Mitragyna parvifolia
Mitragyna parvifolia, commonly known as Katemfe or African Mitragyna, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical Africa. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, it is traditionally used to treat fever, inflammation, and digestive issues. Modern research continues to explore its bioactive compounds for potential therapeutic applications worldwide.
- Scientific name: Mitragyna parvifolia
- Family: Rubiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Mitragyna parvifolia, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Gentianales. Finally, it is classified under the family Rubiaceae and the genus Mitragyna.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Rubiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Mitragyna | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Mitragyna parvifolia, is known by various regional names across different languages in India. In Malayalam, it is commonly referred to as പൂച്ചക്കടമ്പ് (pūccakaṭampu), while in Bengali, it is called কেলি কদম (keli kodom). Moving to South India, the tree is known as நீர்க்கடம்ப மரம் (nīrkaṭampa maram) in Tamil and as ನೀರ ಕದಂಬ (nīra kadamba) in Kannada.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ml | പൂച്ചക്കടമ്പ് | Wikidata |
| bn | কেলি কদম | Wikidata |
| ta | நீர்க்கடம்ப மரம் | Wikidata |
| kn | ನೀರ ಕದಂಬ | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across several key regions within the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing naturally throughout the diverse landscapes of India. The species also extends its reach into the neighboring territories of Bangladesh and Nepal. Additionally, its presence is noted in the island nation of Sri Lanka. Finally, it is specifically documented to inhabit the unique ecological zones of the West Himalaya.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | West Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Andaman Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Nicobar Is. | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Mitragyna parvifolia, possesses several distinct anatomical components that contribute to its overall structure and medicinal potential. The leaves are typically large, elliptical, and arranged in an opposite pattern along the branches, serving as the primary site for photosynthesis. Accompanying the base of the leaf stalks are small, often inconspicuous stipules that protect the developing leaf buds. The stems are woody and robust, providing the essential structural support and vascular transport necessary for the tree's growth. Finally, the roots extend deep into the soil, anchoring the plant firmly and facilitating the absorption of water and vital nutrients required for its survival.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| stipules | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Mitragyna parvifolia has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include mitraphylline, MIA, flavonoids, isomitraphylline, phenols.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| mitraphylline | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| MIA | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isomitraphylline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Mitragyna parvifolia has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiproliferative.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Mitragyna parvifolia has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Lymphatic filariasis, insects, lymphatic filariasis.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Lymphatic filariasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| insects | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lymphatic filariasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |