Sideroxylon spinosum
Argan
Sideroxylon spinosum, commonly known as the "palo de sangre" or bloodwood, is a resilient shrub native to arid regions. Renowned in traditional medicine, its bark and resins are utilized to treat wounds, inflammation, and digestive ailments. This hardy species offers significant ethnobotanical value through its diverse therapeutic properties.
- Scientific name: Sideroxylon spinosum
- Family: Sapotaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ericales, it is a member of the family Sapotaceae. It is further categorized under the genus Sideroxylon, which includes the species Sideroxylon spinosum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Sapotaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Sideroxylon | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Sideroxylon spinosum, is referred to by various common names depending on the language. In German, it is called the Arganbaum, while in Bulgarian, it is known as арганово дърво. It is identified in Arabic as أركان (شجرة), and in Hungarian, it is called argánfa. Additionally, in Arabic Darija, it is commonly known as أرݣان.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Arganbaum | Wikidata |
| bg | арганово дърво | Wikidata |
| ar | أركان (شجرة) | Wikidata |
| hu | argánfa | Wikidata |
| ary | أرݣان | Wikidata |
| cs | argánie trnitá | Wikidata |
| ja | アルガンノキ | Wikidata |
| zh | 刺久榄 | Wikidata |
| bn | আর্গান গাছ | Wikidata |
| kn | ಸೈಡೆರೊಕ್ಸಿಲಾನ್ ಸ್ಪಿನೋಸಮ್ | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution primarily concentrated around the Mediterranean basin. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is notably documented within the country of Spain. Moving across the sea, it is widely distributed throughout various regions of Northern Africa. Specifically, it can be found inhabiting the landscapes of Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Additionally, the species extends its range into the territory of Western Sahara.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Western Sahara | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as the argan tree, is a vital source of valuable lipids derived from its fruit. The process begins with the extraction of the kernel from inside the nut, which is then processed to produce high-quality argan oil. During the refining stage, the extraction of the primary oil often leaves behind a nutrient-rich press-cake. This byproduct can be further utilized to create specialized seed oil, ensuring that every part of the harvest contributes to its medicinal and cosmetic value.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seed oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| press-cake | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kernel | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| argan oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fruit Shell | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Sideroxylon spinosum has 8 reported activities identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Anticancer, Antihypertensive.
- Total activities
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiobesity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypocholesterolemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |