Tephrosia sinapou

Tephrosia sinapou, commonly known as the "bush tea" or "scented leaf," is a versatile medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned for its aromatic properties, it is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat digestive ailments, skin irritations, and inflammatory conditions, offering significant therapeutic potential in herbal practices.

  • Scientific name: Tephrosia sinapou
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Further taxonomic descent places it in the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales. Finally, it is a member of the family Fabaceae and is identified by the genus Tephrosia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Tephrosia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Tephrosia sinapeutica, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as the Sinapeutic Tephrosia, while in Portuguese, it is commonly called Tephrosia sinapeutica. In Spanish, the plant is known as Tephrosia sinapeutica, and in French, it is identified as Tephrosia sinapeutica.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning multiple continents and climate zones. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its presence extends to East Tropical Africa, specifically in the nation of Tanzania. Moving across the globe to the Northwestern Pacific, the species inhabits the Caroline Islands. Finally, it is located in the Americas, ranging from El Salvador in Central America to the southwest of Mexico.

Region Area Source
West-Central Tropical Africa DR Congo WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
Northwestern Pacific Caroline Is. WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Central America El Salvador WCVP
Central America Honduras WCVP
Central America Nicaragua WCVP
Caribbean Dominican Republic WCVP
Caribbean Haiti WCVP
Caribbean Trinidad-Tobago WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Tephrosia sinaapu, utilizes its stems as a structural foundation for its growth and as a vital component in its medicinal application. The stems serve to support the leaves and flowers while acting as a conduit for nutrients throughout the organism. In various traditional practices, parts of the stems may be harvested and prepared to harness the plant's specific therapeutic properties.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Tephrosia sinapou has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆