Laportea alatipes

Laportea alatipes, commonly known as a stinging nettle species, is a remarkable medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Characterized by its distinctive stinging hairs, it possesses unique bioactive compounds. Traditionally utilized in folk medicine, this plant offers significant potential for treating inflammation, skin irritations, and various systemic ailments.

  • Scientific name: Laportea alatipes
  • Family: Urticaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further categorized under the order Rosales and the family Urticaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Laportea.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Rosales WCVP
Family Urticaceae WCVP
Genus Laportea WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found in the country of Cameroon and throughout the Gulf of Guinea Islands. Its presence extends further into the heart of West-Central Tropical Africa within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additionally, this species is documented in the East African region of Rwanda. Finally, its range reaches into Northeast Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Ethiopia.

Region Area Source
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Gulf of Guinea Is. WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Rwanda WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa DR Congo WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Ethiopia WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
East Tropical Africa Uganda WCVP
South Tropical Africa Malawi WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP

Chemicals

Laportea alatipes has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cd, Pb, vitamin A, vitamin E.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Cd 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pb 1 ★☆☆☆☆
vitamin A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
vitamin E 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Laportea alatipes has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antioxidant.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Laportea alatipes has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antidiabetic.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆