Cordia myxa
Cordia myxa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cordia myxa is a versatile plant species known for its significant therapeutic potential across various medicinal applications. Scientific investigations into its fruit and leaf components have revealed powerful antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities. These biological effects are largely attributed to key phytochemicals such as cosmosiin, robinetin, stigmastanol, and quercetin. Research utilizing ethyl acetate, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts has demonstrated effectiveness against pathogens including Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Through different preparations like fruit extracts and Zufa syrup, this plant continues to serve as a vital subject for pharmacological study.
- Synonyms
- Argyreia Arborea · Lithocardium Myxa · 17 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Cordia myxa is a versatile plant known by several distinct names across different regions and languages. In English-speaking contexts, it is frequently referred to as the Lasura or the Clammy cherry. It also carries the descriptive common name Bois savon, reflecting its unique characteristics. In certain areas, the species is widely recognized by its various iterations of the name Assyrian plum. These diverse linguistic labels highlight the plant's widespread recognition and varied cultural identities.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cordia myxa is a botanical subject that has been identified through various historical and scientific classifications. Throughout taxonomic history, this plant has been associated with several synonyms, including Argyreia arborea and Bourreria glabra. Researchers have also documented its relationship to Cordia domestica and the specific variety known as Cordia domestica var. evolutior. Furthermore, the name Cordia evolutior has been utilized in different contexts to describe this species. Understanding these shifting nomenclature patterns is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cordia myxa is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. This botanical species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. Within this group, it belongs to the order Boraginales. It is further categorized into the family Boraginaceae. Finally, the plant is identified by its specific 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 myxa exhibits a broad geographical presence across the African continent. Its range extends through East Tropical Africa, with specific populations documented in both Tanzania and Uganda. In the Northeast Tropical region, the species can be found growing within the borders of Ethiopia. The plant's reach also stretches into Northern Africa, where it is established in Algeria. Additionally, its distribution encompasses Egypt, further illustrating its diverse environmental adaptability.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cordia myxa is a self-supporting tree that displays a sturdy and reliable growth form. This species typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 12 meters. More precisely, its stature can extend to a peak of 12.19 meters under optimal conditions. Such dimensions make it a manageable yet significant presence in its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Cordia myxa is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties and significant potential in traditional medicine. Research indicates that the plant exhibits strong antibacterial and antimicrobial activities, effectively targeting various bacterial strains. Furthermore, the fruit extracts have demonstrated substantial antioxidant capabilities, which are linked to high phenolic and flavonoid content. Beyond these effects, Cordia myxa also possesses notable antidiabetic activities, making it a versatile resource for managing different maladies. These combined biological characteristics suggest that the plant could serve as a valuable foundation for future pharmaceutical and medical developments.
Compounds
Cordia myxa is a versatile medicinal plant known for its diverse therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Scientific investigations have identified several key active components within the plant, such as cosmosiin and stigmastanol, which contribute to its biological functions. Additionally, the presence of robinetin and quercetin plays a significant role in regulating specific protein expressions that may assist in malaria treatment. Further analysis through advanced chromatography reveals that the plant is also a rich source of rosmarinic acid. Together, these diverse chemical constituents establish Cordia myxa as a significant natural resource for pharmacological research and potential drug development.
Conditions
Cordia myxa fruit extract demonstrates significant antibacterial activity against various multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, including Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The ethanol extract of the fruit exhibits excellent inhibition zones against these specific pathogens, highlighting its potential as a medicinal agent. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, the plant has been evaluated for its cytotoxicity, with studies noting that it possesses low cytotoxicity in healthy L929 fibroblast cells. However, other research indicates that certain extracts of Cordia myxa can show measurable cytotoxicity with a selectivity index ranging between 0.4 and 0.9. Collectively, these findings characterize the diverse biological interactions of Cordia myxa regarding microbial control and cellular toxicity.
Preparations
Cordia myxa is prepared as Zufa syrup, a polyherbal combination used in clinical trials to evaluate its effects on COVID-19 patients. This plant is also utilized in the form of ethanolic and methanolic extracts to investigate anti-Brucella activity against resistant bacterial strains. Additionally, Cordia myxa is prepared as a fruit extract, specifically an ethanol extract, which has demonstrated significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties. While the provided abstracts mention ethyl acetate extracts in relation to Cordia sebestena, Cordia myxa itself is characterized through these various medicinal preparations. These different extraction methods allow for the study of the plant's diverse therapeutic potential in pharmaceutical applications.
Parts used
Cordia myxa is a versatile medicinal plant that offers significant therapeutic potential through its various anatomical parts. Research highlights that the fruit of this species possesses notable analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in managing both acute and chronic pain. Additionally, extracts from the fruit demonstrate strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities, alongside a low level of cytotoxicity. Beyond its medicinal benefits, the fruit is a rich source of diverse polyphenols, which can be precisely quantified for industrial and pharmaceutical applications. While much focus is placed on the fruit, the broader Cordia genus also utilizes leaf components for treating gastrointestinal and microbial issues.