Crotalaria retusa
Crotalaria retusa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Crotalaria retusa is a botanical species recognized for its diverse range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, ACE-inhibitor, antifeedant, and abortifacient properties. Research focused on its methanol extract has revealed significant potential in combating various pathogens. Specifically, the plant has demonstrated efficacy against microorganisms such as Candida albicans, Enterococcus hirae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. These therapeutic effects are largely attributed to the presence of specific chemical compounds, most notably pyrrolizidine alkaloids like monocrotaline. Understanding these chemical profiles provides crucial insight into the plant's complex pharmacological profile.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Northern America
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Crotalaria retusa is a distinctive plant recognized by several diverse regional names. In some areas, it is widely known by the common name Big Yellow Popbush. It also carries the name Bonchi Totolica, reflecting its specific cultural or local identity. Furthermore, it is referred to as Cascavelle jaune in certain contexts. Finally, its unique characteristics have earned it the descriptive titles of Chocalho-de-cascavel and Chocalho-de-cobra.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Crotalaria retusa is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. This species is classified within the class Equisetopsida and belongs to the order Fabales. As a representative of the genus Crotalaria, it exhibits unique botanical characteristics. Furthermore, it is a prominent member of the family Fabaceae. Understanding these taxonomic relationships provides essential insight into the plant's biological identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Crotalaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Crotalaria retusa is a plant species with a diverse distribution spanning several regions across the African continent. Its presence is noted in East Tropical Africa, specifically within the territories of Kenya and Tanzania. The species also extends into the Macaronesia region, finding a home in Cape Verde. Furthermore, it can be found throughout Northeast Tropical Africa, including the countries of Chad and Eritrea. This wide geographic range highlights the plant's adaptability to various African environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Crotalaria retusa is a self-supporting herb that maintains a sturdy upright structure. This plant typically displays a variable growth habit, reaching a minimum height of approximately 0.5 meters. Depending on its environment, it often establishes itself at a more substantial minimum height of 0.85 meters. Ultimately, the species can reach a maximum height of 1.5 meters as it matures. This range of dimensions allows the herb to occupy diverse niches within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Crotalaria retusa demonstrates significant pharmacological potential through its notable antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Research indicates that the ethanolic extract of in vitro propagated specimens is particularly effective, showing a substantial inhibition zone against pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the plant exhibits strong antioxidant capabilities, with an optimal IC50 concentration of 57.6 μg/mL recorded during DPPH radical scavenging assays. While different studies show varying levels of sensitivity against specific microbial strains, the overall medicinal value of this species remains evident. These findings suggest that compounds derived from Crotalaria retusa could serve as a valuable foundation for developing new natural pharmaceutical products.
Compounds
Crotalaria retusa is a plant species that has been studied for its potential clastogenic effects on bone marrow cells. Research indicates that extracts obtained from the fruits of this plant cause a dose-dependent increase in chromosomal aberrations in mice. A significant factor in this biological activity is the presence of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid known as monocrotaline. Scientists have discussed the possibility that this specific compound is responsible for the observed genetic damage during intraperitoneal treatments. However, further investigation is required to determine if these effects persist following oral exposure to the plant.
Conditions
Crotalaria retusa demonstrates significant antimicrobial potential by treating various pathogenic microorganisms. Specifically, the plant has been shown to effectively treat the fungus Candida albicans and the bacterium Enterococcus hirae. It also provides treatment against the Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which showed high susceptibility to ethanolic extracts. Furthermore, the plant is capable of treating the common bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis. These findings highlight the diverse therapeutic efficacy of Crotalaria retusa against multiple human pathogens.
Preparations
Crotalaria retusa is prepared as a methanol extract for scientific investigation. This specific preparation was utilized to test the antimicrobial properties of the plant species. The extract was subjected to disc-diffusion assays against various microbial strains. Through this method, researchers evaluated how the methanol-based substance interacts with microorganisms. Consequently, the preparation of Crotalaria retusa as a methanol extract allowed for the estimation of its inhibitory capabilities.