(Euphorbiaceae) Croton crassifolius Geiseler

Local name(s): 

Medicinal use(s): to treat cancer.

Part(s) used: root.

Field Characters: Perennial, woody herb. Grows up to 20-30 cm high, stem erect. Leaves alternate, covered with a dense silvery pubescence on the lower side, petiole 2-5 cm long. Flowers white.

Locality: Bolikhamxai Province, Bolikhamxai District, Houa Koun Village.

Habitat: 

Altitude:  m asl. 

Collector(s): S. Bouamanivong

Collection number(s): Bouamanivong 729

Collection Date: May 31, 2005

Additional information:  

Voucher specimen is in deposit at the Field Museum (F) Herbarium, Chicago, USA, under accession no. 2282964.

Synonyms, images, taxonomic description: 


Plants of the World onlineFlora of China Vol. 11 Page 259, 261GBIF | Global Biodiversity Information FacilityPham Hoang Ho: Cayco Vietnam vol. 2, p. 228, plant #4887

Medicinal properties:


Li C, Sun X, Yin W, et al. Crassifolins Q−W: Clerodane Diterpenoids From Croton crassifolius With Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Angiogenesis Activities. Front. Chem 2021, Sec. Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry 2021, volume 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2021.733350 


Shen X, Zhong P, Jiang S, et al. Characterization of the chemical constituents of Croton crassifolius Geisel extract and plasma pharmacokinetics of 6 terpenoids after oral administration by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Phytochem Anal 2024, 35(6):1509-1526. DOI: 10.1002/pca.3383


Sun M, Zeng W, Zhao Z. Croton crassifolius Geisel.:A comprehensive review of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2024, vol. 320, 117352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.117352


Xu W-H, Liu W-Y, Liang Q. Chemical constituets from Croton species and their biological activities. Molecules 2018, 23(9), 2333.  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23092333


Yang L, Wang Y, Wang X, et al. Chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Croton crassifolius. Asian Journal of Traditional Medicines 2024, 19(2): 99-114. https://journal.hep.com.cn/ajtm/EN/1208363044222193718