Tectona grandis
Teak tree
Tectona grandis, commonly known as Teak, is a majestic tropical hardwood renowned for its exceptional durability and strength. Prized globally in construction and woodworking, this botanical powerhouse also holds significant medicinal value. Its leaves and bark are traditionally utilized in various cultures to treat ailments ranging from skin infections to inflammation.
- Scientific name: Tectona grandis
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Lamiales, and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, the medicinal species is identified by its genus, Tectona.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Tectona | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Tectona grandis, is known by various names across different Chinese linguistic regions, though the nomenclature remains consistent. In simplified Chinese (zh-hans), mainland Chinese (zh-cn), and Singaporean (zh-sg) contexts, it is referred to as 柚木. This same name, 柚木, is also utilized in traditional Chinese characters for Taiwan (zh-hant) and Hong Kong (zh-hk).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 柚木 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 柚木 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 柚木 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 柚木 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 柚木 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 柚木 | Wikidata |
| jv | Jati | Wikidata |
| ta | தேக்கு | Wikidata |
| it | Tectona | Wikidata |
| id | Jati | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, Tectona grandis, exhibits a specific distribution across several regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, it can be found growing in the nations of Benin, Gambia, and Togo. Its presence extends into West-Central Tropical Africa, specifically within the territory of Cabinda. Additionally, the species is documented inhabiting the Gulf of Guinea Islands. These locations highlight its preference for various tropical environments within these distinct geographical zones.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Togo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cabinda | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Sudan-South Sudan | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Tecoma stans (often referred to in certain contexts as Tecona grandis), offers various components that are utilized for their therapeutic potential. The vibrant yellow flowers are a distinguishing feature of the species, while the green leaves are frequently harvested for traditional applications. From these foliage components, a potent leaf extract can be prepared to harness specific bioactive compounds for medicinal use. Additionally, the plant produces distinct fruits that represent its reproductive stage. For specialized topical or internal traditional remedies, carbonized Tecona grandis may also be used, utilizing the charred remains of the plant matter to provide unique medicinal properties.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 9
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| leaf extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| carbonized Tectona grandis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Tectona grandis has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include gallic acid, 3,8-dihydroxy-2-methyl anthraquinone, 6-methyl-1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone, caffeic acid, compound 1.
- Total chemicals
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 20
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| gallic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3,8-dihydroxy-2-methyl anthraquinone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 6-methyl-1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| compound 1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| compound 14 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| compound 2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| compound 4 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ellagic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ferulic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Tectona grandis has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antihyperglycemic, Antioxidant, Laxative.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihyperglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Laxative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Tectona grandis has 17 reported medicinal uses identified across 19 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, antihyperglycemic.
- Total uses
- 17
- Scientific sources
- 19
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| malaria | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Streptococcus pyogenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antihyperglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| blood glucose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bronchitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cholelithiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hemorrhoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |