Vitellaria paradoxa
Vitellaaria paradoxa, commonly known as the Wild Marula, is a significant medicinal tree native to African savannas. Renowned for its versatile properties, it is utilized in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including digestive issues and skin inflammations. Its nutrient-rich fruit and bark offer profound therapeutic potential for wellness.
- Scientific name: Vitellaria paradoxa
- Family: Sapotaceae
- 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, it is ordered under Ericales and placed in the family Sapotaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Vitellaria, specifically as the species Vitellaria paradoxa.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Sapotaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Vitellaria | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, Vitellaria paradoxa, is widely distributed across the landscape of West Tropical Africa. Its presence is notably documented within the borders of Benin, where it plays a significant role in the local ecosystem. The species also thrives in the environments found throughout Burkina Faso. Furthermore, its geographical range extends into the territories of Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Finally, the plant can be found growing within the country of Guinea, completing its regional distribution.
| 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 | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
Chemicals
Vitellaria paradoxa has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthocyanins, anthraquinones, catechins, epicatechin, fat.
- Total chemicals
- 15
- Scientific sources
- 15
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anthocyanins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anthraquinones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catechins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epicatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fat | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pentadecanoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| protocatechuic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Vitellaria paradoxa has 9 reported activities identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, Antidiabetic.
- Total activities
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Apoptotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Nephroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Vitellaria paradoxa has 14 reported medicinal uses identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, antidiabetic, arthritis, cancer, cancers.
- Total uses
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperalgesia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatoid arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |