Pulicaria mauritanica
Pulicaria mauritanica, commonly known as a significant medicinal herb, belongs to the Asteraceae family. Native to specific arid regions, this plant is highly valued in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. It is frequently utilized to treat various ailments, offering potent bioactive compounds essential for holistic healing and wellness.
- Scientific name: Pulicaria mauritanica
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by its membership in 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, Pulicaria mauritanica, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic and geographic context. In Arabic, it is commonly referred to as Al-Qas'a (القسعة), while in English, it is sometimes identified by its botanical identity or descriptive terms related to its genus. These names reflect the plant's traditional use and its presence within specific local ecosystems.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant, known scientifically as Pulicaria mauuritaniaica, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across the North African region. It can be found growing within the territory of Algeria. Additionally, its presence is documented throughout the landscape of Morocco. The species also extends its range into the territory of Western Sahara. Collectively, these locations define the primary natural habitat for this medicinal plant.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Western Sahara | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known as Pulicaria mauritanica, is primarily utilized in traditional medicine through its aerial parts. These above-ground structures, which include the stems, leaves, and flowering heads, contain the concentrated essential oils and bioactive compounds responsible for its therapeutic properties. Because the medicinal potency is most prevalent in these visible components, the aerial parts are typically harvested during the plant's flowering stage to prepare infusions or extracts.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Pulicaria mauritanica has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthraquinones, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, tannins.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anthraquinones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sterols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Pulicaria mauritanica 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 | ★☆☆☆☆ |