Cymbopogon commutatus
Cymbopogon commutatus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cymbopogon commutatus is a versatile botanical species known for its rich profile of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and essential compounds like geraniol and geranyl acetate. Extracted as essential oils or dichloromethane extracts, this plant is frequently utilized in practical applications ranging from mosquito repellents to medicinal soaps. Scientific studies highlight its significant biological activities, including antibacterial properties and potential as an ACE-inhibitor. Furthermore, its pharmacological influence extends to cardiovascular regulation through (-)-chronotropic and (-)-inotropic effects, which are relevant to conditions like cardiac hypertrophy. Research also continues to explore its impact on complex physiological pathways involving ANP, calcineurin, and its efficacy against malaria.
- Synonyms
- Andropogon Commutatus · Cymbopogon Commutatus Var. Jammuensis · 9 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Poaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Cymbopogon commutatus is a distinctive plant known by various names across different linguistic traditions. In Hebrew, it is commonly referred to as רב-זקן קירח, reflecting its unique regional identity. Similarly, the species is identified by the Arabic name إذخر متغير, which highlights its presence in local botanical contexts. These diverse common names illustrate the wide cultural and geographic reach of the species. Understanding these linguistic relationships provides valuable insight into how different communities perceive and classify this plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cymbopogon commutatus is a botanical species characterized by a complex history of taxonomic synonyms. It is widely recognized in various scientific records under the name Andropogon commutatus. The plant's classification also encompasses several specific varieties, including Andropogon commutatus var. flavicundus and Andropogon commutatus var. violaceus. Further historical links connect the species to Andropogon floccosus and the distinct Cymbopogon commutatus var. jammuensis. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for accurate identification within the botanical community.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cymbopogon commutatus is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its evolutionary lineage follows the order Poales, placing it among a specific group of flowering plants. Further refinement shows that it belongs to the genus Cymbopogon. Ultimately, this botanical classification identifies it as a part of the widespread family Poaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Cymbopogon |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Cymbopogon commutatus is a resilient plant species primarily distributed across the diverse landscapes of the African continent. Within East Tropical Africa, it can be found thriving in the natural environments of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its presence also extends into the Northeast Tropical African region, where it adapts to local ecological conditions. Specifically, this species is documented to inhabit parts of Chad and Djibouti. Together, these locations highlight the wide geographical range this grass maintains throughout these specific African territories.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cymbopogon commutatus is a self-supporting herb that maintains a sturdy upright structure. This plant typically reaches a maximum height of 1.5 meters as it matures. Most specimens will consistently maintain a minimum height of 1.2 meters within their natural habitat. These physical characteristics define its distinct growth form and presence in the landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Cymbopogon commutatus essential oils demonstrate significant antibacterial potential, offering a promising natural alternative to combat antimicrobial resistance. In recent studies, the essential oil extracted from the aerial parts of this plant was evaluated against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Researchers found that when encapsulated in liposomes, the oil's efficacy was notably enhanced, achieving a low minimum inhibitory concentration against Staphylococcus aureus. This heightened potency is largely attributed to its high concentration of piperitone, which serves as a major bioactive component. Ultimately, these findings highlight the potential of C. commutatus as a foundational element in developing advanced, plant-based antimicrobial formulations.
Compounds
Cymbopogon commutatus essential oil is a complex mixture composed of various bioactive chemical constituents. Chemical profiling reveals that the oil contains significant amounts of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Among these identified compounds, geraniol emerges as a predominant constituent of the plant. Additionally, the oil contains geranyl acetate, which contributes to its overall chemical makeup. These specific relationships highlight the botanical richness that makes the species useful for various applications.
Conditions
Cymbopogon commutatus demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by effectively treating various biological targets. Research indicates that its isolated component, geraniol, can treat cardiac hypertrophy markers such as ANP and BNP. Furthermore, the plant shows efficacy in treating the protein expression of TGF-β1 to protect against cardiac toxicity. In pest management, Cymbopogon commutatus serves to treat Culex pipiens through its potent larvicidal effects. Additionally, the essential oils from this species are capable of treating the bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus due to their strong antibacterial activity.
Preparations
Cymbopogon commutatus is prepared as essential oil (EO) through hydrodistillation of its fresh aerial parts. This plant is also prepared as dichloromethane extracts, which have demonstrated significant antiplasmodial activity. Additionally, Cymbopogon commutatus is prepared as mosquito repellent to help manage insect populations. The species is further utilized as an ingredient in the manufacturing of soap. These various preparations highlight the versatile medicinal and commercial applications of the plant.