Ochna afzelii

Ochna afzelii, commonly known as the "yellow thorn" in some regions, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical Africa. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, it is traditionally utilized to treat various ailments, including skin infections, gastrointestinal issues, and inflammation, offering significant potential for modern pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Ochna afzelii
  • Family: Ochnaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further categorized under the order Malpighiales and the family Ochnaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Ochna, specifically as the species Ochna afzelii.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Ochnaceae WCVP
Genus Ochna WCVP

Distribution

This plant, Ochna afzelii, is widely distributed across several countries within the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented in the nation of Benin, where it grows in local ecosystems. The species can also be found throughout the territory of Burkina Faso. Furthermore, it extends its range into the coastal and inland areas of Ghana and Guinea. Finally, the geographical footprint of this medicinal plant includes the forested landscapes of Ivory Coast.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Sierra Leone WCVP
West Tropical Africa Togo WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Burundi WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Central African Republic WCVP

Chemicals

Ochna afzelii has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 4',5,7-trimethoxyisoflavone, 4',5-dimethoxy-6,7-methylenedioxyisoflavone, D-mannitol, P99, afzelone C.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
4',5,7-trimethoxyisoflavone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
4',5-dimethoxy-6,7-methylenedioxyisoflavone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
D-mannitol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
P99 1 ★☆☆☆☆
afzelone C 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lanceoloside A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ochnaflavone 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Ochna afzelii has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include tuberculosis.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
tuberculosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆