Kedrostis africana
Kedrostis africana, commonly known as the "African Kedrostis," is a resilient climbing shrub native to Southern Africa. Highly valued in traditional medicine, this plant is frequently utilized for its therapeutic properties, particularly in treating respiratory ailments, skin conditions, and digestive issues, showcasing its significant role in ethnobotanical practices.
- Scientific name: Kedrostis africana
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Kedrostis africana, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Cucurbitales. Finally, it is a member of the family Cucurbitaceae and is categorized under the genus Kedrostis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Cucurbitales | WCVP |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Kedrostis | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found throughout various regions of Southern Africa. Its distribution includes the diverse landscapes of the Cape Provinces. It can also be located within the borders of Namibia. Furthermore, the species thrives in the areas of KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. Finally, its presence extends into the Northern Provinces of the region.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Namibia | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Free State | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Northern Provinces | WCVP |
Chemicals
Kedrostis africana has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lipase.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| lipase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Kedrostis africana has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiobesity, Cytotoxic, Diuretic, Emetic, Purgative.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiobesity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Emetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Purgative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Kedrostis africana has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include obesity, dropsy.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| obesity | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dropsy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |