Coula edulis
Coula edulis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Coula edulis is a versatile botanical species known for its diverse medicinal potential in traditional healing practices. Recent scientific investigations have focused on the leaf of this plant to uncover its therapeutic properties. Specifically, researchers have utilized the leaf extract to evaluate its biological efficacy against various pathogens. The study highlights the significant antibacterial activities demonstrated by these specialized preparations. Furthermore, the plant is being explored for its potential role in managing conditions such as malaria.
- Synonyms
- Coula Utilis · Coula Edulis Var. Cabrae · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Olacaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Coula edulis is a remarkable tree species that is widely recognized by its local common name, kula jedlá. This botanical identity helps connect the plant to the specific cultural and regional contexts where it thrives. By understanding these naming relationships, researchers and locals can better communicate about its unique ecological role. Such connections serve as a vital bridge between scientific classification and traditional knowledge. Ultimately, the name kula jedlá reflects the deep-rooted relationship between the species and the people who interact with it.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Coula edulis is a botanical species that is frequently identified through various taxonomic synonyms. Within scientific literature, it is often referred to by the name Coula cabrae. The plant is also categorized under the synonym Coula edulis var. cabrae to denote specific variations. Furthermore, researchers may encounter the name Coula utilis when studying its diverse classifications. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Coula edulis is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the diverse kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is categorized under the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified into the order Santalales, reflecting its unique evolutionary lineage. The plant is a prominent member of the genus Coula, which helps distinguish it from related species. Finally, its taxonomic journey concludes within the specific family Olacaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Santalales |
| Family | Olacaceae |
| Genus | Coula |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Coula edulis is a significant botanical species primarily concentrated within the diverse landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Its natural distribution spans several key nations, including Benin and Ghana, where it plays an integral role in the local ecosystem. The plant also thrives across the borders of Guinea and the Ivory Coast, highlighting its adaptability to the region's climate. Furthermore, its presence is well-documented within the tropical forests of Liberia. This widespread geographical range underscores the importance of the species across the West African sub-region.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Coula edulis is a prominent tree species characterized by its impressive and robust growth form. As a self-supporting organism, it establishes a strong physical presence within its natural habitat. This tree typically reaches a substantial height, with most individuals growing to at least 20 meters. Many specimens are even taller, frequently measuring a minimum of 25 meters in height. Ultimately, these impressive trees can reach a maximum height of 38 meters, making them a significant feature of the forest canopy.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Coula edulis has demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against specific multidrug-resistant pathogens. In recent investigations involving Cameroonian food plants, the methanol extract of this species achieved the lowest minimal inhibitory concentration against both E. coli AG102 and K. pneumoniae K2. These results suggest that the plant contains potent bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which can effectively combat harmful bacteria. Such findings highlight the potential of this plant as a natural therapeutic agent in managing serious infections. Ultimately, the study indicates that these botanical extracts could serve as valuable tools, either alone or in combination with existing antibiotics.
Compounds
Coula edulis is a Cameroonian food plant that has demonstrated significant potential in the fight against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Phytochemical screening reveals that this plant contains essential bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and polyphenols. Furthermore, the methanol extracts of Coula edulis are characterized by the presence of both steroids and triterpenes. These chemical constituents contribute to the plant's impressive antibacterial activity, specifically showing low minimal inhibitory concentrations against E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Consequently, these findings suggest that the plant could serve as a valuable natural resource for treating various bacterial infections.
Conditions
Coula edulis demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its diverse antibacterial and antiplasmodial properties. Specifically, methanol extracts of this plant exhibit a low minimal inhibitory concentration against the multidrug-resistant bacteria E. coli AG102 and K. pneumoniae K2. Beyond its antibacterial capabilities, the leaves of Coula edulis also possess notable antiplasmodial activity against malaria parasites. Scientific testing showed effective inhibitory results against both 3D7 and DD2 strains during antiplasmodial assays. These combined medicinal effects highlight the plant's value in addressing both bacterial infections and malaria.
Preparations
Coula edulis is prepared as a methanol extract to investigate its potential antibacterial properties. This specific extraction process allows for the identification of phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenes, and steroids within the plant. During testing, the Coula edulis extract demonstrated significant effectiveness against multidrug-resistant bacteria. It achieved the lowest minimal inhibitory concentration value of 32 μg/mL when measured against E. coli AG102 and K. pneumoniae K2. Consequently, this prepared extract shows promise for treating various bacterial infections.
Parts used
Coula edulis provides a valuable source of medicinal properties through its leaves, which have demonstrated significant antiplasmodial activity. In a study focused on traditional healers in Western Cameroon, extracts from these specific leaf parts were tested for their ability to combat malaria parasites. The results revealed that the Coula edulis leaves possessed a potent inhibitory effect against both the 3D7 and DD2 strains. Furthermore, the research indicated that these extracts exhibited very weak cytotoxicity, suggesting a level of safety for potential use. These findings ultimately support the continued use of this plant in traditional medicinal practices for malaria control.