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Crinum macowanii

Table of Contents

Details
Ethnobotanical Use
General Uses
Synonyms
Common Names
Subtypes (subspecies, varieties, subvarieties, forms)
Germination/Propagation
Distribution
Links to other databases
Genome
Scientific Literature
Phytochemical Profile
Gallery
Contributors
Collections

Details Top

Internal ID UUID644025bb5b13d580903063
Scientific name Crinum macowanii
Authority Baker
First published in Gard. Chron. , n.s., 9: 298 (1878)

Ethnobotanical Use Top

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Important notice
  • Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
  • Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
  • Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
  • Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.

Crinum macowanii (Baker) is widely known in southern and eastern Africa as a potent plant for wounds, pain and fever. Among the Zulu of KwaZulu-Natal, Robertson's 1992 ethnobotanical survey records a light infusion of the bulb given as a mild tea for fever and sore eyes; the same water infusion is poured as a wash over affected eyes or applied as a poultice to swollen joints. The Xhosa of the Eastern Cape incorporate the bulb in poultices to reduce swelling and inflammation (Van Wyk and Gericke, 2000). In Zimbabwe and neighboring regions where Shona medicine is practiced, Gelfand et al. (1985) report that a weak decoction of the bulb is taken in small doses for fevers and rheumatism; where available the practice is mirrored by Shona groups in eastern Botswana and southern Zambia.

A simple preparation used in several communities is a mild bulb infusion or “light tea” for fever and body aches. Start with 1–2 g of peeled and thinly sliced fresh bulb; pour over 200 ml of hot (just‑boiled) water and infuse, covered, for 10–15 minutes. Strain and sip a small cup once or twice daily until symptoms ease. For joint pains, the same cooled infusion may be used as a warm poultice on the affected area several times a day. A stronger 1:5 ethanol tincture is made by packing sliced bulb into a jar, covering with 45–50% ethanol (by volume) at a final ratio of 1:5, and macerating for 6 weeks in a dark place, shaking weekly. Dose for adults is typically 1–2 ml, not more than once or twice daily; the preparation should be kept away from children and pregnant or lactating people. Safety notes: Crinum species contain crinine‑type alkaloids that can be irritating or toxic in higher doses, and the plant may cause eye irritation; people with heart disease, liver disease, or on sedatives should avoid internal use.

Active constituents reported for this species plausibly support its traditional actions: crinine and other crinine‑type alkaloids have analgesic and anti‑inflammatory potential; phenolics and flavonoids contribute antioxidant effects; and mannose‑binding lectins may contribute to antimicrobial activity. Modern research continues to explore these compounds for their potential against inflammation, pain and certain microbial targets, while commercial availability remains limited and restricted to horticultural markets and regional ethnobotanical commerce.

General Uses Top

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Common products:
No documented commercial or industrial products derived from Crinum macowanii.

Industrial and craft applications:
No documented uses.

Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
No documented uses; the plant is regarded as toxic.

Colorants and tanning:
No documented uses.

Wood and fiber:
No documented uses.

Fragrance and cosmetics:
No documented uses.

Properties relevant to use:
No documented properties tied to industrial, craft, or culinary applications.

Standards and regulation:
No applicable standards or regulatory frameworks identified for this taxon.

Sustainability and sourcing:
No established cultivation or wild-harvest practices for non-medicinal use are documented.

Synonyms Top

Scientific name Authority First published in
Crinum corradii Chiov. apud Chiartigi Webbia 8: 6. 1951
Crinum gouwsii Traub Pl. Life 10: 40 (1954)
Crinum johnstonii Baker Bot. Mag. 128: t. 7812 (1902)
Crinum pedicellatum Pax Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 15: 142 (1892)
Crinum macowanii subsp. confusum I.Verd. J. S. African Bot. 32: 67. 1966 (1966)
Crinum macowanii subsp. kalahariense L.S.Hannibal Bull. Louisiana Soc. Hort. Res. 3(5): 256 (1972)

Common names Top

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Language Common/alternative name
English pyjama lily
Russian Кринум Макована

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

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No subspecies added yet.

Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

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No variety added yet.

Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

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No subvariety added yet.

Forms (abbr. f.) Top

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No forms added yet.

Germination/Propagation Top

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No germination or propagation data was added yet.

Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
  • Africa
    • East Tropical Africa
      • Kenya
      • Tanzania
      • Uganda
    • Northeast Tropical Africa
      • Eritrea
      • Ethiopia
      • Somalia
      • Sudan
    • South Tropical Africa
      • Angola
      • Malawi
      • Mozambique
      • Zambia
      • Zimbabwe
    • Southern Africa
      • Botswana
      • Cape Provinces
      • Free State
      • Kwazulu-Natal
      • Namibia
      • Northern Provinces
      • Swaziland
    • West-central Tropical Africa
      • Zaïre
    • Western Indian Ocean
      • Seychelles

Links to other databases Top

Suggest others/fix!
Database ID/link to page
World Flora Online wfo-0000764586
USDA Plants CRMA23
Tropicos 1200097
KEW urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:63973-1
The Plant List kew-303499
Open Tree Of Life 826238
NCBI Taxonomy 180140
IPNI 63973-1
iNaturalist 429305
GBIF 2853929
EOL 1087203
USDA GRIN 12228
Wikipedia Crinum_macowanii

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

Scientific Literature Top

Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
Title Authors Publication Released IDs
A Review of Ethnomedicinal Plants as Potential Anthelmintic Agents to Alternatively Control Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Ruminants in South Africa Mhlongo LC, Mseleku C, Tenza T, Fomum SW, McGaw LJ, Hassen A, Nsahlai IV J Parasitol Res 16-Jan-2024
PMCID:PMC10805549
doi:10.1155/2024/7955692
PMID:38268708
The anticancer and antibacterial potential of bioactive secondary metabolites derived From bacterial endophytes in association with Artemisia absinthium Damavandi MS, Shojaei H, Esfahani BN Sci Rep 27-Oct-2023
PMCID:PMC10611800
doi:10.1038/s41598-023-45910-w
PMID:37891400
Benzoindolizidine Alkaloids Tylophorine and Lycorine and Their Analogues with Antiviral, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anticancer Properties: Promises and Challenges Di Sotto A, Valipour M, Azari A, Di Giacomo S, Irannejad H Biomedicines 24-Sep-2023
PMCID:PMC10603990
doi:10.3390/biomedicines11102619
PMID:37892993
Important Medicinal and Food Taxa (Orders and Families) in Kenya, Based on Three Quantitative Approaches Mutie FM, Mbuni YM, Rono PC, Mkala EM, Nzei JM, Phumthum M, Hu GW, Wang QF Plants (Basel) 02-Mar-2023
PMCID:PMC10005506
doi:10.3390/plants12051145
PMID:36904005
Sustainable Applications of Endophytic Bacteria and Their Physiological/Biochemical Roles on Medicinal and Herbal Plants: Review Tshikhudo PP, Ntushelo K, Mudau FN Microorganisms 10-Feb-2023
PMCID:PMC9967847
doi:10.3390/microorganisms11020453
PMID:36838418
Antileishmanial Activity of Clinanthus milagroanthus S. Leiva & Meerow (Amaryllidaceae) Collected in Peru Soto-Vásquez MR, Alvarado-García PA, Osorio EH, Tallini LR, Bastida J Plants (Basel) 10-Jan-2023
PMCID:PMC9866881
doi:10.3390/plants12020322
PMID:36679035
Screening of Endophytic Bacteria of Leucojum aestivum ‘Gravety Giant’ as a Potential Source of Alkaloids and as Antagonist to Some Plant Fungal Pathogens Munakata Y, Spina R, Slezack-Deschaumes S, Genestier J, Hehn A, Laurain-Mattar D Microorganisms 21-Oct-2022
PMCID:PMC9609000
doi:10.3390/microorganisms10102089
PMID:36296365
Secondary Metabolites Produced by Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterial Endophytes Narayanan Z, Glick BR Microorganisms 11-Oct-2022
PMCID:PMC9610442
doi:10.3390/microorganisms10102008
PMID:36296283
Endophytic bacteria from in vitro culture of Leucojum aestivum L. a new source of galanthamine and elicitor of alkaloid biosynthesis Ptak A, Morańska E, Warchoł M, Gurgul A, Skrzypek E, Dziurka M, Laurain-Mattar D, Spina R, Jaglarz A, Simlat M Sci Rep 11-Aug-2022
PMCID:PMC9371375
doi:10.1038/s41598-022-17992-5
PMID:35953692
A Review of African Medicinal Plants and Functional Foods for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease-related Phenotypes, Treatment of HSV-1 Infection and/or Improvement of Gut Microbiota Tettevi EJ, Maina M, Simpong DL, Osei-Atweneboana MY, Ocloo A J Evid Based Integr Med 21-Jul-2022
PMCID:PMC9310297
doi:10.1177/2515690X221114657
PMID:35866220
The Antibacterial, Antitumor Activities, and Bioactive Constituents’ Identification of Alectra sessiliflora Bacterial Endophytes Maela MP, van der Walt H, Serepa-Dlamini MH Front Microbiol 05-Jul-2022
PMCID:PMC9294510
doi:10.3389/fmicb.2022.870821
PMID:35865925
Ethnopharmacological Study of Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Associated Risk Factors in sub-Saharan Africa Odukoya JO, Odukoya JO, Mmutlane EM, Ndinteh DT Plants (Basel) 23-May-2022
PMCID:PMC9143319
doi:10.3390/plants11101387
PMID:35631812
Lycorine Alkaloid and Crinum americanum L. (Amaryllidaceae) Extracts Display Antifungal Activity on Clinically Relevant Candida Species Silva LC, Correia AF, Gomes JV, Romão W, Motta LC, Fagg CW, Magalhães PO, Silveira D, Fonseca-Bazzo YM Molecules 06-May-2022
PMCID:PMC9100883
doi:10.3390/molecules27092976
PMID:35566325
Metabolomic Insights Into Endophyte-Derived Bioactive Compounds Mishra S, Priyanka, Sharma S Front Microbiol 02-Mar-2022
PMCID:PMC8926391
doi:10.3389/fmicb.2022.835931
PMID:35308367
Metabolomic profile of medicinal plants with anti-RVFV activity More GK, Vervoort J, Steenkamp PA, Prinsloo G Heliyon 12-Feb-2022
PMCID:PMC8857432
doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08936
PMID:35243061

Phytochemical Profile Top

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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
You can also contribute to this by clicking here.
Name PubChem ID Canonical SMILES MW Found in Proof
> Alkaloids and derivatives / Amaryllidaceae alkaloids / Crinine- and Haemanthamine-type amaryllidaceae alkaloids
(+)-Crinamine 118701061 Click to see 301.34 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-1978(02)00222-3
(18-Hydroxy-5,7-dioxa-12-azapentacyclo[10.5.2.01,13.02,10.04,8]nonadeca-2,4(8),9,16-tetraen-15-yl) acetate 73657405 Click to see 329.30 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(02)00164-8
(1S,13S,15R,18S)-15-methoxy-5,7-dioxa-12-azapentacyclo[10.5.2.01,13.02,10.04,8]nonadeca-2,4(8),9,16-tetraen-18-ol 5281172 Click to see 301.34 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(02)00164-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-1978(02)00222-3
(1S,13S,15R,18S)-5,7-dioxa-12-azapentacyclo[10.5.2.01,13.02,10.04,8]nonadeca-2,4(8),9,16-tetraene-15,18-diol 5282088 Click to see 287.31 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-1978(00)00096-X
(3R)-7-Methoxy-1,2-didehydrocrinan-3-ol 627287 Click to see COC1=C2CN3CCC4(C3CC(C=C4)O)C2=CC5=C1OCO5 301.34 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(02)00164-8
https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100819N
[(1S,13R,15R)-5,7-dioxa-12-azapentacyclo[10.5.2.01,13.02,10.04,8]nonadeca-2,4(8),9,16-tetraen-15-yl] acetate 101935954 Click to see CC(=O)OC1CC2C3(CCN2CC4=CC5=C(C=C43)OCO5)C=C1 313.30 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
[(1S,13S,15S,18S)-18-hydroxy-5,7-dioxa-12-azapentacyclo[10.5.2.01,13.02,10.04,8]nonadeca-2,4(8),9,16-tetraen-15-yl] acetate 162963527 Click to see 329.30 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(02)00164-8
1,2-Didehydrocrinan-3-ol 101727 Click to see C1CN2CC3=CC4=C(C=C3C15C2CC(C=C5)O)OCO4 271.31 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
3-O-Acetylhamayne 443671 Click to see CC(=O)OC1CC2C3(C=C1)C(CN2CC4=CC5=C(C=C34)OCO5)O 329.30 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-1978(02)00222-3
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(02)00164-8
9-Methoxy-5,7,17-trioxa-12-azahexacyclo[10.6.2.01,13.02,10.04,8.016,18]icosa-2,4(8),9-trien-15-ol 625708 Click to see 317.34 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(02)00164-8
9,15-Dimethoxy-5,7,17-trioxa-12-azahexacyclo[10.6.2.01,13.02,10.04,8.016,18]icosa-2,4(8),9-triene 271606 Click to see COC1CC2C3(CCN2CC4=C(C5=C(C=C43)OCO5)OC)C6C1O6 331.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
Bulphanidine 407581 Click to see 315.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
Buphanidrine 338023 Click to see 315.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
Crinamidine 399204 Click to see 317.34 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(02)00164-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
Crinamine 73620 Click to see 301.34 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(02)00164-8
Crinamine 500027 Click to see COC1CC2C3(C=C1)C(CN2CC4=CC5=C(C=C34)OCO5)O 301.34 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(02)00164-8
Crinine 398937 Click to see 271.31 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
Hamayne 443670 Click to see 287.31 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-1978(00)00096-X
https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2004-818919
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
Powelline 443669 Click to see 301.34 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(02)00164-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-1978(02)00222-3
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
Undulatin 3083985 Click to see 331.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
Vittatine acetate 541087 Click to see CC(=O)OC1CC2C3(CCN2CC4=CC5=C(C=C43)OCO5)C=C1 313.30 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
Vittatine, 11-hydroxy- 602595 Click to see 287.31 unknown https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100819N
> Alkaloids and derivatives / Amaryllidaceae alkaloids / Lycorine-type amaryllidaceae alkaloids
1-O-Acetyllycorine 443672 Click to see CC(=O)OC1C(C=C2CCN3C2C1C4=CC5=C(C=C4C3)OCO5)O 329.30 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-1978(02)00222-3
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(02)00164-8
Lycorine 72378 Click to see 287.31 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-1978(00)00096-X
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-1978(02)00222-3
https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2004-818919
> Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Phenethylamines
Tyramine 5610 Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1CCN)O 137.18 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-1978(00)00096-X
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Quinolines and derivatives / Benzoquinolines / Phenanthridines and derivatives
(17-Hydroxy-9-methoxy-5,7-dioxa-12-azapentacyclo[10.5.2.01,13.02,10.04,8]nonadeca-2,4(8),9-trien-16-yl) acetate 75966350 Click to see 361.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1021/NP100819N
[(1S,13R,16S,17R)-17-hydroxy-9-methoxy-5,7-dioxa-12-azapentacyclo[10.5.2.01,13.02,10.04,8]nonadeca-2,4(8),9-trien-16-yl] acetate 56928078 Click to see 361.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
[(1S,13R,16S,17S)-17-acetyloxy-9-methoxy-5,7-dioxa-12-azapentacyclo[10.5.2.01,13.02,10.04,8]nonadeca-2,4(8),9-trien-16-yl] acetate 132573533 Click to see 403.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
1-Epideacetylbowdensine 443673 Click to see 319.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(02)00164-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
1H,6H-5,11b-Ethano[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-j]phenanthridine-1,2-diol, 2,3,4,4a-tetrahydro-7-methoxy- 629204 Click to see 319.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(02)00164-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
4-Methoxy-9-azatetracyclo[7.5.2.01,10.02,7]hexadeca-2,4,6,13-tetraene-5,12-diol 494912 Click to see COC1=C(C=C2CN3CCC4(C3CC(C=C4)O)C2=C1)O 273.33 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
4a-Dehydroxycrinamabine 398935 Click to see 289.33 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
5,7-Dioxa-12-azapentacyclo[10.5.2.01,13.02,10.04,8]nonadeca-2,4(8),9-triene-16,17-diol 74952092 Click to see 289.33 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
Bowdensine 541341 Click to see CC(=O)OC1CCC2C3(C1OC(=O)C)CCN2CC4=C(C5=C(C=C34)OCO5)OC 403.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
Macowine 637191 Click to see COC1=C(C=C2CN3CCC4(C3CC(C=C4)O)C2=C1)O 273.33 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Tetrahydroisoquinolines / 4-phenyltetrahydroisoquinolines
Cheryline 618047 Click to see CN1CC(C2=CC(=C(C=C2C1)O)OC)C3=CC=C(C=C3)O 285.34 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X
Cherylline 90075 Click to see 285.34 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-1978(02)00222-3
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-1978(00)00096-X
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00128-X

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