Stemodia maritima

Stemodia maritima, commonly known as sea stemodia, is a distinctive medicinal herb native to coastal regions. Renowned for its aromatic properties, this plant is utilized in traditional medicine to treat respiratory ailments and digestive issues. Its unique chemical profile offers significant potential for pharmacological research and natural therapeutic applications.

  • Scientific name: Stemodia maritima
  • Family: Plantaginaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, it is classified under the family Plantaginaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification falls under the genus Stemodia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Plantaginaceae WCVP
Genus Stemodia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Stemodia maritima, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently called sea stemodia, while in Afrikaans, it is known as seesetodia. Within local South African languages, it is identified as makhulu (isiZulu) and ntsununu (Xitsonga).
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions. In North America, its presence is noted specifically in Southeast Mexico. Moving southward, it can be found within the tropical landscapes of Belize in Central America. The species also extends into the Caribbean, where it inhabits the islands of Aruba and the Bahamas. Additionally, its range includes the coastal areas of the Cayman Islands.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Southeast WCVP
Central America Belize WCVP
Caribbean Aruba WCVP
Caribbean Bahamas WCVP
Caribbean Cayman Is. WCVP
Caribbean Cuba WCVP
Caribbean Dominican Republic WCVP
Caribbean Haiti WCVP
Caribbean Jamaica WCVP
Caribbean Leeward Is. WCVP

Chemicals

Stemodia maritima has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Stemarin, Stemodane, Stemodinone, stemarin, stemodin.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Stemarin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Stemodane 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Stemodinone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stemarin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stemodin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stemodinone 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Stemodia maritima has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Stemodia maritima has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alveolar Bone Loss, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, periodontitis.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Alveolar Bone Loss 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Oxidative Stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆
periodontitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆