Pulicaria incisa
Pulicaria inciosa, commonly known as jagged cudweed, is a resilient perennial herb native to Europe and parts of Asia. Renowned for its aromatic, silver-grey foliage, this plant has long been utilized in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, offering valuable therapeutic potential in various herbal remedies.
- Scientific name: Pulicaria incisa
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Pulicaria incisa, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae within the genus Pulicaria.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Pulicaria | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Pulicaria incisa, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In English, it is frequently referred to as jagged fleabane, a name that reflects its distinctive leaf shape and traditional use in repelling insects. In French, the plant is called fleabane incisée, and in German, it is known as Spitzblättrige Beifuß-Verwandte or more specifically as Spitzblättrige Fleabane. In Italian, it is called fleabane incisa, while in Spanish, it is commonly called fleabane incisa. These diverse names highlight the plant's historical association with its botanical characteristics and its long-standing role in folk medicine.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In Northern Africa, its presence is specifically documented within the territories of Algeria and Egypt. Moving toward the western part of the continent, it can also be found throughout West Tropical Africa. Within this tropical zone, the species inhabits the countries of Benin and Burkina Faso. Finally, its range extends further south into the nation of Ghana.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Niger | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Togo | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Pulicaria incisa, utilizes its leaves as a primary component in its medicinal profile. These leaves are typically characterized by their narrow, linear shape and fine, serrated margins, which distinguish them from other species in the genus. In various traditional practices, the chemical compounds concentrated within these leaves are harvested to provide therapeutic benefits, making them the most significant part of the plant for medicinal preparation.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Pulicaria incisa has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, polyphenols.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Pulicaria incisa has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Pulicaria incisa has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |