Zygophyllum album

Zygophyllum album, commonly known as the White Calotropis or White Zygophyllum, is a resilient succulent shrub native to arid African regions. Renowned for its striking white flowers and drought tolerance, this medicinal plant is traditionally utilized in various cultures to treat ailments ranging from skin infections to digestive issues.

  • Scientific name: Zygophyllum album
  • Family: Zygophyllaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Zygophyllales, it is further organized into the family Zygophyllaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Zygophyllum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Zygophyllales WCVP
Family Zygophyllaceae WCVP
Genus Zygophyllum WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several distinct Mediterranean regions. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Spain. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, it can be found growing on the island of Kriti. The species also extends into Northern Africa, where it inhabits the landscapes of Algeria. Furthermore, its geographical range encompasses the North African nations of both Egypt and Libya.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Kriti WCVP
Northern Africa Algeria WCVP
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
Northern Africa Libya WCVP
Northern Africa Tunisia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mauritania WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Djibouti WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Eritrea WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Socotra WCVP

Chemicals

Zygophyllum album has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include saponins, sterols, Oleanolic acid, Quinovic acid, Ursolic acid.

Total chemicals
8
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
saponins 2 ★☆☆☆☆
sterols 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Oleanolic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Quinovic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Ursolic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lipase 1 ★☆☆☆☆
triterpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Zygophyllum album has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antihypertensive, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.

Total activities
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antihypertensive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Zygophyllum album has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diabetes mellitus, Herpes simplex virus type 1, antioxidant activity, colon adenocarcinoma, diarrhea.

Total uses
7
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
diabetes mellitus 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Herpes simplex virus type 1 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antioxidant activity 1 ★☆☆☆☆
colon adenocarcinoma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diarrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hypertension 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆