Phenax angustifolius
Phenax angustifolius, commonly known as Narrow-leaf Phenax, is a resilient medicinal herb valued for its unique phytochemical properties. Characterized by its slender, elongated foliage, this plant plays a significant role in traditional healing practices, offering therapeutic potential for treating inflammatory conditions and supporting overall systemic wellness through natural compounds.
- Scientific name: Phenax angustifolius
- Family: Urticaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Rosales, it is further categorized into the family Urticaceae. Finally, it is identified under the specific genus Phenax.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Rosales | WCVP |
| Family | Urticaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Phenax | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Phenax angustifolius, is known by several different names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as narrow-leaved phenax, while in Spanish, it is known as phenax de hojas estrechas. In French, the species is called phenax à feuilles étroites, and in German, it is identified as schmalblättriger Phenax.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several distinct regions in the Americas. Within Central America, its presence is documented in both Costa Rica and Panamá. Moving toward Western South America, the species can be found in the territory of Colombia. Its range further extends into the southern reaches of the continent, specifically within Bolivia. Finally, the geographical footprint of this medicinal plant includes the country of Peru.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | Panamá | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Phenax angustifolius, is characterized by its distinctive foliage, as its primary medicinal properties are derived from its leaves. These leaves are typically narrow and elongated, serving as the most significant part of the plant used in traditional applications.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Phenax angustifolius has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include isovitexin, quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, vitexin.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| isovitexin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vitexin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |