Martynia annua

Devil's claws

Martynia annua, commonly known as devil's claw, is a unique herbaceous plant recognized by its distinctive, hooked seed pods. Widely distributed across tropical regions, it holds significant ethnobotanical value. Traditional medicine utilizes its various parts to treat inflammation, skin ailments, and digestive issues, showcasing its diverse pharmacological potential.

  • Scientific name: Martynia annua
  • Family: Martyniaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, it is specifically situated in the family Martyniaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Martynia, with the species name annua.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Martyniaceae WCVP
Genus Martynia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Martynia annua, is referred to by various common names across different languages and regions. In Russian, it is called Мартиния, while in German, it is known as Einjährige Martynie. In Kurdish, the plant is identified as Navika fîlê ya salane, and in Telugu, it is called గరుడ ముక్కు. Additionally, in Chinese, it is commonly referred to as 角胡麻.
Language Common Name Source
ru Мартиния Wikidata
de Einjährige Martynie Wikidata
ku Navika fîlê ya salane Wikidata
te గరుడ ముక్కు Wikidata
zh 角胡麻 Wikidata
hi उलट-कांटा Wikidata
bn বাঘনখ Wikidata
ml പുലിനഖം Wikidata
ru Мартиния однолетняя Wikidata
te మార్టీనియా Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution spanning across multiple regions of Africa and the Indian Ocean. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in several countries including Benin and Burkina. It is also found within the borders of Nigeria and Togo. Beyond the African mainland, the species extends its range to the Western Indian Ocean. Specifically, this medicinal plant can be located on the island of Mauritius.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Togo WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Mauritius WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Rodrigues WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Bangladesh WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP

Chemicals

Martynia annua has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Chlorogenic acid, Ferulic acid, Gallic acid, Morroniside, Myricetin.

Total chemicals
9
Scientific sources
9

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Chlorogenic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Ferulic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Gallic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Morroniside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Myricetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Protocatechuic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Sweroside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Swertiamarin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Zn 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Martynia annua has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Martynia annua has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include abiotic stress, liver diseases, obesity.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
abiotic stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆
liver diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
obesity 1 ★☆☆☆☆