Melicope pteleifolia
Melicope ptrileifolia, commonly known as the "false sandalwood," is a significant medicinal shrub native to Southeast Asia. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, it is traditionally used in various cultures to treat inflammation, skin ailments, and digestive issues. Its leaves and bark offer valuable pharmacological potential in modern herbal medicine.
- Scientific name: Melicope pteleifolia
- Family: Rutaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Sapindales and the family Rutaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is established within the genus Melicope.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Rutaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Melicope | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Melicope pteleifolia, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Thailand, it is called เพี้ยกระทิง (th), while in Taiwan, it is known as 三腳虌 (zh-tw). In mainland China, the name used is 三桠苦 (zh), and in South Africa, it is called Gosamnga (za). Additionally, in Japan, the plant is commonly referred to as アワダンモドキ (ja).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| th | เพี้ยกระทิง | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 三腳虌 | Wikidata |
| zh | 三桠苦 | Wikidata |
| za | Gosamnga | Wikidata |
| ja | アワダンモドキ | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 三桠苦 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 三桠苦 | Wikidata |
| zh | 三叉虎 | Wikidata |
| zh | 三丫苦 | Wikidata |
| zh | 三叉苦 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several distinct regions in East and Southeast Asia. Within China, its distribution spans from the South-Central provinces to the Southeast coastal areas. It can also be found growing on the tropical island of Hainan. Beyond the mainland, the species is documented in Eastern Asia, specifically within Taiwan. Finally, its range extends into the Indo-China peninsula, where it is found in Cambodia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Laos | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Melicope ptelleifolia, possesses various components that contribute to its botanical profile and traditional uses. The leaves are a prominent feature, typically characterized by their specific shape and arrangement on the stem, often holding the primary concentration of bioactive compounds. Below the surface, the plant utilizes its roots to anchor itself firmly into the soil and absorb essential nutrients. Additionally, the presence of rhizomes allows for vegetative propagation and nutrient storage, enabling the plant to persist and spread through underground structures.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Melicope pteleifolia has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2,4,6-Trihydroxy-3-geranyl acetophenone, pteleifolol E, tHGA.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 2,4,6-Trihydroxy-3-geranyl acetophenone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pteleifolol E | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tHGA | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Melicope pteleifolia has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antipyretic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipyretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Melicope pteleifolia has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include allergy, analgesic, antipyretic, asthma, cancer.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| allergy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antipyretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |