Baccharoides anthelmintica
Baccharoides anthelmintica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Baccharoides anthelmintica is a versatile medicinal plant utilized for its diverse biological activities, most notably its antioxidant and antiproliferative properties. Various parts of the plant, including the seeds, flowers, roots, and stems, serve as critical sources for therapeutic extracts. Researchers have focused on different preparations such as ethanol and hexane extracts (EEVA and HEVA) to isolate potent bioactive compounds. These extracts are rich in flavonoids and specific caffeoylquinic acids, including the 3-O, 4-O, and 5-O derivatives. Consequently, this species shows significant potential in addressing medical conditions such as vitiligo, Alzheimer's disease, amoebic dysentery, and diabetes.
- Synonyms
- Ascaricida Anthelminthica · Vernonia Anthelmintica · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Flower
Classification
Common Names
Baccharoides anthelmintica is a distinctive plant known by a variety of unique regional names. In some contexts, it is referred to by the common name Wurm-Scheinaster. It is also recognized in certain areas as bakcharovec odčervujúci. Furthermore, the species is frequently called kinka-oil, reflecting its specific cultural or functional associations. These diverse naming conventions highlight the plant's widespread recognition across different linguistic landscapes.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Baccharoides anthelmintica is a botanical species characterized by a complex history of various taxonomic synonyms. Throughout scientific literature, it has been identified under several different names, including Ascaricida anthelmintica and Conyza anthelmintica. Researchers have also historically categorized the plant as Centratherum anthelminticum and Dolosanthus silvaticus. Furthermore, the name Phyllocephalum anthelminticum serves as another recognized synonym within its botanical records. Understanding these diverse nomenclatures is essential for accurately tracking the plant's classification across different studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Baccharoides anthelmintica is a specialized organism belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast botanical realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant further belongs to the order Asterales, showing its connection to a wide array of flowering species. More specifically, it is a member of the family Asteraceae, a group known for its diverse floral structures. Ultimately, this species is identified by its unique placement within the genus Baccharoides.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Baccharoides |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Baccharoides anthelmintica is a plant species widely distributed throughout various regions of the African continent. It is prominently found across East Tropical Africa, with specific populations inhabiting Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Beyond its eastern presence, the species also extends into South Tropical Africa. In these southern regions, it can be found growing within the borders of Malawi and Mozambique. This broad geographic range highlights the plant's adaptability to diverse tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Baccharoides anthelmintica is a self-supporting herb characterized by its distinct growth form. This species typically maintains a relatively modest stature in its natural habitat. Depending on environmental conditions, its height can reach a maximum of 0.8 meters. However, under optimal circumstances, the plant may grow to a maximum height of 2 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Baccharoides anthelmintica, also known as Vernonia anthelmintica, demonstrates significant therapeutic potential due to its diverse biological activities. Research indicates that extracts from its seeds possess potent antioxidant abilities, which are closely linked to their high phenolic and flavonoid contents. Furthermore, the plant has shown effective antiproliferative properties against human breast cancer cell lines, specifically MCF7 and MDA-MB-231. Studies suggest that while these antiproliferative effects occur at higher concentrations, the plant also influences the expression of estrogen receptor alpha mRNA. These combined characteristics highlight the plant's promise as a source of bioactive compounds for the development of new medical and food industry products.
Compounds
Baccharoides anthelmintica serves as a rich source of diverse secondary metabolites, including various bioactive compounds. Research has identified the presence of flavonoids within its chemical profile, highlighting its complex phytochemistry. Furthermore, the plant contains specific caffeoylquinic acid derivatives such as 3-O-Caffeoylquinic acid, 4-O-Caffeoylquinic acid, and 5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid. The chemical complexity is further extended by the presence of 3-hydroxyacetylindole. These findings underscore the significant pharmacological potential inherent in the medicinal plant.
Conditions
Baccharoides anthelmintica, also identified as Vernonia anthelmintica, is utilized in traditional medicine to treat vitiligo by modulating tyrosinase activity. This plant shows promise in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease due to its ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Regarding oncology, its extracts exhibit antiproliferative effects against both MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines. Research into its safety profile demonstrates that the plant can treat acute oral toxicity concerns, as its LD50 values in mice indicate it is safe for oral use. These diverse biological activities highlight the medicinal potential of the species across various therapeutic applications.
Preparations
Baccharoides anthelmintica is prepared as seeds for various phytochemical and medicinal investigations. The plant is also prepared as an ethanol extract, referred to as EEVA, and a hexane extract, known as HEVA. Research involves both ethanol and hexane extracts to study their specific bioactive properties. Additionally, the plant is prepared as a combined ethanol and hexane extract for testing purposes. These diverse preparation methods allow for the detailed analysis of the plant's secondary metabolites and toxicity profiles.
Parts used
Baccharoides anthelmintica is a medicinal plant that possesses several distinct anatomical parts used in various scientific studies. Research into the plant's stem has led to the isolation of unique secondary metabolites from associated endophytic bacteria. Furthermore, the seeds and flowers of the species serve as critical sources for discovering bioactive compounds and studying diverse microbial communities. Investigations into the roots have also highlighted the plant's potential through the study of endophytic fungi. Collectively, these different parts demonstrate the complex biological and pharmacological value of the species.