Mandragora autumnalis
Mandragora autumnalis, commonly known as autumn mandrake, is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean. Renowned for its distinctive tuberous roots, this plant holds significant historical importance in folklore and traditional medicine. It contains potent alkaloids, which have been studied for their sedative, analgesic, and hallucinogenic properties throughout history.
- Scientific name: Mandragora autumnalis
- Family: Solanaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Solanales. Finally, it is a member of the family Solanaceae and falls under the genus Mandragora.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Solanales | WCVP |
| Family | Solanaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Mandragora | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Mandragora officinarum, is recognized by various common names across different linguistic and cultural contexts. In Spanish (es), Italian (it), and Cebuano (ceb), it is referred to as Mandragora officinarum, while in Russian (ru), it is known as Мандрагора лекарственная. Additionally, in Arabic (ar), it is called يبروح خريفي.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| es | Mandragora officinarum | Wikidata |
| it | Mandragora officinarum | Wikidata |
| ceb | Mandragora officinarum | Wikidata |
| ru | Мандрагора лекарственная | Wikidata |
| ar | يبروح خريفي | Wikidata |
| zh | 秋茄蔘 | Wikidata |
| az | Payız mandraqorası | Wikidata |
| he | דודא רפואי | Wikidata |
| es | Berenguenilla | Wikidata |
| es | Mandrágora | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the Mediterranean region. It can be found throughout Southwestern Europe, specifically within the territories of Spain and Portugal. Its presence is also noted in the Balearic Islands and Sardegna. Additionally, the species extends into Southeastern Europe, where it grows in Greece. Collectively, these locations define the natural habitat of Mandragora autumnalis.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Mandragora autumnalis, is characterized by distinct morphological features across its various structures. The leaves are typically basal, forming a rosette that stays relatively close to the ground, providing a lush green base for the plant. As the growing season progresses, the plant produces a ripe fruit that appears as a fleshy, yellowish-orange berry, containing the seeds necessary for its reproduction.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ripe fruit | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Mandragora autumnalis has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-taxifolin, 1,3-butanediol, Ethyl hexanoate, gibberellic acid (GA3), hexadecanol.
- Total chemicals
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| (+)-taxifolin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 1,3-butanediol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ethyl hexanoate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gibberellic acid (GA3) | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hexadecanol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaempferol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| luteolin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myricetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pentadecanoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Mandragora autumnalis has 4 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anticancer.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Mandragora autumnalis has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antidiabetic, arthritis, breast cancer, cancer, cardiovascular diseases.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardiovascular diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| heart disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| obesity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triple-negative breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |