Strychnos
Strychnos, commonly known as the strychnine tree, is a genus of woody plants belonging to the Loganiaceae family. Renowned for producing potent alkaloids, these species play a critical role in pharmacological research. While some species offer medicinal potential, others contain highly toxic compounds that require careful, controlled handling.
- Scientific name: Strychnos
- Family: Loganiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianales, it is a member of the family Loganiaceae. It is specifically 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 by various names across different languages and cultures, is referred to as Стрихнос in Russian and 马钱属 in Chinese. In the Kurdish language, it is called Çavê qajê, while in German, it is commonly known as Brechnüsse. Additionally, in Swedish, it is identified as Kurarebusksläkteet.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ru | Стрихнос | Wikidata |
| zh | 马钱属 | Wikidata |
| ku | Çavê qajê | Wikidata |
| de | Brechnüsse | Wikidata |
| sv | Kurarebusksläktet | Wikidata |
| uk | Стрихнос | Wikidata |
| nb | Stryknintrefamilien | Wikidata |
| th | สกุลแสลงใจ | Wikidata |
| cs | kulčiba | Wikidata |
| ar | إسطركن | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented across several distinct nations, including Benin and Burkina. Furthermore, the species can be found extending through the territory of Gambia. The range also encompasses significant areas within Ghana. Finally, the distribution continues into the coastal reaches of Guinea-Bissau.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
Chemicals
Strychnos has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include brucine, strychnine, usambarensine.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| brucine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| strychnine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| usambarensine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Strychnos has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antiplasmodial, Convulsant, Cytotoxic, Hypotensive.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiplasmodial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Convulsant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypotensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Strychnos 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 | ★☆☆☆☆ |