Polyalthia obliqua
Polyalthia obliqua, commonly known as False Ashoka, is a versatile evergreen tree highly valued in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Native to South Asia, its leaves, bark, and fruits possess significant therapeutic properties, offering antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits. It serves as a vital natural resource for diverse healing applications.
- Scientific name: Polyalthia obliqua
- Family: Annonaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
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 Magnoliales, it is specifically situated in the family Annonaceae. Its taxonomic identity is further defined by its placement in the genus Polyalthia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Magnoliales | WCVP |
| Family | Annonaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Polyalthia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Polyalthia obliqua, is recognized by several different common names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese, it is referred to as 沙煲暗罗 (zh) and specifically as 沙煲暗罗 (zh-cn) in Mainland China, while in Taiwan, it is written as 沙煲暗羅 (zh-tw). Additionally, the plant is also commonly called 滑桃 (zh).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 沙煲暗罗 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 沙煲暗罗 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 沙煲暗羅 | Wikidata |
| zh | 滑桃 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning several key regions across Asia. In China, its presence is specifically noted in the tropical Hainan province. The Indian subcontinent hosts various populations, ranging from the lush landscapes of Assam to the diverse environments of the East Himalaya. Furthermore, it can be found extensively throughout Bangladesh within the same subcontinent. Finally, its range extends into the Indo-China region, specifically documented in Vietnam.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
| Malesia | Borneo | WCVP |
| Malesia | Malaya | WCVP |
| Malesia | Philippines | WCVP |
| Malesia | Sumatera | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as False Ashoka, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, most notably its leaves and branches. The leaves are typically large, oblong, and possess a glossy texture, often being used in traditional remedies to treat ailments such as skin diseases or digestive issues. Additionally, the branches of the plant are frequently employed in decoctions or infusions, contributing essential phytochemicals that aid in various therapeutic applications.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| branches | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Polyalthia obliqua has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include berberine, friedelin, stigmasta-4-en-3,6-dione.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| berberine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| friedelin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stigmasta-4-en-3,6-dione | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |