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mesquite

Prosopis · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Mesquite, scientifically known as Prosopis, is a resilient legume widely valued for its diverse medicinal properties. Found in arid regions, various species offer therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Traditionally used to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to skin wounds, this versatile plant remains a botanical treasure.

Family
Fabaceae
Native range
Africa
Parts used
Leaf
Common names
Mesquite · Old World Mesquites · 1 more
Scientific synonyms
Dasiogyna · Pleuromenes · 1 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Prosopis

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

German:

  • Mesquiten
  • Mesquitebaum
  • Mesquiten

French:

  • Mesquite

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Prosopis.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Fabales
Family Fabaceae
Genus Prosopis

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several distinct arid and semi-arid regions. In Northern Africa, its presence is well-documented throughout the territories of Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia. Beyond the African continent, its range extends significantly into the landscapes of Central Asia. Specifically, the species can be found growing within the borders of Kazakhstan. Consequently, these diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in various desert-like environments.

Region Area
Northern Africa Algeria
Northern Africa Egypt
Northern Africa Libya
Northern Africa Tunisia
Central Asia Kazakhstan
Central Asia Kirgizstan
Central Asia Turkmenistan
Central Asia Tadzhikistan
Central Asia Uzbekistan
Caucasus Transcaucasus

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Plant Parts

Prosopis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Plant parts reported in Prosopis
Plant part Supporting sources Consensus
Leaf 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Leaf

  1. Journal of food and drug analysis

Chemicals

Prosopis has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Isoschaftoside, Isovitexin, Schaftoside, Vicenin II, Vitexin.

Chemicals reported in Prosopis
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Isoschaftoside 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Isovitexin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Schaftoside 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Vicenin II 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Vitexin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Isoschaftoside

  1. Biomolecules

Isovitexin

  1. Biomolecules

Schaftoside

  1. Biomolecules

Vicenin II

  1. Biomolecules

Vitexin

  1. Biomolecules

Preparations

Prosopis has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include prosopis gum, prosopis gums.

Preparations reported for Prosopis
Preparation Supporting sources Consensus
Prosopis gum 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Prosopis gums 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Prosopis gum

  1. Bollettino chimico farmaceutico

Prosopis gums

  1. Bollettino chimico farmaceutico