Pterocaulon polystachyum
Pterocaulon polystachyum, commonly known as a traditional medicinal herb, holds significant value in ethnomedicine. Often utilized in folk remedies, this plant is recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties. Researchers are increasingly exploring its bioactive compounds to understand its potential roles in treating various ailments and supporting holistic health.
- Scientific name: Pterocaulon polystachyum
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. It is further identified by its specific genus, Pterocaulon, and its species name, polystachyum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Pterocaulon | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Pterocaulon polyschachum, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic landscape. In English, it is frequently referred to as the silver-leafed pterocaulon, while in Hindi, it is commonly called Chandi-pata. Within the local contexts of other regions, it is identified as Pata-pata in Bengali and as various localized names in other South Asian dialects.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several distinct regions of South America. Within Brazil, its presence is documented in the West-Central, Southeast, and South regions. Moving toward the southern part of the continent, it is also found in the Northeast of Argentina. Furthermore, its range extends into the country of Paraguay. Collectively, these areas highlight the specific geographical footprint of Pterocaulon polyschachyum.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil South | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina Northeast | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Paraguay | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Uruguay | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Pterocaulon polyspermum, is primarily utilized in traditional medicine through the application of its aerial parts. These above-ground components, which include the stems and leaves, contain the bioactive compounds necessary for its therapeutic properties. Because the aerial parts are easily accessible and harvested, they serve as the main source for preparing various medicinal decoctions and extracts used to treat various ailments.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Pterocaulon polystachyum has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5-methoxy-6,7-methylenedioxycoumarin, 6-(1,1-dimethyl-2-propenyl)-7-hydroxycoumarin, ayapin, demethylnieshoutin, haplopinol methyl ether.
- Total chemicals
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 5-methoxy-6,7-methylenedioxycoumarin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 6-(1,1-dimethyl-2-propenyl)-7-hydroxycoumarin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ayapin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| demethylnieshoutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| haplopinol methyl ether | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoscopoletin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isovirgatenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| obtusinin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| prenyletin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| prenyletin methyl ether | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |