Cleome viscosa
Cleome viscosa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (7 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cleome viscosa is a versatile plant species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse range of biological activities. Research indicates that various parts of the plant, including the seeds, leaves, flowers, and roots, possess potent antibacterial, antidiabetic, antihepatotoxic, and allelopathic properties. These therapeutic effects are often attributed to key chemical constituents such as Cleomiscosin A, B, and C, as well as Glucocapparin. Studies utilizing crude extracts, aqueous residues, and whole plant extracts have demonstrated effectiveness against pathogens like Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while also providing antioxidant support. Consequently, this plant serves as a promising natural resource for managing antidiabetic conditions and combating various bacterial infections.
- Synonyms
- Polanisia Viscosa · Sinapistrum Viscosum · 2 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Cleomaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Leaf
Classification
Synonyms
Cleome viscosa is a botanical species that is recognized by several different scientific names due to historical taxonomic shifts. It is frequently identified by the synonym Arivela viscosa in various botanical records. Researchers may also encounter this plant documented as Corynandra viscosa depending on the classification system used. Furthermore, the name Polanisia viscosa serves as another common synonym for this particular organism. Finally, the plant has been formally referred to in literature as Sinapistrum viscosum, reflecting the complex nature of its botanical relationships.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cleome viscosa belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, marking its place among the diverse world of living plants. Within this realm, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the order Brassicales. This specific botanical lineage places the species firmly within the family Cleomaceae. More closely, it is identified by its membership in the genus Cleome. Through these taxonomic layers, the plant's unique biological identity and evolutionary connections are clearly defined.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Cleomaceae |
| Genus | Cleome |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Cleome viscosa exhibits a widespread distribution across the diverse landscapes of the African continent. Its presence can be found in the tropical regions of East Africa, specifically within the borders of Tanzania. The species also reaches the Atlantic islands of Macaronesia, including the Cape Verde archipelago. Moving toward the north, it establishes itself throughout Northeast Tropical Africa in countries such as Chad, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. This extensive range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various African environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cleome viscosa is a distinct herbaceous plant characterized by its self-supporting growth form. This species exhibits a versatile range of development, starting from a minimum height of 0 m as it begins its life cycle. As the plant matures, it typically reaches a significant stature, with most specimens measuring at least 1.5 m tall. Under optimal conditions, it can continue to grow until it reaches a maximum height of 1.6 m. Such structural characteristics make it a notable feature within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Cleome viscosa is a highly versatile plant recognized for its diverse range of medicinal and biological activities. Scientific research has demonstrated that it possesses significant antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, effectively inhibiting various bacterial strains. Beyond its role in fighting infection, the plant exhibits potent antidiabetic potential through the inhibition of enzymes like α-glucosidase and α-amylase. The presence of specific coumarinolignoids such as cleomiscosin A and B further highlights its antihepatotoxic capabilities. Additionally, the plant produces substances like lactam nonanic acid, which contribute to its notable allelopathic effects on surrounding plant growth.
Compounds
Cleome viscosa is a medicinal plant known to harbor several biologically significant compounds within its seeds. Research has identified the potent liver-protective coumarinolignoids cleomiscosin A, cleomiscosin B, and cleomiscosin C in its extracts. In addition to these lignoids, the plant is also characterized by the presence of specific glucosinolates. Specifically, Cleome viscosa contains glucocapparin and glucocleomin. These diverse chemical constituents contribute to the plant's complex pharmacological profile and therapeutic potential.
Conditions
Cleome viscosa demonstrates significant medicinal potential through its ability to treat various biological targets. The plant exhibits antibacterial properties that can effectively treat Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, its bioactive components and synthesized silver nanoparticles are capable of treating antidiabetic and antioxidant conditions. Beyond its chemical applications, the plant also shows efficacy in its ability to treat 3rd or early 4th stage larvae of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus). These diverse relationships highlight the plant's versatility as an antimicrobial, metabolic, and larvicidal agent.
Preparations
Cleome viscosa is prepared as extracts, including various seed and leaf preparations used for identifying bioactive coumarinolignoids. The plant is also prepared as aqueous residues to study the antibacterial activity of different ethnomedicinal species. Furthermore, Cleome viscosa is prepared as an aqueous whole plant extract for the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Research also demonstrates that Cleome viscosa is prepared as crude extracts, which show potential for controlling Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Finally, Cleome viscosa is prepared as ethanolic extracts of the flowers and leaves to evaluate its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties.
Parts used
Cleome viscosa is a versatile medicinal plant that contains various bioactive components distributed throughout its different anatomical structures. Research highlights that the seeds of this species are rich in potent coumarinolignoids, such as cleomiscosins, which offer significant liver-protective and anti-inflammatory potential. The leaves of the plant have also been extensively studied for their effectiveness as mosquitocidal agents and their moderate antimicrobial activity against certain pathogenic fungi. Furthermore, the flowers contribute to the plant's broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, particularly when used in ethanolic extracts. Finally, the root exudates of Cleome viscosa provide unique substances like lactam nonanoic acid, which exhibits notable allelopathic and antimicrobial characteristics.