Operculina turpethum
Operculina turpethum, commonly known as a significant medicinal plant in traditional healing, possesses unique therapeutic properties. Renowned for its bioactive compounds, it is utilized to treat various ailments through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Understanding its botanical characteristics and pharmacological potential is essential for exploring its holistic health benefits.
- Scientific name: Operculina turpethum
- Family: Convolvulaceae
- Native range: Africa
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 situated in the order Solanales and the family Convolvulaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Operculina.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Solanales | WCVP |
| Family | Convolvulaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Operculina | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several regions of the African continent. In Northeast Tropical Africa, it can be found specifically within the borders of Somalia. Its presence extends into East Tropical Africa, where it inhabits both Kenya and Tanzania. Moving toward the southern regions, the species is also located in South Tropical Africa. Specifically, it grows within the territories of Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Somalia | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Madagascar | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Réunion | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Rodrigues | WCVP |
Chemicals
Operculina turpethum has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include acrylamide, betulin, coumarins, cycloartenol, lanosta-5-ene.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| acrylamide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betulin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumarins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cycloartenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lanosta-5-ene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lupeol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| scopoletin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Operculina turpethum has 7 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antispasmodic, Bronchodilator.
- Total activities
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antispasmodic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bronchodilator | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Operculina turpethum has 14 reported medicinal uses identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anorexia, ascites, asthma, bronchitis, constipation.
- Total uses
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anorexia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ascites | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bronchitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| constipation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| edema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fevers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fistulas | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hemorrhoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |