Datura innoxia

Datura innoxia · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (12 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Datura innoxia is a versatile plant species known for its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. Its chemical profile is rich in bioactive compounds such as scopolamine, atropine, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Researchers have explored various plant parts, including the leaves, flowers, roots, and seeds, to harness these therapeutic effects. Studies utilizing methanolic extracts and in vitro isolated root cultures have demonstrated significant potential in treating conditions related to Acinetobacter baumannii. Furthermore, the plant exhibits notable analgesic, antipyretic, and cytotoxic capabilities across different preparations.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Datura Guayaquilensis · Datura Meteloides · 1 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Solanaceae
Distribution
Not available
Plant Parts
Leaf · Flower

Classification

Common Names

Datura innoxia is a fascinating plant known by a diverse array of regional names across different cultures. In various parts of the world, it is commonly referred to as Abuzambak or Bieluń indiański. Those speaking Spanish may recognize it as Campana blanca or Campana del pasto. Additionally, it is identified as Centralamerikansk pigæble in certain linguistic contexts. This variety of nomenclature highlights the widespread presence and botanical significance of the species.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Datura innoxia is a botanical entity that has historically been linked to several different taxonomic classifications. Throughout various studies, it has been identified as a synonym for Brugmansia chlorantha and Brugmansia waymanii. The plant's complex nomenclature also encompasses connections to Datura aegyptiaca and Datura alba var. africana. Furthermore, botanical literature sometimes recognizes its relationship to Datura bojeri. These overlapping identities highlight the intricate and evolving nature of plant classification.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Datura innoxia belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, marking its place among the diverse world of living plants. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, reflecting its fundamental botanical structure. The species is a prominent member of the genus Datura, a group known for its distinct characteristics. It further resides within the order Solanales, which connects it to many other significant botanical lineages. Finally, this plant is a distinguished member of the Solanaceae family, grouping it with other well-known nightshades.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Solanales
Family Solanaceae
Genus Datura

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Datura innoxia exhibits a broad geographic range across various regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, this species is notably established within the diverse landscapes of both Kenya and Tanzania. Its reach extends westward to the Macaronesia islands, where it thrives in unique Atlantic environments. Specifically, populations can be found inhabiting the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and Madeira. This widespread distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to diverse tropical and island ecosystems.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Datura innoxia is a distinctive herb that grows in a self-supporting manner. This plant exhibits significant variation in its physical stature depending on its environment. While some individuals may only reach a minimum height of 0.3 m, others grow much larger. Many specimens commonly stand at a height of at least 1 m. Ultimately, the plant can reach a maximum height of 2 m.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Datura innoxia is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse range of potent biological activities. Research indicates that its leaf and seed extracts possess significant antioxidant properties, often outperforming other species in radical scavenging assays. The plant also exhibits notable antibacterial capabilities, making it a subject of interest for combating various pathogenic strains. Furthermore, studies have identified specific withanolides within the plant that demonstrate cytotoxic effects against human cancer cell lines, such as glioblastoma and lung adenocarcinoma. These combined characteristics, including its established anticholinergic effects, highlight its extensive potential for pharmacological development.

Compounds

Datura innoxia is a significant medicinal plant characterized by a complex profile of secondary metabolites. Research confirms that this species contains essential tropane alkaloids, specifically scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine. Beyond these alkaloids, the plant also contains beneficial compounds such as flavonoids. Furthermore, studies of related solanaceous species indicate the presence of specific calystegines, including A3, within the plant family. Together, these chemical constituents contribute to the plant's diverse biological activities and pharmacological potential.

Conditions

Datura innoxia, through its related species such as Datura metel, demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by inhibiting the growth of the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. The plant also exhibits cytotoxic properties that effectively treat A549 lung cancer cell lines. In terms of antibacterial applications, it has shown strong activity against the pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii. Furthermore, research into its phytochemical components suggests that Datura innoxia can treat Alzheimer's disease by targeting key molecular pathways related to cognitive decline.

Preparations

Datura innoxia is prepared as in vitro isolated root cultures to demonstrate gene transfer and enhance alkaloid metabolism. Various preparations of the plant include methanolic extracts and the use of stems for specific botanical studies. The aerial parts (except fruits) are also utilized to isolate cytotoxic withanolides like dinnoxolide A. Additionally, the plant is prepared as a culture to study secondary metabolite production and biotransformation processes. These diverse preparation methods allow for the investigation of the species' medicinal, toxic, and biotechnological potential.

Parts used

Datura innoxia is a biologically significant plant species that possesses various specialized parts, including the leaf, flower, root, seed, and stem. Research indicates that the leaves of this plant are particularly rich in phytocompounds like o-vanillin, which demonstrates promising antitubercular activity. The seeds and leaves also serve as important sources for studying antioxidant properties and total phenolic content. Furthermore, the root of the plant has been identified as a source of tropine alkaloids, which can lead to clinical delirium if ingested. By examining these diverse plant parts, scientists continue to uncover the complex medicinal and chemical potential of the species.