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 and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Waltheria

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Sitella

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Malvales
Family Malvaceae
Genus Waltheria

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (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
Macaronesia Canary Is.
Macaronesia Cape Verde
West Tropical Africa Benin
West Tropical Africa Burkina
West Tropical Africa Gambia
West Tropical Africa Ghana
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau
West Tropical Africa Guinea
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast
West Tropical Africa Liberia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (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.

Activities reported in Waltheria
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Analgesic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antinociceptive 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Analgesic

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Antibacterial

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Anticancer

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Antifungal

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Antinociceptive

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Antioxidant

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Preparations

Waltheria has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Waltheria extracts.

Preparations reported for Waltheria
Preparation Supporting sources Consensus
Waltheria extracts 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Waltheria extracts

  1. Inflammopharmacology