Strychnos cocculoides
Strychnos cocculoides, commonly known as the wild strychnine plant, is a woody climber native to various African tropical regions. Renowned in traditional medicine, its various parts are utilized for their potent pharmacological properties, primarily targeting neurological and inflammatory conditions, though its high alkaloid content requires extremely cautious application.
- Scientific name: Strychnos cocculoides
- Family: Loganiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Gentianales and the family Loganiaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Strychnos.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Loganiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Strychnos | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Strychnos cocculoides, is referred to by various regional names depending on the language spoken. In Afrikaans, it is commonly called Kurkbasklapper, while in Lingala, it is known as Likalakonki.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| af | Kurkbasklapper | Wikidata |
| ln | Likalakonki | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found in Burundi, Congo, and Gabon. Its presence is also noted within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additionally, the species extends its range into East Tropical Africa. Specifically, it has been documented growing in Kenya.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Congo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gabon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Malawi | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zambia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Strychnos cocculoides, is a woody climber characterized by its distinct morphological features across its various components. The stem is typically long and twining, allowing the plant to ascend through surrounding vegetation in its natural habitat. Beneath the soil, the root system provides essential anchorage and nutrient absorption to support its climbing lifestyle. Above ground, the leaves are arranged in a way that maximizes light interception, serving as the primary site for photosynthesis to fuel the plant's growth.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Strychnos cocculoides has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, saponins.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Strychnos cocculoides has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiproliferative, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Strychnos cocculoides has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |