Ricinodendron heudelotii
Ricinodendron heudelotii, commonly known as Njansang, is a versatile African tree prized for its medicinal and culinary properties. Beyond its flavorful seeds, various plant parts are utilized in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as fever, skin infections, and digestive issues, offering significant pharmacological potential for modern healthcare.
- Scientific name: Ricinodendron heudelotii
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales, falling into the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic designation is completed by its genus, Ricinodendron.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Ricinodendron | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Ricinodendron heudelotii, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Hausa, it is called Wawan kurmi, while in French-speaking areas, it is known by several names including djansang, njangsa, okhuen, and munguella.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ha | Wawan kurmi | Wikidata |
| fr | djansang | Wikidata |
| fr | njangsa | Wikidata |
| fr | okhuen | Wikidata |
| fr | munguella | Wikidata |
| fr | kishongo | Wikidata |
| fr | akpi | Wikidata |
| fr | bofeko | Wikidata |
| fr | wama | Wikidata |
| zh | 拟蓖麻 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found within the West Tropical Africa region. Its natural habitat extends across several specific countries in this diverse ecological zone. Specifically, it can be located in Benin and Ghana. The species is also distributed through Guinea-Bissau and Guinea. Additionally, its geographical range includes the territory of the Ivory Coast.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Sierra Leone | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cabinda | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Ricinodendron heudelotii, is a versatile medicinal resource where various components are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The tree barks are often collected and processed to extract bioactive compounds used in traditional healing practices. Specifically, the stem bark is frequently employed in decoctions to treat various ailments, serving as a concentrated source of medicinal constituents. Additionally, the leaves are highly valued and are commonly used in infusions or topical applications to harness the plant's natural healing potential.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| tree barks | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Ricinodendron heudelotii has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Corilagin.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Corilagin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Ricinodendron heudelotii has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include infectious diseases, inflammation, malaria, tooth sensitivity, toothache.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| infectious diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tooth sensitivity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| toothache | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tuberculosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |