Thonningia sanguinea

Thonningia sanguinea, commonly known as the Bloodvine, is a climbing shrub native to tropical Africa. Renowned for its vibrant red flowers, this medicinal plant is deeply rooted in traditional healing. It is frequently utilized to treat various ailments, including skin infections, respiratory issues, and digestive disturbances through its bioactive compounds.

  • Scientific name: Thonningia sanguinea
  • Family: Balanophoraceae
  • 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 and order Santalales, it is further categorized into the family Balanophoraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Thonningiia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Santalales WCVP
Family Balanophoraceae WCVP
Genus Thonningia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Thonnignia sanguinea, is referred to by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Chinese, it is called 蓮花菰 (zh), while in Finnish, it is known as loisjuurio (fi). In Singapore, the plant is commonly called Mbûlûndo (sg), and in French, it is referred to as palmier de la biche blanche (fr).
Language Common Name Source
zh 蓮花菰 Wikidata
fi loisjuurio Wikidata
sg Mbûlûndo Wikidata
fr palmier de la biche blanche Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Thonniningia sanguinea, is primarily distributed across the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented within the borders of Benin, where it grows in specific ecological zones. The species can also be found spanning across Burkina Faso. Furthermore, its natural range extends into the coastal and inland areas of Ghana. Finally, the plant is widely distributed throughout Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina 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 Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Senegal WCVP
West Tropical Africa Sierra Leone WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Thonniningia sanguinea, utilizes various morphological structures for its medicinal properties, particularly its subaerial plant parts. The root system serves as a vital component of the organism, often being harvested for its bioactive compounds used in traditional remedies. These underground structures are essential for the plant's stability and nutrient absorption, while also acting as a reservoir for the chemical constituents that contribute to its therapeutic profile.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
subaerial plant parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Thonningia sanguinea has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-pinoresinol, Thonningianin A, glutathione S-transferase, lariciresinol.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(+)-pinoresinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Thonningianin A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
glutathione S-transferase 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lariciresinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Thonningia sanguinea has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Thonningia sanguinea has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include bronchial asthma.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
bronchial asthma 1 ★☆☆☆☆