Sesbania sesban
Egyptian riverhemp
Sesbania sesban, commonly known as the river bean, is a versatile leguminous shrub prized in traditional medicine. Native to tropical regions, it offers significant therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Often used to treat various ailments, this resilient plant serves as a vital natural remedy worldwide.
- Scientific name: Sesbania sesban
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically classified within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is organized under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Sesbania.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Sesbania | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Sesbania sesban, is known by various regional names across different languages and cultures. In Chinese, it is referred to as 印度田菁 in Simplified Chinese (zh-hans), Traditional Chinese (zh-hant), and the Cantonese-specific usage (zh-hk). In Vietnam, the species is commonly called Điên điển (vi), while in Rwanda, it is known as Umunyegenyege (rw).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 印度田菁 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 印度田菁 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 印度田菁 | Wikidata |
| vi | Điên điển | Wikidata |
| rw | Umunyegenyege | Wikidata |
| my | ရေသကျည်း | Wikidata |
| zh | 印度田菁 | Wikidata |
| id | Jayanti | Wikidata |
| ar | سيسبان سيسباني | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 印度田菁 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution that spans across multiple continents and climate zones. In Middle Europe, its presence can be identified in countries such as Germany. Moving toward the African continent, it is found in Northern Africa within Egypt. The species also inhabits the Macaronesian region, specifically in Cape Verde. Finally, its range extends through West Tropical Africa, including Benin and Burkina.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Sesbania sesban, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, most notably its roots and leaves. The roots are frequently employed in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory conditions and are believed to possess various bioactive compounds. Similarly, the leaves are highly valued and are often used in decoctions or poultices to address skin ailments, fever, and digestive issues, showcasing the versatile therapeutic potential found throughout the plant's structure.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Sesbania sesban has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include abscisic acid, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll, glutathione, proline.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| abscisic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ascorbic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorophyll | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| glutathione | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| proline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Sesbania sesban has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum, breast cancer, edema, salinity stress, salt stress.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Plasmodium falciparum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| edema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| salinity stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| salt stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |