Phyllanthus orbicularis

Phyllanthus orbicularis, commonly known as the Orbicular Phyllanthus, is a distinctive medicinal shrub native to various tropical regions. Renowned for its unique leaf structure, this plant is highly valued in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties, often utilized to treat inflammatory conditions and support overall metabolic health.

  • Scientific name: Phyllanthus orbicularis
  • Family: Phyllanthaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales. Finally, it resides in the family Phyllanthaceae and is identified by 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 orbicularis, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the orbicular phyllanthus, while in Spanish, it is known as la hoja de sangre. In Portuguese, the plant is called folha de sangue, and in French, it is referred to as feuille de sang.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is found exclusively within the diverse ecosystems of the Caribbean region. Specifically, its natural range includes the island of Cuba, where it thrives in local habitats. It is also documented to grow across the Dominican Republic, contributing to the area's botanical richness. Furthermore, the species can be located within the territory of Haiti. Finally, its geographical presence extends to Puerto Rico, completing its distribution across these islands.

Region Area Source
Caribbean Cuba WCVP
Caribbean Dominican Republic WCVP
Caribbean Haiti WCVP
Caribbean Puerto Rico WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Phyllanthus orbicularis, possesses distinct morphological features within its structure that are often studied for their medicinal properties. The stems are typically slender and serve as the central support for the plant's growth, providing the necessary framework for its development. Accompanying the stems are the leaves, which are arranged in a way that maximizes sunlight absorption, playing a crucial role in the plant's overall physiological functions.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Phyllanthus orbicularis has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate, 1-aminopyrene, 2-aminoanthracene, 2-aminofluorene, flavonoids.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
1-aminopyrene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
2-aminoanthracene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
2-aminofluorene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
m-phenylenediamine 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Phyllanthus orbicularis has 5 reported activities identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiviral, Antimutagenic, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Genotoxic.

Total activities
5
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiviral 4 ★★☆☆☆
Antimutagenic 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Genotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Phyllanthus orbicularis has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include hydrogen peroxide, HSV-2, Hepatitis B virus, gamma-rays, hepatitis B virus.

Total uses
9
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
hydrogen peroxide 2 ★☆☆☆☆
HSV-2 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatitis B virus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gamma-rays 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hepatitis B virus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
herpes simplex virus type 2 1 ★☆☆☆☆
mutation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oxidative damage 1 ★☆☆☆☆
viral diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆