Old World Climbing Fern
Lygodium microphyllum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Old World Climbing Fern, scientifically known as Lygodium microphyllum, is a resilient pteridophyte native to tropical regions. While often viewed as a vigorous climber, it holds significant ethnobotanical interest. Traditionally, various cultures have utilized its extracts in folk medicine to treat skin ailments and inflammatory conditions through topical applications.
Names
Common Names
- Old World climbing fern
- climbing-maidenhair fern
- small-leaf climbing fern
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Lygodium microphyllumSynonyms
- Ugena microphylla
- Lygodium scandens var. microphyllum
- Ophioglossum filiforme
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known as Lygodium microphyllum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Polypodiinae, it is classified under the order Schizaeales. Finally, it falls into the family Schizaeaceae and is identified by the genus Lygodium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae | WCVP |
| Order | Schizaeales | WCVP |
| Family | Schizaeaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Lygodium | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated within the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence has been documented across several distinct countries, including Benin and Ghana. Furthermore, the species can be found in the coastal and inland areas of Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. The geographical range also extends to include the nation of Guinea. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's preference for the tropical environments of West Africa.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | 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 |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
Chemicals
Lygodium microphyllum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BETA-SITOSTEROL.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| BETA-SITOSTEROL | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
BETA-SITOSTEROL
- Journal of experimental pharmacology
Activities
Lygodium microphyllum has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hepatoprotective.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatoprotective | Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Lygodium microphyllum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include oxidative stress.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| oxidative stress | Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| ethanol extract | Journal of experimental pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |