Pancratium foetidum

Pancratium foetidum, commonly known as the spider lily, is a perennial coastal plant native to the Mediterranean. Renowned for its fragrant white blooms, it holds significant ethnobotanical value. Its chemical constituents, including alkaloids, offer diverse medicinal potential, particularly in treating inflammatory conditions, though careful usage is essential due to toxicity.

  • Scientific name: Pancratium foetidum
  • Family: Amaryllidaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Asparagales and the family Amaryllidaceae. Within this group, it is identified by the genus Pancratium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Amaryllidaceae WCVP
Genus Pancratium WCVP

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Pancratium foetidum, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across the North African region. It can be found growing within the coastal areas of Morocco in the west. Moving eastward, its presence extends into the territories of Algeria and Tunisia. The species' range continues further along the Mediterranean coastline into Libya. Consequently, these four countries represent the primary locations where this medicinal plant is naturally distributed.

Region Area Source
Northern Africa Algeria WCVP
Northern Africa Libya WCVP
Northern Africa Morocco WCVP
Northern Africa Tunisia WCVP

Chemicals

Pancratium foetidum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lycorine.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
lycorine 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Pancratium foetidum has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimalarial, Antitumor, Antiviral.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Pancratium foetidum has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antimalarial, antiviral.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆