Stemona curtisii

Stemona curtisii, commonly known as a member of the Stemona genus, is a medicinal plant valued in traditional practices. Renowned for its bioactive alkaloids, it is primarily utilized for its anthelmintic and antitussive properties. This species plays a significant role in herbal pharmacology, targeting various parasitic and respiratory conditions.

  • Scientific name: Stemona curtisii
  • Family: Stemonaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Stemona curtisii, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Pandanales. Finally, it is classified under the family Stemonaceae and the genus Stemona.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Pandanales WCVP
Family Stemonaceae WCVP
Genus Stemona WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Stemona curtisii, is referred to by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is commonly called Stemona, while in Chinese, it is known as くじら (Kujira) or more frequently as 昆布 (Kūnbù) in certain traditional contexts, though it is often categorized under the broader umbrella of Stemona species such as 楊梅藤 (Yángméiténg). In Japanese, it is referred to as センテン (Senten), reflecting its botanical lineage within the Stemona genus.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several key regions in Southeast Asia. Within the Indo-China region, it can be found on the Nicobar Islands and throughout Thailand. Moving into the Malesia region, its presence extends into the area of Malaya. Additionally, the species is documented to grow on the island of Sumatera. Together, these locations highlight the plant's localized range across these tropical territories.

Region Area Source
Indo-China Nicobar Is. WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Malesia Malaya WCVP
Malesia Sumatera WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Stemona curtisii, derives much of its medicinal value from its specific anatomical structures, most notably the root. The root system serves as the primary storage organ for various bioactive alkaloids, which are the chemical compounds responsible for its pharmacological properties. In traditional medicinal practices, these roots are often harvested, processed, and utilized to extract the therapeutic components necessary for treatment.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Stemona curtisii has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include stemocurtisine.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
stemocurtisine 1 ★☆☆☆☆