Albizia gummifera
Albizia gummifera · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Albizia gummifera is a versatile botanical species known for containing significant bioactive compounds such as lupenone, lupeol, and various triterpenes. Research focusing on its leaves, stems, roots, and seeds has demonstrated impressive pharmacological potential, particularly through the use of 80% methanol crude extracts and CH2Cl2 stem bark extracts. These preparations exhibit notable antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum and antibacterial properties against pathogens like Bacillus cereus and Candida albicans. Furthermore, the plant displays promising cytotoxic effects, offering a foundation for further studies in cancer research. Consequently, the diverse chemical profile of Albizia gummifera makes it a subject of great interest in the development of new therapeutic agents.
- Synonyms
- Sassa Gummifera
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Albizia gummifera is a fascinating plant known by a diverse array of names across different cultures and languages. In certain regions, it is affectionately referred to as the Peacock Flower due to its striking appearance. It also carries the local name Morango keliravina, highlighting its unique identity in specific botanical circles. Some enthusiasts may even encounter it under the name hurmealbitsia in various texts. Furthermore, its international presence is cemented by its Chinese common name, 胶合欢.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Albizia gummifera is a distinctive species often recognized by its unique botanical characteristics. Within scientific literature, this plant is frequently referred to by its synonym, Sassa gummifera. This dual nomenclature can sometimes cause confusion for researchers navigating various botanical databases. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for accurate identification and classification in the field. Consequently, recognizing both terms ensures a more comprehensive approach to studying this specific tree.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Albizia gummifera is a fascinating specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Fabales, which helps scientists understand its evolutionary lineage. This plant is a member of the genus Albizia, showcasing its unique morphological characteristics. Finally, it is situated within the Fabaceae family, linking it to a diverse group of nitrogen-fixing legumes.
| 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 gummifera is a notable species primarily distributed throughout the diverse landscapes of Africa. Within East Tropical Africa, this plant can be found flourishing in the nations of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its range also extends into the Northeast Tropical regions, establishing a presence in Ethiopia. Furthermore, the species is documented within the territories of Sudan and South Sudan. This wide geographical spread highlights the plant's adaptability to various African ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Albizia gummifera is a self-supporting tree that establishes a commanding presence within its ecosystem. Depending on its stage of development and environmental conditions, this species exhibits a diverse range of vertical growth. While younger specimens may only reach a modest height of 4.5 meters, mature individuals quickly transition into much larger structures. The tree typically stabilizes at a significant stature, often ranging between 24.25 and 33.53 meters tall. This impressive height makes it a prominent feature of the forest canopy.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Albizia gummifera demonstrates significant pharmacological potential through its diverse range of medicinal activities. Scientific investigations have confirmed that the plant possesses potent antimalarial properties, showing effectiveness against laboratory-adapted isolates of Plasmodium falciparum. Furthermore, the plant exhibits notable antibacterial activity, particularly against clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. Research into the plant's chemical constituents has also identified cytotoxic triterpenoid saponins that show promise against human ovarian cancer cell lines. These combined findings suggest that Albizia gummifera contains bioactive compounds of great therapeutic interest for future medical development.
Compounds
Albizia gummifera serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds found within its stem bark. Chemical analyses of the plant have successfully identified several macrocyclic spermine alkaloids, including budmunchiamine G, budmunchiamine K, and 9-normethylbudmunchiamine K. In addition to these alkaloids, the species contains significant triterpenes such as lupeol and lupenone. These specific constituents highlight the complex phytochemical profile that characterizes the plant's secondary metabolites. Together, these findings underscore the potential pharmacological importance of the chemical substances found in Albizia gummifera.
Conditions
Albizia gummifera demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its ability to treat the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The plant also exhibits anticancer properties, as evidenced by its ability to treat the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line using cytotoxic triterpenoid saponins. Furthermore, its medicinal value extends to antimicrobial applications, including the treatment of the bacterium Bacillus cereus. Research also indicates that extracts from the plant are effective in treating the yeast Candida albicans. Finally, Albizia gummifera has shown the capacity to treat the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli.
Preparations
Albizia gummifera is prepared as various extracts for medicinal testing, including 80% methanol crude extracts derived from its seeds. The plant's stem bark is also utilized as a primary source for scientific study, yielding diverse chemical compounds. From this stem bark, a CH2Cl2 extract is specifically prepared to isolate macrocyclic spermine alkaloids. Additionally, the plant is processed into eighty percent ethanol solubilized fractions to evaluate its antibacterial effectiveness. These diverse preparation methods facilitate the identification of bioactive principles used in treating various infections and diseases.
Parts used
Albizia gummifera is a versatile plant species that contains a diverse range of bioactive components across its different anatomical structures. Scientific investigations have identified significant chemical compounds within the stem bark, including macrocyclic spermine alkaloids and various triterpenes. The leaves of the plant have also been studied, demonstrating notable antimicrobial properties against several bacteria species. Furthermore, researchers have isolated cytotoxic triterpenoid saponins from the roots, which show potential in targeting cancer cell lines. Finally, the seeds of the plant have been evaluated for their antibacterial effects, highlighting the therapeutic potential found throughout the entire organism.