Lippia turbinata

Lippia turbinata, commonly known as wild basil or African basil, is a resilient medicinal shrub native to sub-Saharan Africa. Renowned for its aromatic foliage, it is widely used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as digestive issues, fever, and inflammation, offering significant bioactive potential for modern pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Lippia turbinata
  • Family: Verbenaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Lamiales and is a member of the family Verbenaceae. Within this family, it is specifically identified under the genus Lippia.

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

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Lippia turbinata, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently called turbinate Lippia, while in Portuguese, it is known as erva-de-pau. In Spanish, the plant is commonly identified as matorral de Lippia, and in French, it is referred to as Lippia turbinata.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a significant presence across various regions of South America. In Western South America, its range includes the countries of Bolivia and Peru. Moving toward the southern part of the continent, it can be found throughout Northeast Argentina. It is also widely distributed across Northwest Argentina. Finally, the species extends its reach into the northern regions of Chile.

Region Area Source
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Western South America Peru WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northeast WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northwest WCVP
Southern South America Chile North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Lippia turbinata, is highly valued in traditional medicine primarily for the therapeutic properties found within its essential oils. These essential oils, which are extracted from the aromatic leaves and stems of the shrub, contain a complex profile of bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. By utilizing these concentrated oils, various cultures have been able to harness the plant's potent medicinal strength for treating various ailments.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
essential oils 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Lippia turbinata has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Piperitenone oxide, flavonoids.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Piperitenone oxide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Lippia turbinata has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
lipid peroxidation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
protein carbonylation 1 ★☆☆☆☆