Voacanga africana
Voacanga africana, commonly known as the African Voacança, is a significant medicinal plant native to tropical African forests. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, it is traditionally utilized to treat various ailments. Modern research explores its bioactive compounds, highlighting its potential in developing new treatments for complex human diseases.
- Scientific name: Voacanga africana
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianaales, it is classified under the family Apocynaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Voacanga as Voacanga africana.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Voacanga | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across the diverse landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Within this region, its presence is documented in the nation of Benin. It can also be found growing within the borders of Burkina Faso. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the country of Gambia. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the territory of Ghana and the coastal area of Guinea-Bissau.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | 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 | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
Chemicals
Voacanga africana has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid, (Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid, TN, akuammidine, fatty acids.
- Total chemicals
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| TN | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| akuammidine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fatty acids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ibogaine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| n-hexadecanoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| octadecanoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| strictamine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tabersonine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Voacanga africana has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticonvulsant, Antisecretory, Antispasmodic.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticonvulsant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antisecretory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antispasmodic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Voacanga africana has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Aspergillus niger, convulsions, drug addiction, peptic ulcers.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Aspergillus niger | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| convulsions | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| drug addiction | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| peptic ulcers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |