Senecio latifolius
Seneciio latifolius, commonly known as the Broad-leaved Groundsel, is a versatile medicinal herb valued in traditional healing practices. Renowned for its bioactive compounds, this plant is frequently utilized for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Understanding its botanical characteristics and therapeutic potential is essential for exploring its holistic medicinal applications.
- Scientific name: Senecio latifolius
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further categorized under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Senecio.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Senecio | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Senecio latifolius, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is often called broad-leaved groundsel, a name that directly reflects its botanical characteristics. In Spanish, it is commonly known as senecio de hoja ancha, while in Portuguese, it is referred to as senécio de folha larga. Additionally, in French, the plant is known as séneçon à larges feuilles.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning across several regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Tanzania. Moving into the southern regions, it is widely distributed across various South Tropical African nations. This includes documented populations in Angola, Malawi, and Mozambique. Finally, the species also extends its reach into the territory of Zambia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Malawi | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zambia | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Botswana | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Free State | WCVP |
Chemicals
Senecio latifolius has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include retrorsine.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| retrorsine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Senecio latifolius has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Carcinogenic, Hepatotoxic, Teratogenic.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Carcinogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Teratogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Senecio latifolius has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include apoptosis, necrosis.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| apoptosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| necrosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |