Sarcophyte sanguinea

Sarcophyton sanguinea, commonly known as the blood coral, is a fascinating marine organism often studied for its unique bioactive properties. Found in tropical reef ecosystems, this soft coral produces specialized secondary metabolites. These chemical compounds hold significant potential in pharmacological research, particularly for developing new antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatments.

  • Scientific name: Sarcophyte sanguinea
  • Family: Balanophoraceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Santalales and the family Balanophoraceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Sarcophyte, specifically as the species Sarcophyte sanguinea.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Santalales WCVP
Family Balanophoraceae WCVP
Genus Sarcophyte WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Sarcophyte sanguinea, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the Blood Sarcophyte, while in Spanish, it is known as Sarcofito sanguíneo. In French, the plant is called Sarcophyte sanguin, and in Portuguese, it is identified as Sarcofito sanguíneo.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of habitats across the southern portion of the African continent. In South Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Mozambique. Moving into Southern Africa, it can be found extensively throughout the Cape Provinces. Its distribution also extends to the coastal and inland regions of KwaZulu-Natal. Finally, the species is documented within the Northern Provinces of Southern Africa.

Region Area Source
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP
Southern Africa KwaZulu-Natal WCVP
Southern Africa Northern Provinces WCVP

Chemicals

Sarcophyte sanguinea has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include diinsinin, diinsininol, flavonoids, naringenin.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
diinsinin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diinsininol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
naringenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Sarcophyte sanguinea has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆