Lycium shawii
Lycium shawii, commonly known as the desert boxthorn, is a resilient shrub native to arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East. Renowned for its ability to thrive in harsh environments, this medicinal plant offers significant therapeutic potential, traditionally utilized for its diverse bioactive properties and healing capabilities.
- Scientific name: Lycium shawii
- Family: Solanaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Solanales and the family Solanaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Lycium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Solanales | WCVP |
| Family | Solanaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Lycium | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across the Mediterranean region. In Southeastern Europe, it can be found growing throughout Greece. Its presence extends to the Italian peninsula, specifically including the island of Sicilia. Furthermore, the species is documented in the Southeastern European territory of Kriti. Finally, its range reaches into Northern Africa, where it is located in Algeria.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Djibouti | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Eritrea | WCVP |
Chemicals
Lycium shawii has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, fatty acids, quinoline, saponins.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fatty acids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quinoline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Lycium shawii has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimalarial.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimalarial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Lycium shawii has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, malaria, oxidative stress, vitiligo.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vitiligo | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |