Leucas volkensii
Leucas volkensii, commonly known as a vital medicinal shrub in East Africa, holds significant ethnobotanical importance. Frequently utilized in traditional healing practices, this plant is prized for its diverse therapeutic properties. Researchers study its bioactive compounds to explore potential applications in treating various ailments and developing modern pharmacological treatments.
- Scientific name: Leucas volkensii
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, specifically within 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, Leucas volkensii, is known by various local names across different linguistic regions. In Swahili, it is commonly referred to as mwanzo, while in Hausa, it is known as kwayar kwaya. Additionally, the plant is identified as mwanzo in many local dialects across East Africa.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is primarily located within the East Tropical Africa region. Specifically, its natural range includes the country of Kenya. It can also be found growing across the landscapes of Tanzania. These two nations represent the core areas of its geographical distribution. Consequently, the species is characteristic of the East Tropical African environment.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
Chemicals
Leucas volkensii has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (3R,S,7R,11R)-phytanic acid, (E)-phytol, (Z)-phytol, Geraniol, farnesol.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| (3R,S,7R,11R)-phytanic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (E)-phytol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (Z)-phytol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Geraniol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| farnesol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Leucas volkensii has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Mycobacterium tuberculosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |