Waltheria
Waltheria · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Waltheria, scientifically known as Waltheria indica, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned in traditional herbalism, it is widely utilized for its potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. This hardy plant serves as a vital resource in treating skin ailments, respiratory issues, and various inflammatory conditions.
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Sitella · Astropus
Names
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Sitella
Scientific Names
Accepted name
WaltheriaSynonyms
- Sitella
- Astropus
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malvales. Finally, it is a member of the family Malvaceae, specifically falling under the genus Waltheria.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malvales | WCVP |
| Family | Malvaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Waltheria | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across multiple regions of the Atlantic and Africa. Within the Macaronesian islands, its range includes the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. Moving toward the mainland, it can be found throughout parts of West Tropical Africa. Specifically, its presence is documented in nations such as Benin and Burkina Faso. Additionally, the species extends its reach into the Gambia, highlighting its wide ecological footprint.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| 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 |
Activities
Waltheria has 6 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antifungal, Antinociceptive.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | International journal of molecular sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | International journal of molecular sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | International journal of molecular sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | International journal of molecular sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antinociceptive | International journal of molecular sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | International journal of molecular sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Waltheria extracts | Inflammopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |