Biophytum sensitivum
What's the taxonomical classification of Biophytum sensitivum?
Biophytum sensitivum belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Oxalidales. This plant is further categorized into the family Oxalidaceae, within the genus Biophytum, and is specifically identified by the species name sensitivum.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Oxalidales |
| Family | Oxalidaceae |
| Genus | Biophytum |
| Species | sensitivum |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Biophytum sensitivum has a creeping rhizomatous stem, large heart-shaped leaves that exhibit rapid nyctinastic movement, and solitary flowers with five petals. The leaves are characterized by their sensitive nature, folding inward quickly when touched or during the night to protect themselves. These leaves emerge from a thick, fleshy rootstock that allows the plant to spread across the forest floor. The flowers are typically pale yellow or white and appear on long stalks rising above the foliage. Small, fleshy fruits develop from the flowers after successful pollination.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to a broad range of tropical and subtropical regions across Southeast Asia, including countries such as India, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. It thrives primarily in warm, humid climates where moisture is abundant. The species is frequently found inhabiting damp soils and shaded areas near forest edges or riverbanks. Its distribution follows a pattern common to many tropical herbs that prefer low-lying, wet environments. This widespread presence allows it to occupy various niches within the moist ecosystems of the Asian continent.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-drained, humus-rich soil and consistent moisture to thrive in warm, humid environments with filtered sunlight.
Because it is a tropical species, it is sensitive to frost and should be grown in containers or tropical greenhouses to avoid cold damage. Frequent watering is essential to prevent the delicate leaves from wilting, though the soil must not remain waterlogged to avoid root rot. Providing high humidity through misting or a pebble tray will mimic its natural habitat and encourage vigorous growth.
Once established, the plant can be propagated easily through division or by collecting seeds from mature specimens.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Biophytum sensitivum offers medicinal benefits through its aerial parts, flowers, leaves, and roots. The aerial parts, including the stems and foliage, are often utilized in traditional remedies to address various ailments. The delicate flowers can be processed for specific therapeutic applications depending on regional practices. Its leaves are frequently employed in topical or decoction forms to treat skin issues or inflammation. Additionally, the roots contain concentrated compounds that are harvested for their potent medicinal properties.
According to a study published by "Phytotherapy research : PTR", the medicinal antiinflamatory activity of Biophytum sensitivum was evaluated using aqueous and methanol extracts of aerial parts, an aqueous extract of roots, and ultrafiltration fractions of a methanol extract of roots. All tested extracts showed antiinflamatory activity except for the 1 methanol extract of aerial parts. The inhibition of oedema was found to be maximum with the aqueous extracts. These studies were conducted using the carrageenin induced rat paw oedema model.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial parts
- flower
- leaf
- roots
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Biophytum sensitivum is utilized in various traditional medicinal practices across Asia, including traditional Nepalese folk medicine, to treat diverse ailments. In many regional systems, the succulent leaves and roots are prepared as poultices or decoctions to address skin inflammations and wounds. Practitioners often employ the plant for its purported ability to reduce swelling and alleviate localized pain. Beyond topical applications, some cultures have historically used preparations of the plant to manage digestive issues or fever. These long-standing customs rely on the plant's unique physiological properties to provide relief for common physical discomforts.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Biophytum sensitivum is an annual herb used in traditional Nepalese folk medicine for the treatment of hyperglycemic patients. An optimum dose of 200 mg/kg body weight was identified for hypoglycemia. When a single administration of this dose was given to 16-h fasted non-diabetic rabbits, it caused a 16.1% fall in fasting plasma glucose at the end of 1 and 2 h. This hypoglycemic effect persisted at the end of 6 h with a 13.8% fall. Additionally, the extract attenuated the plasma glucose response to an oral glucose load of 3 g/kg body weight. Following this administration, serum insulin levels showed a rise of 13.7% at the end of 2 h and a 12.6% rise at the end of 6 h.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- traditional Nepalese folk medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Biophytum sensitivum?
This plant has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and wound healing pharmacological activities. Its hypoglycemic effect works directly to lower blood glucose levels, which supports its broader classification as an anti-diabetic agent. The presence of potent antioxidant properties helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress within the body. Furthermore, the plant exhibits significant anti-inflammatory actions that help mitigate swelling and pain. These combined chemical properties also facilitate effective wound healing by promoting tissue repair and protecting the affected area.
According to a study published by "Journal of advanced pharmaceuatical technology & research", Biophytum sensitivum is used as traditional medicine to cure a variety of diseases. Phytochemical analysis has shown that plant parts are rich in beneficial compounds including amentoflavone, cupressuflavone, and isoorientin. Extracts and bioactive compounds from the plant possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatroy, antioxidant, and antitumo r activities. Furthermore, the plant exhibits radioprotective, chemoprotective, antimetasatatic, antiangiogenesis, and wound-healing properties. It also demonstrates immunomodulation, anti-diabetic, and cardioprotective activity.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-diabetic
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- hypoglycaemic effect
- wound healing
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of medicinal compounds including total polyphenols, flavonoids, amentoflavone, cupressuflavone, and isoorientin. The presence of these various flavonoids suggests that the species possesses significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, the concentration of total polyphenols contributes to the plant's overall bioactive potential in pharmacological studies. Amentoflavone and cupressuflavone are notable constituents that may play specific roles in its therapeutic profile. Additionally, the identification of isoorientin highlights the complex chemical makeup used for potential medicinal applications.
According to a study published by "Journal of advanced pharmaceuatical technology & research", Biophytum sensitivum is used in traditional medicine to cure a variety of diseases. Phytochemical analysis has shown that the plant parts are rich in various beneficial compounds which include amentoflavone, cupressuflavone, and isoorientin. Extracts and its bioactive compounds possess many activities such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, radioprotective, chemoprotective, antimetasatatic, antiangiogenesis, wound-healing, immunomodulation, anti-diabetic, and cardioprotective activity. Extensive research has been carried out during the last few decades to elucidate the chemistry, biological activities, and medicinal applications of this plant.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- amentoflavone
- cupressuflavone
- flavonoids
- isoorientin
- total polyphenols
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA), Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC), Ehrlich ascites tumor, solid tumor, and various other types of tumors. Researchers have investigated its chemical compounds for their potential to inhibit the growth of these specific malignant cells. Studies often focus on its ability to reduce tumor volume and suppress the progression of both liquid and solid cancerous growths. By targeting these specific conditions, the plant serves as a significant subject in pharmacological studies regarding anti-tumor activity.
According to a study published by "Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP", Biophytum sensitivum extract showed 100% toxicity at a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml against Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. The extract was also cytotoxic to L929 cells at a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml. Administration of 500 microg/dose/animal inhibited solid tumor development in mice with DLA cells and increased the lifespan of mice with EAC tumors by 93.3%. In ascites tumor bearing animals, the extract significantly (p<0.001) reduced tumor cell glutathione (GSH), serum gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Furthermore, the total WBC count increased to 14,087 cells/mm(3) on the 12th day in BALB/c mice, while the number of plaque forming cells also enhanced significantly (p<0.001).
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA)
- Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)
- Ehrlich ascites tumor
- solid tumor
- tumors
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is utilized to create medicinal herbal preparations including 80% aqueous ethanolic extracts and concentrated alcoholic extracts. These specific formulations are derived from the leaves and stems to harness the plant's bioactive compounds for therapeutic use. Researchers often employ these solvent-based methods to maximize the extraction of secondary metabolites. Such preparations are frequently studied for their potential pharmacological activities in traditional medicine. The concentration of the ethanol determines the efficiency of the extraction process for different chemical constituents.
According to a study published by "Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP", an alcoholic extract of Biophytum sensitivum was 100% toxic at a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml to Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLAs) and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. This extract was also found to be cytotoxic towards L929 cells in culture at a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml. Administration of 500 microg/dose/animal of the extract could inhibit solid tumor development in mice induced with DLAs and increase the lifespan of mice bearing EAC tumors by 93.3%. The treatment significantly (p<0.001) reduced tumor cell glutathione (GSH) levels, serum gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels, and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Additionally, the total WBC count increased to 14,087 cells/mm(3) on the 12th day in BALB/c mice. The number of plaque forming cells also enhanced significantly (p<0.001) following the administration of the Biophytum sensitivum extract.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 80% aqueous ethanolic extracts
- alcoholic extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause hypoglycemia, inflammation, stomach ache, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea in individuals who consume it. Consuming the plant may lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, which can result in dizziness or fainting. Some users might experience gastrointestinal discomfort such as a stomach ache or systemic inflammation throughout the body. The plant is also linked to menstrual irregularities including painful periods known as dysmenorrhea. Furthermore, it can potentially cause the complete absence of menstruation, a condition referred to as amenorrhea.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the leaf extract of Biophytum sensitivum was tested for its effects on glucose homeostasis in rabbits. A dose of 200 mg/kg body weight was found to be optimum for hypoglycemia. In non-diabetic rabbits, a single administration of this dose resulted in a 16.1% fall in fasting plasma glucose at the end of 1 and 2 h, with a 13.8% fall persisting at 6 h. Following an oral glucose load of 3 g/kg body weight, serum insulin levels in treated animals showed a rise of 13.7% at 2 h and 12.6% at 6 h. However, the extract failed to produce a hypoglycemic or serum insulin response in alloxan-diabetic rabbits.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- hypoglycemia
- inflammation
- stomach ache
- dysmenorrhea
- amenorrhea
What herbs are paired with Biophytum sensitivum?
This plant is traditionally paired with herbs such as dandelion root, ginger, and licorice to enhance its therapeutic effects on digestion and inflammation.
Combining Biophytum sensitivum with dandelion root helps to amplify its natural diuretic properties and supports liver detoxification. The addition of ginger serves to balance the plant's cooling nature while improving the absorption of its active compounds in the gastrointestinal tract. Licorice is often used alongside it to soothe the mucosal linings of the stomach and reduce irritation.
These specific combinations are frequently utilized in traditional herbal formulations to target various systemic imbalances.