Strophanthus
Strophanthus
Strophanthus (pronounced stroh-FAN-thus) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae, native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The name "Strophanthus" is derived from the Greek words "strophos" (meaning "twisted") and "anthos" (meaning "flower"), referring to the twisted petals of the plant's flowers.
Etymology
The term "Strophanthus" is derived from the Greek words "strophos" (στροφος), meaning "twisted", and "anthos" (ανθος), meaning "flower". This refers to the characteristic twisted petals of the plant's flowers.
Description
Strophanthus species are woody plants, either shrubs or small trees, or lianas. They produce a milky sap that contains cardiac glycosides, which have been used in traditional medicine and have potential medical applications.
Medical Uses
The seeds of some Strophanthus species, particularly Strophanthus gratus and Strophanthus kombe, contain cardiac glycosides and have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of heart conditions. The active compound in these seeds is Strophanthin, which has been used in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
Related Terms
- Cardiac glycosides: A type of compound that affects the heart muscle and is found in several different types of plants, including Strophanthus.
- Strophanthin: The active compound found in the seeds of some Strophanthus species.
- Strophanthus gratus: A species of Strophanthus whose seeds are used in traditional medicine.
- Strophanthus kombe: Another species of Strophanthus whose seeds are used in traditional medicine.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Strophanthus
- Wikipedia's article - Strophanthus
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