Phytolacca dodecandra
Phytolacca dodecandra, commonly known as Pokeweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant valued in traditional medicine. While containing potent alkaloids, it is used cautiously for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Understanding its chemical profile is essential, as careful application distinguishes its therapeutic potential from its inherent biological toxicity.
- Scientific name: Phytolacca dodecandra
- Family: Phytolaccaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Caryophyllales, specifically within the family Phytolaccaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Phytolacca.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Phytolaccaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Phytolacca | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Phytolacca dodecandra, is referred to by various regional names depending on the language. In Arabic, it is commonly called صبغة ذات اثنتي عشرة سداة, while in Chinese, it is identified as 十二蕊商陆.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ar | صبغة ذات اثنتي عشرة سداة | Wikidata |
| zh | 十二蕊商陆 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Phytolacca dodecandra, is primarily found across the region of West Tropical Africa. Within this specific area, its presence is documented in the country of Ghana. The species also thrives in the natural landscapes of Guinea. Furthermore, its geographical range extends into the Ivory Coast and Liberia. Finally, the distribution of this medicinal plant includes Nigeria, completing its presence in this part of the continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Sierra Leone | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gabon | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Phytolacca dodecandra, possesses various components that are significant in pharmacological studies. The dark berries are a prominent feature of its fruit structure, while the plant is chemically characterized by the presence of saponins, which are bioactive compounds often found within its tissues. Much of the medicinal interest focuses on the roots, which serve as a primary source for therapeutic investigation. Researchers frequently utilize a root extract to study its biological activities, often employing a methanol root extract to effectively isolate and analyze the specific phytochemical constituents responsible for its medicinal properties.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| berries | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Root Extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Methanol Root Extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Berries | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Phytolacca dodecandra has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include saponins, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe.
- Total chemicals
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| saponins | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Ca | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cr | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cu | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fe | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mg | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mn | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Zn | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sterile water | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Phytolacca dodecandra has 6 reported activities identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Molluscicide, Abortifacient, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Hepatoprotective.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Molluscicide | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Abortifacient | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Teratogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Phytolacca dodecandra has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include schistosomiasis, rabies, malaria, anthrax, ascariasis.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 17
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| schistosomiasis | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| rabies | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| malaria | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anthrax | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ascariasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gonorrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leeches | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |