Macaranga
Macaranga, commonly known as a versatile medicinal shrub, holds significant value in traditional herbal practices. Renowned for its diverse bioactive compounds, this plant offers therapeutic potential in treating various ailments. Exploring its pharmacological properties provides vital insights into its role in natural healing and its contribution to modern ethnobotany.
- Scientific name: Macaranga
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Malpighiales, it is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae. Specifically, this medicinal species is identified by the genus Macaranga.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Macaranga | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical presence within the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing in the territory of Benin. Additionally, the species is distributed throughout Burkina. Its range further extends to the nation of Gambia. Finally, the plant is documented to exist within Guinea-Bissau and Ghana.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | 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 |
Chemicals
Macaranga has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include broussoflavonol F.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| broussoflavonol F | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Macaranga has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer, colon cancer, renal cancer.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colon cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| renal cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |