Strychnopsis thouarsii

Strychnopsis thouarsii, commonly known as the "thousardier" or "thousardi," is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical African forests. Renowned in traditional ethnobotany, its various parts are utilized to treat diverse ailments, including skin infections, inflammation, and digestive issues, offering significant pharmacological potential for modern therapeutic research.

  • Scientific name: Strychnopsis thouarsii
  • Family: Menispermaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the family Menispermaceae and falls under the genus Strychnopsis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ranunculales WCVP
Family Menispermaceae WCVP
Genus Strychnopsis WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Strychnopsis thouarsii, is recognized by several different common names depending on the regional dialect or specific usage within Madagascar. In the Malagasy language, it is referred to by multiple names, including Amborasaha, Alakamisy, Amboramahitso, Odiandro, and Telotritry.
Language Common Name Source
mg Amborasaha Wikidata
mg Alakamisy Wikidata
mg Amboramahitso Wikidata
mg Odiandro Wikidata
mg Telotritry Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a very specific and limited geographical range. It is primarily found within the region of the Western Indian Ocean. Specifically, its natural habitat is concentrated on the island of Madagascar. This restricted distribution suggests that the species is highly adapted to the unique environmental conditions of that area. Consequently, researchers focusing on this species often direct their studies toward the Malagasy landscape.

Region Area Source
Western Indian Ocean Madagascar WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Strychnoopsis thouarsii, is a medicinal shrub or small tree known for its diverse pharmacological applications, particularly through the use of its stem barks. These barks are frequently harvested and utilized in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, ranging from skin conditions to more systemic issues. The chemical constituents found within the stem barks contribute to its therapeutic properties, making this specific part of the plant a primary focus for those seeking its medicinal benefits.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem barks 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Strychnopsis thouarsii has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 7-O-demethyltetrandrine, sinococuline, tazopsine.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
7-O-demethyltetrandrine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sinococuline 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tazopsine 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Strychnopsis thouarsii has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
malaria 2 ★☆☆☆☆