Maerua subcordata
Maerua subcordata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Maerua subcordata, scientifically known as Maerua subcordata, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is frequently utilized in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Its bioactive compounds offer significant potential for developing new treatments in modern pharmacological research and herbal wellness.
- Family
- Capparaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Leaf
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Courbonia Tubulosa · Courbonia Subcordata
Names
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Maerua subcordataSynonyms
- Courbonia tubulosa
- Courbonia subcordata
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Maerua subcordata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Brassicales. It is a member of the family Capparaceae and is specifically identified by the genus Maerua.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Brassicales | WCVP |
| Family | Capparaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Maerua | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moving toward Northeast Tropical Africa, its range extends through Eritrea, Somalia, and the areas of Sudan and South Sudan. Additionally, the species is present in East Tropical Africa, specifically in Kenya. Together, these locations highlight a wide geographic presence spanning from central to eastern parts of the continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Eritrea | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Somalia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Sudan-South Sudan | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Uganda | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Maerua subcordata, utilizes its leaf as a significant component in traditional medicinal practices. The leaf is typically characterized by its distinct subcordate shape, which features a slightly heart-like base, and serves as the primary part of the plant harvested for its therapeutic properties. In various herbal applications, the leaf is processed to extract bioactive compounds used to treat specific ailments, making it the most vital part of the plant for medicinal use.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | Journal of experimental pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Maerua subcordata has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Glucosinolates, Isothiocyanates.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Glucosinolates | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Isothiocyanates | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Glucosinolates
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Isothiocyanates
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Activities
Maerua subcordata has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Abortifacient.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Abortifacient | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Maerua subcordata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diarrhea.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| diarrhea | Journal of experimental pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| crude leaf extract | Journal of experimental pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |