Strychnos icaja
Strychnos icaja, commonly known as Icaja, is a significant medicinal plant native to the Amazon rainforest. Renowned for its potent alkaloids, it has been traditionally used by indigenous communities for various therapeutic purposes. This botanical species holds immense pharmacological interest due to its complex chemical profile and unique bioactive properties.
- Scientific name: Strychnos icaja
- Family: Loganiaceae
- 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 Gentianales, it is classified under the family Loganiaceae. Finally, it is identified by 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 icaja, is referred to by the common name Mbëngë in the sg language.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| sg | Mbëngë | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, Strychnos icaja, is found across several specific regions within West Tropical Africa. Its geographical range includes the nation of Benin, where it grows in local ecosystems. The species is also documented in Ghana, extending its presence through this part of the continent. Additionally, the plant can be located within the borders of Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Finally, its distribution continues further west into the territory of Liberia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Sierra Leone | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Congo | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Strychnos icaja, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional medicinal practices, specifically focusing on its lower structures. The roots of the species are often sought after for their distinct chemical properties, while the roots bark serves as a concentrated source of bioactive compounds. In many ethnobotanical applications, these specific parts are processed to extract substances believed to have therapeutic effects, highlighting the importance of both the roots and the roots bark in the plant's medicinal profile.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Strychnos icaja has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, MeOH, isostrychnine, sungucine, terpenes.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| MeOH | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isostrychnine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sungucine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vomicine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Strychnos icaja has 3 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimalarial, Cytotoxic, Antiplasmodial.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimalarial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiplasmodial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Strychnos icaja has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum, malaria.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Plasmodium falciparum | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |