Tylosema esculentum
Tylosema esculentum, commonly known as the African yam bean, is a nutritious legume native to West Africa. Highly valued for its protein-rich seeds and drought-resistant nature, this versatile plant serves as a vital food security crop. It offers significant medicinal potential, traditionally used to support overall health and wellness.
- Scientific name: Tylosema esculentum
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Tylosema esculentum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. It is specifically classified under the genus Tylosema.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Tylosema | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread presence throughout various regions of the African continent. In South Tropical Africa, its distribution includes the nations of Angola and Zimbabwe. Moving into Southern Africa, it can be found across the landscape of Botswana. The species also inhabits the Cape Provinces within the southern reaches of the continent. Additionally, its range extends into the arid environments of Namibia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Botswana | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Namibia | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Northern Provinces | WCVP |
Chemicals
Tylosema esculentum has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include behenic acid, flavonoids, griffonilide, phytosterols, fatty acids.
- Total chemicals
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 17
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| behenic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| griffonilide | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phytosterols | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fatty acids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| linoleic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| linolenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oleic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenolic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Tylosema esculentum has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Protease-Inhibitor.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Protease-Inhibitor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Tylosema esculentum has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include non-communicable diseases, wound healing.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| non-communicable diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wound healing | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |