Podanthus ovatifolius
Podanthus ovatifolius, commonly known as "Pau-de-alho" in Brazil, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to the Atlantic Forest. Renowned for its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, this aromatic plant is traditionally used in folk medicine to treat respiratory ailments, skin infections, and various digestive issues through diverse preparations.
- Scientific name: Podanthus ovatifolius
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification is placed within the genus Podanthus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Podanthus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Podanthus ovatifolius, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as the egg-leafed podanthus, while in Spanish, it is commonly called podanthus ovatifolio or yerba de mico. In Portuguese, the plant is known as podantus ovatifólio, and in the local context of certain regions, it may also be identified by its descriptive names.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant, known scientifically as Podanthus ovatifolius, exhibits a very specific and limited geographical range. Its natural distribution is primarily concentrated within the Southern South American continent. Specifically, it is found inhabiting the regions of Central Chile. This localized occurrence suggests that the species is adapted to the unique climatic conditions of this particular area. Consequently, its presence is a defining characteristic of the local flora in that central Chilean territory.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southern South America | Chile Central | WCVP |
Chemicals
Podanthus ovatifolius has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include arturin, deacetylovatifolin, ovatifolin.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| arturin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| deacetylovatifolin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ovatifolin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Podanthus ovatifolius has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |