Pterocelastrus rostratus

Pterocelastrus rostratus, commonly known as a significant medicinal plant in various tropical regions, holds immense ethnobotanical value. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, this species is frequently utilized in traditional medicine to treat diverse ailments. Exploring its bioactive compounds offers promising insights into developing novel, natural pharmacological treatments.

  • Scientific name: Pterocelastrus rostratus
  • Family: Celastraceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Celastrales and the family Celastraceae, it is specifically classified under the genus Pterocelastrus. Consequently, its scientific name is Pterocelastrus rostratus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Celastrales WCVP
Family Celastraceae WCVP
Genus Pterocelastrus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Pterocelastrus rostratus, is referred to by the common name Rooikershout in Afrikaans.
Language Common Name Source
af Rooikershout Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions within Southern Africa. It can be found growing in the Cape Provinces, spanning various ecological zones. Its presence extends into the mountainous terrain of Lesotho. Additionally, the species is located throughout the KwaZulu-Natal province. Finally, its geographical range includes parts of Eswatini and the Northern Provinces.

Region Area Source
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP
Southern Africa Lesotho WCVP
Southern Africa KwaZulu-Natal WCVP
Southern Africa Eswatini WCVP
Southern Africa Northern Provinces WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Pterocelastrus rostratus, is a medicinal species where the bark serves as a primary component for traditional applications. The bark is often harvested from the stem or branches to extract bioactive compounds believed to possess therapeutic properties. In various ethnobotanical practices, the bark is processed into decoctions or powders, making it a crucial part of the plant's medicinal profile.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Pterocelastrus rostratus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include IL-6.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
IL-6 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Pterocelastrus rostratus has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆