Dialium guineense
Dialium guineense · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Dialium guineense is a versatile botanical species widely recognized for its significant therapeutic potential in traditional medicine. Various parts of the plant, including the leaf, fruit, root, and seed, are utilized to address a range of health concerns. It is particularly valued for its potent analgesic activities, offering a natural approach to pain management. This plant is frequently employed to provide relief from common ailments such as fever and headache. Through these diverse applications, Dialium guineense remains a vital resource in various ethnobotanical practices.
- Synonyms
- Dialium Anomalum · Dialium Nitidum · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Dialium guineense is a fascinating botanical species known by a diverse array of regional names across different cultures. In many areas, it is frequently referred to as Kofina or more descriptively as the Sierra Leone-tamarind. Some communities also use the local name Solom to identify this specific plant. In Spanish-speaking regions, it is often called Tamarindo de terciopelo, reflecting its unique physical characteristics. Finally, it can even be found documented under the name dialium guinejské in certain botanical contexts.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Dialium guineense is a botanical species known to be associated with several distinct scientific synonyms. Within various taxonomic records, it is frequently identified by the name Codarium acutifolium. The plant is also linked to Codarium discolor and Codarium nitidum in several botanical contexts. Additionally, researchers may encounter this species under the designations of Codarium obtusifolium or Codarium solanderi. Understanding these various nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate identification and classification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Dialium guineense belongs to the diverse kingdom Plantae, representing a vital part of the Earth's botanical landscape. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Fabales, which helps scientists understand its evolutionary lineage. As a member of the family Fabaceae, it shares important biological characteristics with many other legumes. Ultimately, this plant is distinguished by its specific placement within the genus Dialium.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Dialium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Dialium guineense is a notable plant species widely distributed across the diverse landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Its presence is firmly established within several key nations, including Benin and Burkina Faso. The species also thrives throughout the coastal and inland regions of Gambia and Ghana. Furthermore, its natural habitat extends into the lush environments of Guinea. This broad regional range highlights the significant ecological footprint of the plant across the African continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Dialium guineense is a self-supporting plant that takes the form of a sturdy tree. This species typically reaches a moderate stature, with a maximum height of approximately 11.5 meters. However, under certain environmental conditions, it can grow even larger to reach a peak height of 18.28822238 meters. Regardless of its size, its structural integrity allows it to stand firmly within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Dialium guineense is a medicinal plant traditionally utilized by communities in Enugu State, Nigeria, to treat conditions such as fever and headaches. Recent scientific evaluations have focused on the analgesic potential of its methanolic stem bark extract using various animal models. Experimental results demonstrated that the extract significantly reduces abdominal constriction in a dose-dependent manner, mirroring the effects of aspirin. Furthermore, higher doses of the extract significantly increased pain reaction times during tail immersion and hot plate tests. These findings suggest that Dialium guineense possesses potent analgesic activity that may be mediated through peripheral pain mechanisms.
Compounds
Conditions
Dialium guineense demonstrates significant analgesic activity by decreasing the mean total number of abdominal constrictions in mice. The pulp of this plant serves a protective role by treating aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury through the scavenging of free radicals. It also possesses documented bilharzia-preventing molluscicidal activity, making it a valuable medicinal resource. Furthermore, extracts from the roots and leaves of the plant exhibit antiproliferative effects against breast cancer cells. Finally, the plant's extracts show significant growth inhibitory effects against cervical cancer cells in laboratory assays.
Preparations
Parts used
Dialium guineense is a versatile legume tree from West Africa that offers significant nutritional and medicinal value through its various parts. The fruit pulp and seeds serve as essential food products, providing high levels of protein, vitamins, and micronutrients to local populations. Additionally, the leaves are utilized for their dietary benefits and general nutritional importance. Beyond nutrition, the root and leaf extracts have demonstrated promising therapeutic potential, specifically regarding their anticancer properties against certain cell lines. These diverse uses, ranging from dietary staples to potential chemotherapeutic agents, highlight the profound importance of this species.