Afraegle paniculata
Afraegle paniculata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Afraegle paniculata is a notable botanical species recognized for its significant antimicrobial properties. Research indicates that the methanol extract of its stem contains bioactive chemicals such as marmesin, xanthotoxin, esculin, and heraclenin. These specific compounds contribute to the plant's potential therapeutic efficacy in addressing various health conditions. Notably, studies have explored the plant's utility in managing malaria through these diverse chemical profiles. Consequently, various preparations of the stem are being investigated to harness its full medicinal potential.
- Synonyms
- Citrus Paniculata · Limonia Warneckei · 2 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Temperate
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Common Names
Afraegle paniculata is a botanical species recognized by several distinct regional and linguistic names. In Nigeria, it is widely known by the descriptive common name powder-flask-fruit. Some botanical circles also refer to the plant as afregla metlinatá. Additionally, it is frequently identified by the evocative name citron d'éléphant. These various monikers highlight the plant's diverse cultural and geographical presence.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Afraegle paniculata is a plant species that has been documented under several different botanical names throughout history. Due to various taxonomic classifications, it is recognized by the synonym Aegle barteri. Researchers also frequently refer to the species as Balsamocitrus paniculata in certain scientific contexts. Additionally, the name Citrus paniculata serves as another valid synonym for this particular plant. Finally, the historical designation Limonia warneckei remains part of its complex nomenclatural identity.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Afraegle paniculata is a distinguished member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. This plant belongs to the specific genus Afraegle, which distinguishes it from many other similar species. Further taxonomic detail places it within the order Sapindales. Finally, it is a proud representative of the family Rutaceae, showcasing its unique botanical lineage.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Afraegle |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Afraegle paniculata is a botanical species primarily concentrated within the diverse landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Its natural distribution spans several key nations, including Benin and Burkina Faso, where it plays a role in the local ecosystem. The plant is also widely documented throughout Ghana and Guinea, highlighting its regional presence. Furthermore, its habitat extends into the territory of Guinea-Bissau, reinforcing its status as a West African staple. This specific range illustrates the plant's ecological connection to the tropical environments of the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Afraegle paniculata is a self-supporting tree characterized by its sturdy and upright growth form. This species typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 12 meters in its natural habitat. However, under certain conditions, it can grow even taller, reaching an upper limit of about 15.24 meters. Such impressive stature allows it to establish a significant presence within its ecological niche.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Afraegle paniculata is a species that has been investigated for its potential pharmacological properties. Recent studies focusing on related botanical extracts have sought to identify specific bioactive compounds within these plant families. While some isolated alkaloids demonstrated a strong suppressive effect on phagocytosis, their overall antimicrobial efficacy was found to be limited. Specifically, the tested compounds exhibited low to missing antimicrobial activities, with minimum inhibitory concentrations exceeding 1 mg/mL. These findings provide important insights into the chemical profile and biological limitations of such medicinal plants.
Compounds
Afraegle paniculata is a plant species characterized by a diverse profile of bioactive chemical constituents. Research has identified that the plant contains several important coumarins, specifically marmesin, xanthotoxin, and xanthotoxol. Furthermore, the presence of N-trans-p-coumaroyltyramine has been noted within its chemical makeup. Studies focusing on these isolated compounds have specifically investigated their pharmacological potential, such as anti-inflammatory activity. While xanthotoxol and marmesin showed no such effect, xanthotoxin demonstrated measurable activity when compared to aspirin.
Conditions
Afraegle paniculata demonstrates various medicinal properties, including the ability to treat anti-inflammatory activity through specific isolated coumarins like xanthotoxin. This plant is also utilized by Nigerians to address various gut disturbances. Furthermore, research identifies its potential in the treatment of malaria. In Ghana, the species has been documented as a plant used for antimalarial purposes. Together, these findings highlight the diverse therapeutic applications of Afraegle paniculata.
Preparations
Afraegle paniculata is utilized by Nigerians through various different preparations to address gut disturbances. These medicinal uses involve multiple forms of the plant to achieve therapeutic effects. While the provided text mentions that different preparations are used, it does not explicitly state that Afraegle paniculata is prepared as a methanol extract. In contrast, the second abstract notes that methanol extracts are used for Balsamocitrus paniculata rather than the plant in question. Therefore, the specific relationship regarding a methanol extract for Afraegle paniculata is not supported by these abstracts.
Parts used
Afraegle paniculata is a plant species that possesses a stem as a key anatomical part. In botanical studies, analyzing specific components like the stem can reveal significant chemical properties. For instance, research on similar species such as Balsamocitrus paniculata has demonstrated that stems can serve as a rich source of diverse alkaloids. These isolated compounds often undergo rigorous testing to determine their biological activities and potential medicinal value. Understanding these plant relationships helps scientists identify new chemical structures for future pharmacological applications.