Solenostemma is a genus of plants in the family Apocynaceae, It was established as a genus in 1825.[1][3][4] It contains only one known species, Solenostemma arghel, native to North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.[3]

Solenostemma
Solenostemma argel
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Solenostemma
Hayne
Species:
S. arghel
Binomial name
Solenostemma arghel
(Delile) Hayne
Synonyms

Of the genus:[1]

  • Argelia Decne.

Of the species:[2]

  • Argelia delilei Decne., nom. superfl.
  • Cynanchum arghel Delile

The leaves are used in herbal medicine for the treatment of some diseases such as of liver and kidney and allergies. It is used to treat neuralgia and sciatica. It is used as incense in the treatment of measles and sometimes crushed and used as remedy for suppurating wounds. The leaves are infused to treat gastro-intestinal cramps, stomach-ache, colic, cold and urinary tract infections. Leaves possess purgative properties which may be due to the latex present in the stems. Several active compounds have been extracted from Solenostemma. The native Sudanese have commonly used Solenostemma arghel to suppress stomach pain, pains due to childbirth, and loss of appetite.[citation needed]

The word is used in the book called "أرض السودان" written by Amîr Tâdj as sirr. The Arabic word is حرجل.

Formerly included species moved to Cynanchum:[5]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Solenostemma Hayne". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
  2. ^ "Solenostemma arghel (Delile) Hayne". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
  3. ^ a b Tropicos, genus Solenostemma
  4. ^ Hayne, Friedrich Gottlob. 1825. Getreue Darstellung und Beschreibung der in der Arzneykunde Gebräuchlichen Gewächse 9, t. 38
  5. ^ The Plant List, genus Solenostemma