Withania frutescens
Withania frutescens, commonly known as a relative of the famous Ashwagandha, is a resilient medicinal shrub native to arid regions. Renowned for its bioactive alkaloids, this plant is traditionally utilized in Ayurvedic practices to reduce stress, enhance vitality, and support immune health through its potent adaptogenic properties.
- Scientific name: Withania frutescens
- Family: Solanaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Solanales, and the family Solanaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Withania.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Solanales | WCVP |
| Family | Solanaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Withania | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution concentrated primarily within the Mediterranean basin. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is documented across Spain and Portugal. It can also be found on the Balearic Islands within the same European region. Moving across the sea to Northern Africa, the species is established in Morocco. Finally, its range extends through Algeria, completing its geographical footprint in these coastal areas.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
Chemicals
Withania frutescens has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include withanolides, isoleucine, polyphenol, tryptophan, withaferin A.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| withanolides | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| isoleucine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tryptophan | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| withaferin A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Withania frutescens has 4 reported activities identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antihyperglycemic, Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antihyperglycemic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Withania frutescens has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include dysentery, hyperglycemia, nosocomial infections, poisoning, postprandial hyperglycemia.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| dysentery | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperglycemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nosocomial infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| poisoning | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| postprandial hyperglycemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |