Bryophyllum pinnatum
What's the taxonomical classification of Bryophyllum pinnatum?
Bryophyllum pinnatum belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is categorized under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Following the taxonomic hierarchy further, it is placed in the order Saxifragales and belongs to the family Crassulaceae. Finally, the plant is defined by its genus, Bryophyllum, and its specific species, pinnatum.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Bryophyllum |
| Species | pinnatum |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Bryophyllum pinnatum has thick, fleshy, succulent leaves that are broadly ovate with scalloped or crenate margins and arranged in an opposite pattern along the stem. Each leaf is characterized by a deep green color and a smooth, waxy texture that helps retain moisture. The leaf margins are particularly distinctive because they bear small notches where adventitious plantlets develop. The stems are also succulent and cylindrical, providing structural support while storing water for the plant. These morphological adaptations allow the species to thrive in various environmental conditions.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Madagascar, and parts of Asia, though it has become widely naturalized across many other warm climates worldwide. It thrives in various environments ranging from coastal areas to inland tropical forests where humidity is relatively high. Because of its ability to propagate easily through leaf cuttings, it has spread extensively throughout the Americas and many Pacific islands. Many gardeners and botanists have introduced it to Mediterranean regions due to its tolerance for warm temperatures. Its widespread presence in many countries is largely a result of human-aided dispersal for its medicinal and ornamental properties.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant is cultivated by planting leaf segments directly onto moist soil or by using stem cuttings in well-draining, sandy loam.
It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires regular watering to keep the substrate consistently damp but never waterlogged. Because it is a succulent, the plant is highly drought-tolerant and can survive in tropical or subtropical climates with minimal intervention. Propagation is exceptionally easy because new plantlets emerge from the notches along the leaf margins.
Maintaining a warm temperature range between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius ensures optimal growth and health.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant uses its thick, succulent leaves as the primary medicinal component for treating various ailments. These fleshy leaves contain bioactive compounds that are frequently applied topically to soothe burns and skin inflammations. In some traditional practices, the crushed leaf pulp is also used to manage kidney stones and urinary tract issues. The high concentration of secondary metabolites within the leaf tissue makes it a versatile resource in herbal medicine. Practitioners often prepare decoctions or poultices specifically from these leaf parts to harness their healing properties.
According to a study published by "Journal of agricultural and food chemistry", Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam) Pers. (Crassulaceae) is widely used in folk medicine as leaf juice, aqueous, or hydro-ethanolic extracts. It is listed as a medicinal plant in several countries such as France and Brazil. The main reported constituents are flavone glycosides, especially those with the rare 3-O-alpha-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-alpha-l-rhamnopyranoside moiety. A hydro-ethanolic extract of B. pinnatum was investigated using UHPLC-HRMS/MS, which led to the detection of the nitrile glycoside sarmentosin for the first time within the genus Bryophyllum/Kalanchoe. The amount of sarmentosin was determined as 2.07% of the examined sample.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaf
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Bryophyllum pinnatum, has been utilized for centuries in various traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda to treat ailments ranging from kidney stones to respiratory issues. In Ayurvedic practice, the leaves are often prepared as a juice or decoction to address inflammation and digestive disorders. Beyond Ayurveda, many indigenous cultures in Africa and South America employ the succulent leaves to treat wounds and skin infections due to their antimicrobial properties. Historical applications also include using crushed leaves to manage hypertension and soothe menstrual cramps. These diverse uses highlight the plant's long-standing importance in global ethnomedicine.
According to a study published by "Current topics in medicinal chemistry", many Ayurveda physicians and traditional healers treat ulcers using medicinal plants like Bryophyllum pinnatum. This plant is part of a literature review examining extracts and phytochemicals for peptic ulcer from 2018 to 2024. Research conducted over several decades has utilized decoctions or infusions of extracts derived from leaves, vegetables, branches, and flowers to examine biological functions. The investigation focuses on identifying anti-ulcer properties as reported in publications released between 2018 and 2024.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
What are the pharmacological activities of Bryophyllum pinnatum?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and gastroprotective properties. Its antioxidant capacity helps neutralize harmful free radicals, which significantly reduces oxidative stress within cellular structures. The antimicrobial effects enable it to combat various pathogenic microorganisms effectively. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory actions help mitigate swelling and pain in biological tissues. Research also highlights its anti-tumor potential in inhibiting abnormal cell growth and its gastroprotective ability to shield the stomach lining from ulceration.
According to a study published by "Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis", Bryophyllum pinnatum is used in traditional medicine to relieve inflammation-associated symptoms. The hydroethanolic extract of the plant was evaluated for its antioxidant activity and xanthine oxidase inhibition. Specifically, compound 2 at 168 μM and compound 3 at 124 μM moderately inhibited xanthine oxidase. Additionally, compounds 1 and 3 displayed average radical scavenging activity in DPPH and ABTS inhibition tests. Quantitative analysis showed that the proportions of compounds 1, 2, and 3 in the extract were 2.43, 0.25, and 0.33 % respectively.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-tumour
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
- anti-ulcer
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains medicinal compounds including Bryophyllin A, Bryophyllin B, Bryophyllin C, bufadienolides, and flavonoids. These specific chemical constituents contribute to the plant's diverse pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential. The bufadienolides are particularly notable for their biological potency in various medicinal applications. Additionally, the presence of flavonoids provides significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to the organism. Together, these various compounds form the complex biochemical profile responsible for the plant's healing characteristics.
According to a study published by "Planta medica", flavonoid glycosides were identified as the main UV-absorbing constituents in the MeOH extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum. The analysis identified 2 phenolic glucosides, including syringic acid β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1) and 4'-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-cis-p-coumaric acid (2), along with 9 flavonoids (3-11) such as kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, acacetin, and diosmetin glycosides. Two new natural products were discovered, which are the flavonol glycosides quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3) and myricetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (4). Furthermore, the presence of 4 bufadienolides was detected, specifically bersaldegenin-1-acetate (12), bryophyllin A (13), bersaldegenin-3-acetate (14), and bersaldegenin-1,3,5-orthoacetate (15).
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- bryophyllin A
- bryophyllin B
- bryophyllin C
- bufadienolides
- kaempferol
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating gastric ulcers, peptic ulcer disease, kidney stones, diabetes, and preventing premature labour. Its medicinal properties help soothe the digestive tract to manage ulcer-related discomfort and inflammation. The leaves are often utilized to assist in the dissolution of kidney stones through their diuretic effects. Additionally, the plant contains compounds that help regulate blood sugar levels for those managing diabetes. It is also traditionally applied to help strengthen the uterine environment to mitigate the risks of premature labour.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in pharmacology", Bryophyllum pinnatum has been used to treat inflammatory disorders. The plant is rich in flavonoids, including quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1->2)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside at 33.12 ± 0.056 mg/g, kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1->2)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside at 3.98 ± 0.049 mg/g, and quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside at 4.26 ± 0.022 mg/g. Treatment with the extract at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg stimulated the healing process in the gastric mucosa against an acetic acid-induced chronic ulcer model. The extract also showed gastroprotective activity against gastric lesions induced by ethanol and indomethacin. Furthermore, the major compound Bp1 at a dose of 5 mg/kg reduced gastric lesions and provided a cytoprotective effect in histological analyses.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- antiulcera properties
- gastric ulcer
- kidney stones
- premature labour
- type II diabetes
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create diverse medicinal preparations including a 60% methanolic extract, decoctions, ethanol extracts, herbal tea, and fresh leaf juice. Researchers utilize the 60% methanolic extract and various ethanol extracts to isolate specific bioactive compounds for pharmacological studies. Traditional methods often involve making a decoction or a simple herbal tea by boiling the leaves in water. For topical applications, the raw leaf juice is frequently applied directly to wounds or skin irritations. These different preparations allow for both concentrated chemical analysis and practical home remedies.
According to a study published by "International journal of molecular sciences", Bryophyllum pinnatum is used as leaf juice, leaves in capsules, an ethanolic extract, and herbal tea. During the boiling of leaves for a decoction, the pH decreased to 4.8 within 14 min before stabilizing. Organic acids like citric and malic acid reached a maximum release time of 35 min, while glycoflavonoids including Q-3O-ArRh, M-3O-ArRh, kappinatoside, myricitrin, and quercitrin were released with a tmax of 5-10 min. The total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity reached their tmax at 55 min and 61 min, respectively. Boiling 24 g of leaves in 250 mL of water for 61 min ensures a maximal release of these key water-soluble metabolites.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 60% methanolic extract
- decoction
- ethanol extracts
- herbal tea
- leaf juice
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause serious health complications including cytotoxicity, diabetic neuropathy, tocological effects, and general systemic toxicity. Research indicates that certain extracts may exhibit cytotoxicity by damaging healthy cell structures during treatment. Furthermore, improper use has been linked to the development or worsening of diabetic neuropathy in sensitive individuals. The plant also demonstrates a tological effect, which means it may trigger uterine contractions and pose risks during pregnancy. These combined factors highlight the potential for significant toxicity if the plant is consumed without professional medical guidance.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the Bryophyllum pinnatum extract displayed moderate to high IC50 values against promastigotes ranging from about 51 to >500 µg/mL. This plant also showed IC50 values against amastigotes ranging from about 224 to >500 µg/mL. Regarding its toxicity, the extract was relatively toxic to THP-1 cells. The IC50 values for this toxicity ranged from <16 to about 42 µg/mL.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- cytotoxicity
- diabetic neuropathy
- tocological effect
- toxicity
What herbs are paired with Bryophyllum pinnatum?
This plant is commonly paired with ginger, honey, and lemon to enhance its medicinal properties for treating respiratory issues and inflammation.
When preparing a decoction, practitioners often add ginger to provide warmth and stimulate circulation. Honey is frequently included to soothe the throat and mask the bitter taste of the leaves. Lemon juice can also be integrated to add vitamin C and balance the flavor profile.
These combinations are widely used in traditional folk medicine to create more effective herbal remedies.