Kalanchoë
Kalanchoe · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (13 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Kalanchoë, scientifically known as Kalanchoë, is a versatile genus of succulent plants renowned for their striking foliage and vibrant blooms. Beyond their ornamental appeal, many species possess significant medicinal properties, utilized in traditional healing to address inflammation, wounds, and various ailments, making them a fascinating blend of beauty and botany.
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Leaf · Root
- Common names
- Kalanchoes
- Scientific synonyms
- Physocalycium · Bryophyllum · 5 more
Names
Common Names
- Kalanchoes
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Kalanchoes africanos
French:
- Kalanchoé
Scientific Names
Accepted name
KalanchoeSynonyms
- Physocalycium
- Bryophyllum
- Kitchingia
- Geaya
- Meristostylus
- Crassuvia
- Vereia
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Saxifragales, it is further categorized into the family Crassulaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Kalanchoe.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Saxifragales | WCVP |
| Family | Crassulaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Kalanchoe | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution primarily concentrated within the Mediterranean region. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found inhabiting the various islands of the Baleares. Its presence extends to the rugged landscapes of Corse and the coastal areas of Sardegna. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed across the mainland territories of Spain and Portugal. Together, these locations define the key environmental niches where this medicinal plant thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Kalanchoe, is a succulent characterized by its unique morphology and versatile medicinal properties. While the roots serve to anchor the plant and absorb essential nutrients from the soil, it is primarily the fleshy, thick leaves that are most valued for their therapeutic potential and ability to store water. In many traditional healing practices, all parts of the plant are recognized for their bioactive compounds, though the most concentrated medicinal benefits are often found within the aerial parts that grow above the ground.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Kalanchoe has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, polyphenols.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Flavonoids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Flavonoids
- Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias
polyphenols
- Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
Activities
Kalanchoe has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | Planta medica (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Kalanchoe has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, cancer, infections, inflammation, injuries.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| analgesic | Planta medica (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | Natural product research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infections | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| injuries | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tumor | Planta medica (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Aqueous or ethanol extracts | Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cell cultures | Frontiers in plant science (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cell suspension cultures | Frontiers in plant science (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| plant extracts | Plants (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| plant-derived extracts | Plants (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| water extracts | Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |