Scaevola spinescens
Scaevola spinescens, commonly known as the prickly scaevola, is a resilient coastal shrub prized in traditional medicine. Native to tropical regions, this plant possesses significant therapeutic potential. Its bioactive compounds are frequently utilized to treat various ailments, showcasing the remarkable healing properties found within its unique, thorny botanical structure.
- Scientific name: Scaevola spinescens
- Family: Goodeniaceae
- Native range: Australasia
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Scaevola spinescens, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asterales and the family Goodeniaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Scaevola.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Goodeniaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Scaevola | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Scaevola spinescens, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as the Prickly Scaevola, while in Indonesian, it is commonly called Daun Jarak or Daun Jarak Sembung. Additionally, it is known as Scaevola berduri in Malay.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across several different regions of Australia. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of New South Wales. Its presence extends northward into the tropical landscapes of the Northern Territory. Additionally, the species inhabits significant portions of Queensland. Finally, the plant's range reaches further south into South Australia and Victoria.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | New South Wales | WCVP |
| Australia | Northern Territory | WCVP |
| Australia | Queensland | WCVP |
| Australia | South Australia | WCVP |
| Australia | Victoria | WCVP |
| Australia | Western Australia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Scaevola spinescens, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional medicinal practices. The therapeutic properties can be derived from the whole stem and the whole root, both of which contain essential bioactive compounds. Additionally, specific structural elements such as the stem wood and the stem bark are often harvested for their distinct chemical profiles. Furthermore, the root wood serves as another significant part of the plant used in various preparations, highlighting the diverse utilization of its morphological structures.- Total parts
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| whole stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| whole root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem wood | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root wood | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Scaevola spinescens has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Luteolin 7-glucoside, TPC, saponins.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Luteolin 7-glucoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| TPC | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Scaevola spinescens has 3 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antiviral, Anticancer.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Scaevola spinescens has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include bacteria, cancer, fever, inflammation, leprosy.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| bacteria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leprosy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatoid arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tinea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| viruses | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |