Leucas martinicensis

Leucas martinicensis, commonly known as a significant medicinal herb, belongs to the Fabaceae family. Found in specific ecological niches, this plant is valued for its unique bioactive compounds. Researchers study its phytochemical properties to explore potential therapeutic applications in traditional medicine, particularly for its antioxidant and healing capabilities.

  • Scientific name: Leucas martinicensis
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Lamiales, and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Leucas.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Lamiaceae WCVP
Genus Leucas WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Leucas martinicensis, is referred to by various regional names across different languages. In Chinese, it is called 卵叶白绒草 (luǎnyè báiróngcǎo), while in Swedish, it is commonly known as Bolldån. Additionally, in Haitian Creole, the plant is identified as Badi.
Language Common Name Source
zh 卵叶白绒草 Wikidata
sv Bolldån Wikidata
ht Badi Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range stretching across several distinct regions. Within the Macaronesia archipelago, its presence is specifically noted in Cape Verde. Moving towards the mainland, it is widely distributed throughout West Tropical Africa. Its documented habitats include the nations of Benin, Burkina, and Gambia. Additionally, the species can be found inhabiting the coastal and inland areas of Ghana.

Region Area Source
Macaronesia Cape Verde WCVP
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina 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 Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Leucas martinsensis, is characterized by its distinctive vegetative features, particularly its leaves. The leaves serve as a primary component of the plant's structure, often containing the specific phytochemicals responsible for its medicinal properties. These leaves are typically arranged along the stem and play a crucial role in the plant's physiological processes, contributing to the overall efficacy of the species in traditional healing practices.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Leucas martinicensis has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, Antidepressant, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anthelmintic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidepressant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antispasmodic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anxiolytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Leucas martinicensis has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antidepressant, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, breast cancer, cancer.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antidepressant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antispasmodic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anxiolytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
breast cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆