Phyllanthus nummulariifolius
Phyllanthus nummulariifolius, commonly known as the coin-leaf phyllanthus, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned for its distinctive, rounded leaves, this plant is traditionally utilized in herbal medicine to treat various ailments, including digestive issues and skin inflammations, offering significant bioactive potential for modern pharmacology.
- Scientific name: Phyllanthus nummulariifolius
- Family: Phyllanthaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Malpighiales and the family Phyllanthaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is established under the genus Phyllanthus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Phyllanthaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Phyllanthus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Phyllanthus nummulariifolius, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the stonebreaker or leafy phyllanthus, while in Hindi, it is known as Chhota Bhui Amla. In its native regions, it may also be called phyllanthus in local dialects, reflecting its botanical classification.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across the West Tropical Africa region. Specifically, its presence has been documented in the nation of Gambia. It can also be found growing within the borders of Ghana. Furthermore, the species is known to inhabit parts of Guinea and Liberia. Finally, its geographical range extends into Nigeria, marking its importance throughout this part of the continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | 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 |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
Chemicals
Phyllanthus nummulariifolius has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include saponins, steroids, terpenoids.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| steroids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Phyllanthus nummulariifolius has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include fascioliasis, malaria.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fascioliasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |