Solanum aculeastrum
Solanum aculeastrum, commonly known as the prickly nightshade, is a significant medicinal herb found in tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, this plant is traditionally utilized to treat various ailments, including inflammation and skin infections. Its bioactive compounds offer promising potential for modern therapeutic developments and holistic healing.
- Scientific name: Solanum aculeastrum
- Family: Solanaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Solanales and the family Solanaceae, it is specifically classified under the genus Solanum. As Solanum aculeastrum, it represents a distinct species within this complex botanical hierarchy.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Solanales | WCVP |
| Family | Solanaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Solanum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Solanum aculeastrum, is recognized by various regional common names across different languages. In Rwanda, it is referred to as Intobo, while in Vietnam, it is called Solanum subhastatum. In Japan, the plant is known as ソーダ・アップル, and in South Africa, it is commonly called Bokbitterappel.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| rw | Intobo | Wikidata |
| vi | Solanum subhastatum | Wikidata |
| ja | ソーダ・アップル | Wikidata |
| af | Bokbitterappel | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is notably documented within Nigeria. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species can be found in Burundi and the Central African Republic. It also inhabits the territory of Cameroon within this same central region. Finally, its geographical range extends to the islands located in the Gulf of Guinea.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Rwanda | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Sudan-South Sudan | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Solanum aculeastrum, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional medicinal practices. The leaf is often harvested for its specific bioactive properties, while the root bark is recognized for its distinct therapeutic potential. Additionally, the plant produces small berries that develop into mature fruits, both of which serve as important botanical features of the species.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| berries | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Solanum aculeastrum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lauryl alcohol, lupeol, myristic acid, nervonic acid, undecyl alcohol.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| lauryl alcohol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lupeol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myristic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nervonic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| undecyl alcohol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Solanum aculeastrum has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Solanum aculeastrum has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Aspergillus flavus, backache, cancer, fever, headache.
- Total uses
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Aspergillus flavus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| backache | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| headache | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leukemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| menstrual pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatism | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |