatomical structures for its biological functions and potential medicinal applications. The leaves are prominent features of the plant, serving as the primary sites for photosynthesis and gas exchange. Additionally, the plant develops specialized tubers, which function as underground storage organs that house essential nutrients and allow the species to persist through unfavorable environmental conditions.| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | Organic letters (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tubers | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Icacina oliviformis has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 12-Hydroxyicacinlactone A, Acrenol, Annonalide, Icacinlactone B, Icacinlactone H.
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 12-Hydroxyicacinlactone A | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Acrenol | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Annonalide | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Icacinlactone B | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Icacinlactone H | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Icacinol | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | Phytochemistry (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tubers | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |