Cordia lutea
Cordia lutea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cordia lutea is a versatile medicinal plant known for its diverse therapeutic potential in traditional medicine. Recent scientific investigations have focused on the biological activities of its floral components to combat various pathogens. Specifically, the ethanol extract derived from the flowers has demonstrated significant pharmacological properties. Research is currently exploring the efficacy of this specific preparation against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing new natural strategies to manage gastric infections.
- Synonyms
- Lithocardium Rotundifolium · Varronia Flava · 10 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Flower
Classification
Common Names
Cordia lutea is a distinctive plant recognized by a variety of colorful regional names. In some areas, it is affectionately referred to as Cordia gialla or Cordia jaune, reflecting its vibrant hues. Local populations also frequently identify the species as flor de overo. Depending on the specific geography, you might also hear it called muyuyo. Finally, the name oberal serves as another common way to describe this versatile botanical specimen.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cordia lutea is a botanical species recognized by several different scientific names throughout various taxonomic classifications. It is formally known by the synonyms Calyptracordia rotundifolia and Coilanthera rotundifolia in certain literature. Researchers also frequently refer to the plant as Cordia flava or Cordia marchionica depending on the specific study. Additionally, the name Cordia rotundifolia serves as another established synonym for this particular plant. Understanding these diverse nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate identification in the field of botany.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cordia lutea is a fascinating organism that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further descends through the order Boraginales to find its place in the natural world. This plant is a member of the diverse family Boraginaceae. Finally, it is identified specifically by its unique genus, Cordia.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Cordia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Cordia lutea exhibits a broad geographic distribution that spans both the Pacific Islands and parts of South America. In the Pacific, this species can be found across North-Central regions such as Hawaii and within the South-Central Marquesas. Its range also extends significantly into Western South America, specifically within the territories of Colombia and Ecuador. Furthermore, the plant is established in the unique ecosystem of the Galápagos Islands. This diverse presence highlights the plant's ability to thrive across varied tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cordia lutea grows in a tree-like form that remains entirely self-supporting as it matures. This species typically reaches a maximum height of 6 meters in the wild. Its sturdy structure allows it to thrive as a compact yet resilient part of its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Cordia lutea demonstrates significant medicinal potential through various therapeutic activities identified in recent studies. The flowers contain secocycloartane glycosides that exhibit effective in vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity. Additionally, atomized extracts of the flowers show promise in treating dermal irritation by reducing erythema and edema in animal models. The plant also serves as a chemopreventive agent against induced prostate cancer in rats, as evidenced by decreased PSA levels and reduced prostatic weights. These diverse biological properties highlight the plant's multifaceted utility in addressing infectious, inflammatory, and oncogenic conditions.
Preparations
Cordia lutea flowers were processed to be prepared as an ethanol extract for scientific study. This specific extraction method allowed researchers to isolate six new secocycloartane glycosides from the plant material. By utilizing this ethanol extract, the team successfully identified several unique chemical structures through NMR and MS data analyses. The resulting compounds derived from the extract demonstrated significant in vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity. Furthermore, the phytochemicals obtained from this preparation showed effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus.
Parts used
Cordia lutea contains specialized parts, specifically its flowers, which serve as a rich source of bioactive compounds. Research has successfully isolated unique 9,10-seco-29-norcycloartane glycosides from these floral extracts that demonstrate significant anti-infective activity against certain bacteria. Beyond antimicrobial properties, ethanolic extracts derived from the flowers have shown promising chemopreventive effects against induced prostate cancer in animal models. Additionally, the atomized extract of these flowers has been studied for its potential to reduce dermal irritation and provide antiallergic benefits. Collectively, these findings highlight the medicinal versatility found within the floral components of this plant.