Mareya micrantha
Mareya micrantha, commonly known as a versatile medicinal shrub, holds significant importance in traditional African medicine. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, this plant is frequently utilized to treat various ailments, ranging from skin infections to digestive issues. Its unique chemical profile offers promising potential for modern therapeutic development.
- Scientific name: Mareya micrantha
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus name Mareya.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Mareya | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Mareya micrantha, is known by various local names across different linguistic regions. In English, it is commonly referred to as the small-flowered Mareya, while in French, it is known as Mareya à petites fleurs. Within specific African linguistic contexts, it carries the name m'pala in Lingala, lofia in Kikongo, and sisa in Swahili.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is primarily found within the diverse ecosystems of West Tropical Africa. Its geographical range extends through several key nations, including Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. It is also documented to grow across the landscapes of Guinea and Ivory Coast. Furthermore, its presence is noted within the borders of Liberia. These specific locations highlight its regional importance throughout the West African tropical belt.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Sierra Leone | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Togo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cabinda | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Mareya micrantha, is frequently utilized in traditional medicine, where its various components are processed to harness their therapeutic potential. While different parts of the plant may be employed depending on the specific ailment being treated, much of the pharmacological research focuses on the preparation of aqueous extracts. These water-based preparations are derived from the plant's tissues to isolate soluble bioactive compounds, allowing for the traditional administration of its medicinal properties in a liquid form.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aqueous extracts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Mareya micrantha has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include cucurbitacin L.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cucurbitacin L | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Mareya micrantha has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Laxative, Oxytocic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Laxative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Oxytocic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Mareya micrantha has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Liver cancer, constipation, laxative, malaria, oxytocic.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Liver cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| constipation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| laxative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxytocic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |