Polygala caudata
Polygala caudata, commonly known as Mitanga, is a medicinal shrub native to Madagascar. Renowned in traditional healing, it is primarily utilized for its potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Often used to treat respiratory issues and skin ailments, this versatile plant offers significant potential for modern pharmacological research and development.
- Scientific name: Polygala caudata
- Family: Polygalaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Fabales and the family Polygalaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Polygala.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Polygalaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Polygala | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Polygala caudata, is identified by several different common names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese, it is referred to by the names 尾叶远志, 木本远志, and 野桂花, with the specific designations 尾叶远志 (zh-hans) and 尾叶远志 (zh-cn) also being used to denote its identity in simplified Chinese contexts.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 尾叶远志 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 尾叶远志 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 尾叶远志 | Wikidata |
| zh | 木本远志 | Wikidata |
| zh | 野桂花 | Wikidata |
| zh | 乌棒子 | Wikidata |
| zh | 毛籽红山桂 | Wikidata |
| zh | 水黄杨木 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Polygala caudata, exhibits a specific geographical range within East Asia. It is primarily found in the South-Central region of China. Additionally, its distribution extends into the Southeast portion of the country. These two specific areas define the known natural habitats where the species thrives. Consequently, its presence is concentrated within these distinct Chinese provinces.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Polygala caudata, is highly valued in traditional medicine primarily for its therapeutic properties found within its roots. These underground structures contain various bioactive compounds that are extracted for their medicinal use. In many herbal practices, it is the specialized chemical makeup of the roots that provides the plant with its significant healing potential.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Polygala caudata has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include euxanthone, 1,7-dihydroxyxanthone, Euxanthone, flavonoids, terpenoids.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| euxanthone | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 1,7-dihydroxyxanthone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Euxanthone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Polygala caudata has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include central nervous system disorders, epithelial ovarian cancer, inflammation, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| central nervous system disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epithelial ovarian cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neuroblastoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ovarian cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |