Lychnophora ericoides

Lychnophora ericoides, commonly known as the heath-like lychnophore, is a resilient shrub native to Southern Africa. Valued in traditional medicine, it is frequently utilized for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This hardy species plays a significant role in local ethnobotany, offering therapeutic potential for various skin and digestive ailments.

  • Scientific name: Lychnophora ericoides
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is further categorized into the family Asteraceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Lychnophora, which includes the species Lychnophora ericoides.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Lychnophora WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Lychnofora ericoides, is commonly referred to by its Portuguese name, Arnica-brasileira.
Language Common Name Source
pt Arnica-brasileira Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range across several key regions within the country of Brazil. Its presence is notably documented in the Brazil West-Central area, where it occupies local ecosystems. Additionally, the species can be found distributed throughout the Brazil Northeast region. The geographical footprint of the plant further extends into the Brazil Southeast territory. Together, these locations define the primary environmental zones where the species thrives.

Region Area Source
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Lychnofora ericoides, exhibits specialized structures throughout its anatomy. The underground portion consists of a sturdy root system, where the primary roots anchor the plant and facilitate nutrient absorption from the soil. Above the surface, the plant is characterized by its small, scale-like leaves, and each individual leaf is adapted to conserve moisture in its natural environment.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
6
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 3 ★★☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Lychnophora ericoides has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (2R*,4S*)-2-((1'S*)-hydroxy-4'-methylpentyl)-4-(hydroxymethyl)butanolide, (3R*,4S*,5R*,6S*)-tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-3,5,6-trimethyl-2-pyranone, (E)-nerolidol, 1-O-(phenylacetyl)glycerol, 3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid.

Total chemicals
15
Scientific sources
15

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(2R*,4S*)-2-((1'S*)-hydroxy-4'-methylpentyl)-4-(hydroxymethyl)butanolide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
(3R*,4S*,5R*,6S*)-tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-3,5,6-trimethyl-2-pyranone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
(E)-nerolidol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
1-O-(phenylacetyl)glycerol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
alpha-bisabolol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
alpha-cadinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
centratherin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Lychnophora ericoides has 3 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Cytostatic, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 3 ★★☆☆☆
Cytostatic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Lychnophora ericoides has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, Acute myeloid leukemia, Multiple myeloma, inflammation, pain.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
analgesic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Acute myeloid leukemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Multiple myeloma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wounds 1 ★☆☆☆☆