Commiphora pedunculata
Commiphora pedunculata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Commiphora pedunculata is a resilient shrub recognized for its significant therapeutic potential in traditional medicine. Scientific investigations have focused on evaluating its biological activities using various plant parts, specifically the stem. To explore these properties, researchers have utilized both the methanol extract and the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the plant. These preparations have been tested against a range of pathogenic microorganisms, including Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Such studies aim to highlight the plant's efficacy in combating diverse bacterial and fungal threats.
- Synonyms
- Commiphora Mollissima · Commiphora Rosifolia · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Burseraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Synonyms
Commiphora pedunculata is a botanical species known to be associated with several different taxonomic names. Throughout historical scientific literature, it has been identified by the synonyms Balsamea pedunculata and Balsamodendrum pedunculatum. The plant is also linked to the nomenclature Commiphora ledermannii in various botanical records. Furthermore, researchers have previously referred to this species as Commiphora mollissima. Finally, the name Commiphora rosifolia serves as another recognized synonym within its complex taxonomic relationships.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Commiphora pedunculata is a unique species belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological group, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the order Sapindales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Commiphora, it shares close ties with other related shrubs and trees. Finally, this plant is firmly rooted in the family Burseraceae, which connects it to many other aromatic species.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Burseraceae |
| Genus | Commiphora |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Commiphora pedunculata is a resilient species with a broad geographic range spanning across various regions of the African continent. Its distribution extends through East Tropical Africa, including notable presence in Tanzania. The plant is also widely found throughout Northeast Tropical Africa, specifically inhabiting the landscapes of Chad, Ethiopia, and the Sudan-South Sudan border. Furthermore, its reach continues southward into the South Tropical Africa region, where it thrives in Malawi. This wide-ranging presence underscores the plant's ability to adapt to diverse ecological niches across Africa.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Commiphora pedunculata is a self-supporting species that takes the form of a distinct tree. It typically reaches a maximum height of 6.5 meters as it matures. This growth habit allows the plant to establish a sturdy presence within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Commiphora pedunculata demonstrates significant antimicrobial properties through the isolation of novel flavonoids from its stem bark. The plant extract effectively treats several pathogens, including the bacteria Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli. It also shows potent activity against the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Furthermore, the medicinal components are capable of treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Shigella dysentriae. These diverse therapeutic actions highlight the plant's ability to inhibit a wide range of harmful microorganisms.
Preparations
Commiphora pedunculata is prepared as a methanol extract from its stem bark to facilitate the isolation of bioactive compounds. Within this preparation process, the plant is further processed into an ethyl acetate soluble fraction. This specific fraction serves as the source for isolating a novel antimicrobial flavonoid and epicatechin. The methanol extraction and subsequent ethyl acetate fractionation are essential steps in identifying these chemical constituents. Consequently, both the methanol extract and the ethyl acetate soluble fraction are primary forms in which the plant is utilized for scientific study.
Parts used
Commiphora pedunculata serves as a significant source of bioactive compounds, particularly within its stem bark. Recent research has successfully isolated a novel antimicrobial flavonoid from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of this specific plant part. This newly identified compound, alongside epicatechin, demonstrates impressive efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms. Testing revealed that the extract is effective against several pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of the stem of Commiphora pedunculata in developing new antimicrobial treatments.