Alibertia edulis
Alibertia edulis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Alibertia edulis is a botanical species recognized for its diverse medicinal properties and therapeutic potential. The plant's leaves and seeds are frequently utilized in various traditional preparations, including specialized teas. Research highlights its significant biological activities, most notably its antioxidant and antihypertensive effects. Furthermore, it serves as a natural remedy for managing health conditions through its diuretic and hypoglycemic actions. By utilizing these specific plant parts, practitioners aim to address hypertension and blood sugar regulation effectively.
- Synonyms
- Cordiera Edulis · Genipa Edulis · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Distribution
- Northern America
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Alibertia edulis is a versatile plant recognized by a diverse array of regional names across different cultures. In certain areas, it is widely known by its common name, Apuruí. Other people may refer to the species as Goiaba-preta or use the specific descriptors Guayabita de Cuba and Guayabita del pinar. Additionally, it is frequently called Marmelada-de-cavalo in various local contexts. These many aliases highlight the plant's widespread presence and its deep integration into various botanical traditions.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Alibertia edulis is a botanical species that is recognized by several different scientific names within various taxonomic records. It is frequently identified by its synonym Amaioua edulis, reflecting different historical classifications. Researchers may also encounter the plant referred to as Cordiera edulis in older botanical literature. Additionally, the names Gardenia edulis and Genipa edulis serve as recognized synonyms for this specific plant. Understanding these multiple nomenclatures is essential for accurate identification in both academic and field studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Alibertia edulis is a fascinating botanical specimen belonging to the diverse kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It falls specifically into the order Gentianales, a group known for its unique floral characteristics. This plant is further defined by its membership in the Rubiaceae family. Ultimately, it serves as a distinct representative of the genus Alibertia.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Alibertia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Alibertia edulis exhibits a broad geographical range that spans across both the northern and southern reaches of the Americas. In the north, this species is widely distributed throughout Mexico, including its Gulf, Southeast, and Southwest regions. Its presence also extends into various parts of Northern America, marking a significant portion of its northern territory. Moving southward, the plant establishes a strong foothold in Brazil, specifically within the northern and northeastern territories. This expansive distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive across diverse ecological zones in two different hemispheres.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Alibertia edulis is a self-supporting plant that takes the form of a sturdy tree. Depending on its specific environmental conditions, it can reach a maximum height of 13 meters. In many instances, however, the species may remain more modest with a height of only up to 4 meters. This versatile growth habit allows the tree to adapt effectively to its surroundings.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Alibertia edulis, commonly known as "marmelo do Cerrado," is a native Brazilian plant that holds significant medicinal potential. Traditional folk medicine frequently utilizes its tea leaves for their hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, and diuretic properties. Scientific evaluations have further supported its therapeutic value by demonstrating notable antioxidant activity through various assays. Research into its aqueous extract suggests that these biological benefits can be achieved without inducing cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, or mutagenicity in tested models. Consequently, the plant presents a promising profile for future clinical studies aimed at exploring its diverse health applications.
Compounds
Conditions
Alibertia edulis demonstrates specific biological and physiological responses across various scientific studies. In brine shrimp bioassays, the species exhibits an LC50 of 1741 microg/mL, indicating its level of toxicity. Research regarding seed conservation shows that the plant responds to PEG-induced osmotic stress and the application of abscisic acid (ABA) to increase desiccation tolerance. Medicinally, the plant is utilized for its antihypertensive properties in traditional folk medicine. Finally, evaluations of its aqueous leaf extract show that it can address cytotoxicity, particularly when tested through various in vivo and in vitro assays.
Preparations
Alibertia edulis is frequently utilized in folk medicine where the tea leaves are prepared to serve as a medicinal tea. This plant's leaves are specifically processed into tea to be used for hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, and diuretic purposes. Additionally, the seeds of Alibertia edulis are a significant component of the plant's biological study, particularly regarding their desiccation tolerance and storage viability. Through these various applications, the species demonstrates its versatile utility in both traditional remedy and botanical research. Consequently, the preparation of its leaves as tea remains a primary traditional use described in the literature.
Parts used
Alibertia edulis is a native Brazilian plant, often referred to as "marmelo do Cerrado," which holds significant ornamental and food potential. A primary component of its traditional use in folk medicine is the leaf, which is frequently prepared as a tea. These tea leaves are commonly utilized for their purported hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, and diuretic properties. Recent scientific investigations have focused on the aqueous extract of these leaves to evaluate their safety and biological activity. Ultimately, studies conducted on rats suggest that the leaf extract is safe and does not exhibit significant cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, or mutagenicity at the tested doses.