indigo
Indigofera · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Indigo, scientifically known as Indigofera, is a versatile genus of plants renowned for producing natural blue dye. Beyond its historical importance in textiles, many species possess significant medicinal properties, offering anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits. This ancient botanical remains a vital subject in both traditional healing and modern pharmacology.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Indigo · Indigos
- Scientific synonyms
- Indigo · Hemispadon · 10 more
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- indigo
- Indigos
Scientific Names
Accepted name
IndigoferaSynonyms
- Indigo
- Hemispadon
- Amecarpus
- Acanthonotus
- Bremontiera
- Elasmocarpus
- Eilemanthus
- Tricoilendus
- Vaughania
- Oustropis
- Sphaeridiophorum
- Anil
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Jiquilite
French:
- Indigotiers
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically categorized within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Within this family, it is identified by the genus Indigofera.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Indigofera |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several distinct regions within Northern Africa. Specifically, it can be found growing in the territories of Algeria, Egypt, and Libya. Its distribution also extends into the territory of Western Sahara. Beyond the mainland, the species is located within the Macaronesian islands of Cape Verde. This diverse range highlights the plant's adaptability to various North African environments.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Algeria |
| Northern Africa | Egypt |
| Northern Africa | Libya |
| Northern Africa | Western Sahara |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Activities
Indigofera has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Antimicrobial
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Cytotoxic
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Conditions
Indigofera has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include gastrointestinal disorders, pain.
| Condition | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal disorders | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pain | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Gastrointestinal disorders
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Pain
- Journal of ethnopharmacology