Cissampelos pareira
Cissampelos pareira · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (13 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cissampelos pareira is a versatile medicinal plant utilized for its diverse pharmacological activities, including antiarthritic, antifertility, antimalarial, and antioxidant properties. Various parts of the plant, such as the root, leaf, flower, and stem, serve as the primary sources for therapeutic study. Researchers frequently utilize preparations like the 50% aqueous ethanolic extract, alcoholic extract of roots, herbal extract, and leaf extract to isolate bioactive compounds. Scientific investigations have focused on its impact on conditions related to 5-Hydroxytryptamine, malarial infections, COVID-19, and creatinine levels. Through these specialized extracts, the plant continues to show significant potential in modern medicinal chemistry.
- Synonyms
- Cissampelos Littoralis · Cissampelos Pilgeri · 78 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Menispermaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Cissampelos pareira is a versatile climbing plant known by a diverse array of names across different cultures. In many English-speaking regions, it is affectionately referred to as the Cat-Ears Bush, though it also carries the more somber moniker of Graveyard Bush. Its linguistic reach extends into Spanish-speaking areas, where it is frequently called Oreja de ratón or simply Pareira. In certain local contexts, the plant is also recognized by the name Kö̀kili. These varied common names highlight the plant's widespread presence and its significance in various traditional landscapes.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cissampelos pareira is a botanical subject that has been identified through a diverse range of scientific nomenclature. Throughout various historical and regional studies, the plant has been documented under several synonyms, including Abutua africana and Cissampelos argentea. It has also been referred to in botanical literature as Cissampelos auriculata and Cissampelos australis. Furthermore, the name Cissampelos benthamiana has been utilized to describe specimens belonging to this species. Understanding these varying classifications is essential for navigating the complex taxonomic history of the plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cissampelos pareira is a fascinating organism that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this diverse group, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Ranunculales, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. The plant is a member of the genus Cissampelos, which helps botanists identify its specific characteristics. Ultimately, it is a distinctive representative of the Menispermaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Genus | Cissampelos |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Cissampelos pareira is a notable plant species with a widespread presence across several regions of the African continent. Its distribution is particularly concentrated within East Tropical Africa, where it can be found throughout Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Beyond these eastern territories, the plant also thrives in the Northeast Tropical Africa region. Specifically, it has established itself within the diverse landscapes of Ethiopia and Somalia. This broad geographic range highlights the adaptability of the species to various tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cissampelos pareira is a shrubby plant characterized by its distinct growth form. It possesses an obligatory climbing habit, which allows it to scale surrounding structures for support. Under optimal conditions, this climbing species typically reaches a maximum height of 2 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Cissampelos pareira is a medicinal climber-plant that has demonstrated a wide array of significant pharmacological activities. Scientific studies have highlighted its potent antiarthritic properties, showing a dose-dependent protective effect against induced arthritis. Additionally, the plant has shown promising antimalarial and antidiabetic potential, supporting its long-standing use in traditional medicine. Research also indicates that its extracts possess anticancer properties and can function as an antifertility agent by altering hormonal regulation. These diverse therapeutic relationships underscore the plant's great medicinal potential for future drug discovery.
Compounds
Conditions
Cissampelos pareira demonstrates significant medicinal potential by providing protection against 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced inflammation in rat models. Research indicates that the plant also offers a protective effect against complete Freund's adjuvant (CFE) induced arthritis. In terms of biochemical impact, the extract treats elevated levels of lysosomal enzymes, specifically decreasing acid phosphatase and N-acetyl glucosaminidase. Furthermore, in vitro studies have confirmed that the plant possesses cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cell line. Finally, gene expression analyses suggest that Cissampelos pareira may hold antiviral potency relevant to the treatment of COVID-19.
Preparations
Cissampelos pareira is prepared as a 50% aqueous ethanolic extract to evaluate its acute and subacute toxicological profile in animal models. Researchers also utilize an alcoholic extract of roots to investigate the plant's significant antiurolithic effects against induced urolithiasis. Furthermore, the plant is processed as a herbal extract to conduct gene expression analyses regarding its potential antiviral potency. For studies on antifertility activity in female mice, the plant is prepared as a leaf extract. Finally, a methanolic extract of Cissampelos pareira is used to assess its in vitro cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cell line.
Parts used
Cissampelos pareira is a versatile medicinal plant utilized in various traditional healing practices across different regions. Research indicates that the roots of the plant are processed for treating stomach cancer and various skin infections. Furthermore, the leaves have demonstrated significant antifertility effects when administered in specific medicinal extracts. The plant's stems and flowers also serve as critical components for studying the diversity of endophytic fungi. Collectively, these various parts—the root, leaf, stem, and flower—contribute to the complex pharmacological profile of this important species.