Albizia anthelmintica
Albizia anthelmintica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Albizia anthelmintica is a medicinal plant recognized for its significant anthelmintic and antiplasmodial activities. Scientific studies focus on the therapeutic potential of extracts derived from its leaves and root barks. These preparations have demonstrated effectiveness against various conditions, including the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Chemical analyses of the plant reveal the presence of bioactive flavonoids, though traces of arsenic, chromium, and lead have also been noted. Consequently, both the leaves and roots serve as vital components in exploring the plant's diverse pharmacological properties.
- Synonyms
- Acacia Anthelmintica · Acacia Marlothii · 7 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Root
Classification
Common Names
Albizia anthelmintica is a remarkable species known by a diverse array of regional and descriptive names. Locally, it is frequently referred to as Arub or Arubs, names that ground the plant in its specific geographic contexts. In certain areas, it is also recognized by the moniker Bonthout, reflecting its unique botanical identity. Its striking appearance often earns it the poetic title of the Cherry-Blossom Tree, highlighting its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the plant is commonly known as Mohlafula, illustrating the rich linguistic variety used to describe this single species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Albizia anthelmintica is a complex species characterized by a wide array of botanical synonyms that reflect its taxonomic diversity. It has been identified under various names, including the closely related Acacia anthelmintica and Acacia marlothii. The plant's classification also encompasses specific varieties, such as Albizia anthelmintica var. australis and Albizia anthelmintica var. pubescens. Furthermore, the name Albizia conjugatopinnata has been utilized to describe specimens within this group. Understanding these overlapping designations is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Albizia anthelmintica is a unique biological entity that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this expansive group, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further follows the specific order of Fabales, showcasing its distinct evolutionary path. This species is a proud member of the Fabaceae family, which defines its core botanical characteristics. Ultimately, its identity is solidified through its placement within the genus Albizia.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Albizia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Albizia anthelmintica is a notable plant species primarily distributed throughout the diverse landscapes of Africa. Within the East Tropical Africa region, it can be found growing across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its presence also extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it thrives in specific ecological niches. Specifically, the species is well-documented in the nations of Eritrea and Ethiopia. This broad geographical range highlights the plant's adaptability to various environments across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Albizia anthelmintica is a self-supporting tree characterized by its distinct growth form. This species exhibits significant variability in size, with individual specimens reaching a minimum height of only 0.89 m. While some smaller versions exist, many mature trees establish a substantial presence with a minimum height of 8 m. The overall stature of the plant is impressive, as it can reach a maximum height of 10.69 m. Such diverse dimensions allow this tree to adapt effectively to its natural environment.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Albizia anthelmintica stands out as a significant medicinal plant due to its diverse therapeutic properties. Ethnobotanical studies in Kenya's Loitoktok district reveal that this species is a highly frequent choice for treating helminthosis in both humans and livestock. Beyond its traditional use as an anthelmintic, scientific investigations have highlighted its significant antiplasmodial potential. Metabolomic profiling has linked this activity to specific compounds, such as alkaloids, which interact effectively with the target sites of Plasmodium falciparum. Consequently, the plant remains a promising candidate for the development of novel drugs to combat parasitic and malarial infections.
Compounds
Conditions
Albizia anthelmintica demonstrates significant medicinal versatility, including strong anti-Candida activity against the fungus Candida albicans. The plant also shows high efficacy in treating the adult worm Fasciola gigantica, performing comparably to albendazole in animal studies. Research into its metabolic profile reveals promising antiplasmodial potential that could aid in the design of novel antimalarial drugs. While it was found to be the least effective among tested plants for reducing bacterial colonies in water disinfection, it remains a documented tool for such purposes. Furthermore, traditional healers in North-eastern Tanzania utilize Albizia anthelmintica as a remedy for treating diarrhoeal diseases among children under five years of age.
Preparations
Albizia anthelmintica is prepared as an aqueous extract for the purpose of disinfecting water. This specific plant is also prepared as extracts of the root barks to demonstrate strong anti-Candida activity. Furthermore, the species is prepared as leaves to facilitate untargeted metabolomic analysis and the identification of various metabolites. These different preparation methods allow researchers to investigate the plant's diverse medicinal and chemical properties. Each method of preparation serves a unique role in evaluating the therapeutic potential of Albizia anthelmintica.
Parts used
Albizia anthelmintica is a versatile species within the rich medicinal genus of Albizia. Scientific research has utilized the leaves of this plant to conduct metabolic profiling, identifying a diverse array of flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. Beyond its foliage, the root bark of the species has also demonstrated significant biological potential. Specifically, extracts derived from the root bark have shown strong activity in screening for anti-Candida properties. These findings highlight how different parts of Albizia anthelmintica contribute to its potential as a source for novel pharmaceutical developments.