Albizia schimperiana
Albizia schimperiana · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Albizia schimperiana is a botanical species recognized for its diverse pharmacological potential in traditional and modern medicine. Research indicates that the stem bark of this plant serves as a vital source of bioactive compounds. Various preparations, including CH2Cl2 extracts, crude aqueous extracts, and hydro-alcoholic extracts, have been studied for their medicinal properties. These extracts demonstrate significant anthelmintic activities, making them useful in combating parasitic infections. Furthermore, the plant shows promising therapeutic effects against complex conditions such as cancer, leukemia, and Trypanosoma brucei brucei.
- Synonyms
- Feuilleea Schimperiana
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Common Names
Albizia schimperiana is a distinctive species known locally by the common name 乌拉圭合欢. This plant belongs to a fascinating group of flowering trees that are often celebrated for their delicate, fern-like foliage. Throughout various regions, it maintains a unique botanical identity that connects it to its specific environmental niche. Understanding its nomenclature helps enthusiasts and scientists alike categorize its role within the broader ecosystem. By studying this species, one gains a deeper appreciation for the diverse floral relationships found in nature.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Albizia schimperiana is a distinctive botanical species that is often recognized by various scientific names in historical literature. In many taxonomic records, this plant is documented under its synonym, Feuilleea schimperiana. Understanding these nomenclatural connections is essential for researchers tracking the distribution and classification of the species. While the names may differ, they both refer to the same biological entity within the Fabaceae family. Recognizing these synonyms ensures that botanical data remains consistent and accurate across diverse scientific databases.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Albizia schimperiana belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, showcasing the diverse beauty of the natural world. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its place among flowering plants. The species is a distinguished member of the genus Albizia, a group known for its unique structural characteristics. Further taxonomic detail places it within the order Fabales, highlighting its evolutionary connections. Finally, it is rooted in the family Fabaceae, sharing a biological lineage with many other significant 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 schimperiana is a distinctive plant species with a broad presence across the African continent. Its natural distribution is primarily concentrated within the East Tropical Africa region, where it thrives in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Beyond these eastern territories, the species also extends into Northeast Tropical Africa. Specifically, it can be found inhabiting the landscapes of both Ethiopia and Somalia. This widespread range highlights the plant's adaptability to various ecological niches throughout these diverse African nations.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Albizia schimperiana is a self-supporting tree that establishes a sturdy presence within its natural habitat. Reaching a maximum height of 25 meters, this species develops a significant growth form that defines its landscape. Its impressive stature makes it a prominent feature among the surrounding vegetation.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Albizia schimperiana has demonstrated significant anthelmintic activity against the parasite Haemonchus contortus in recent in vitro studies. Researchers found that aqueous extracts of the plant's stem bark can achieve complete inhibition of egg hatching at concentrations of 1mg/ml or less. Furthermore, the aqueous extracts showed remarkable effectiveness by inducing a 99.31% inhibition rate in larval development. When tested at higher concentrations, the hydro-alcoholic extracts also maintained a strong inhibitory effect of 99.09%. These promising results suggest that the plant holds substantial potential as a traditional remedy for treating helminth infections.
Compounds
Conditions
Albizia schimperiana exhibits significant therapeutic potential by treating Trypanosoma brucei brucei through its trypanocidal activity. This plant also demonstrates efficacy in treating cancer, particularly through its cytotoxic effects against human cell lines. Specifically, its stem bark extract has shown high potency in treating leukemia by inhibiting CCRF-CEM cells. Additionally, the species is used traditionally for treating helminth infection in various regions. Research further confirms its ability to treat egg hatching by inducing complete inhibition in parasites like Haemonchus contortus.
Preparations
Albizia schimperiana is prepared as a CH2Cl2 extract to evaluate its trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. For anthelmintic studies, the plant is prepared as stem bark to be used in various testing assays. These stem bark samples are further processed into crude aqueous extracts to inhibit the egg hatching of Haemonchus contortus. Additionally, the plant is prepared as hydro-alcoholic extracts, which have demonstrated significant potential in inhibiting both egg hatching and larval development.
Parts used
Albizia schimperiana is a medicinal plant that offers significant therapeutic potential through the use of its stem components. Research indicates that extracts derived from its stem bark exhibit potent anthelmintic properties, effectively inhibiting the egg hatching and larval development of parasites like Haemonchus contortus. Furthermore, the plant's stem bark has demonstrated remarkable cytotoxic activity against human leukemia cell lines in laboratory studies. Specifically, the ethanol extract of its stem bark showed high efficacy in inhibiting CCRF-CEM cells, marking it as a candidate for further anticancer investigation. These findings validate the traditional medicinal uses of the plant and highlight the importance of its stem in various pharmacological applications.