Dioscorea preussii
Dioscorea preussii · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Dioscorea preussii is a botanical species that has garnered scientific interest due to its unique chemical profile. Recent investigations have focused specifically on the leaf components of this plant to uncover potential therapeutic properties. Through the preparation of methanolic extracts, researchers have been able to isolate various bioactive compounds. These studies have primarily aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic activities inherent within the plant's secondary metabolites. Understanding these cellular effects provides crucial insights into the pharmacological potential of this species.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Dioscoreaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Taxonomy
Dioscorea preussii is a specialized organism that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic journey continues through the order Dioscoreales, which connects it to related botanical lineages. Furthermore, this plant is a member of the specific family Dioscoreaceae. Ultimately, it is defined by its placement within the distinguished genus Dioscorea.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Dioscoreales |
| Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Genus | Dioscorea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Dioscorea preussii is a plant species with a broad and varied distribution across the African continent. Its presence is notable in East Tropical Africa, where it can be found inhabiting regions of both Tanzania and Uganda. Moving toward the Northeast Tropical Africa region, the species also extends into the areas of Sudan and South Sudan. The plant's range continues southward into South Tropical Africa, specifically appearing in Malawi. Finally, its geographical footprint reaches as far west as Angola, demonstrating a significant ecological presence throughout these diverse territories.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Dioscorea preussii is a distinctive herb characterized by its obligatory climbing habit. This vigorous plant relies on external support to ascend toward the light. Depending on its environment, the species can reach varying dimensions, with some specimens measuring as low as 6.09 meters. While some height measurements are recorded at a maximum of approximately 9.14 meters, other instances show the plant reaching impressive heights of 15 meters or more. Such significant growth ranges highlight the adaptable nature of this climbing species.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Dioscorea preussii has demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity according to recent pharmacological evaluations of Gabonese medicinal plants. During in vitro testing, the methanolic extracts of this species showed a notable ability to impact human monocytes. Specifically, the extract exhibited an IC50 value of less than 5 microg/ml, marking it as a potent candidate for further study. This finding is part of a broader investigation into the therapeutic potential of seventy-seven crude extracts derived from traditional flora. Such results highlight the importance of exploring ethnopharmacologically selected plants for their potential bioactive properties.
Compounds
Conditions
Dioscorea preussii exhibits significant cytotoxic activities when tested against human monocytes. Specifically, the methanolic extracts derived from this plant demonstrated a high level of toxicity. The research recorded an inhibitory concentration of less than 5 micrograms per milliliter for these extracts. This effect places it among the most potent Gabonese plants evaluated in the study regarding monocyte cytotoxicity. Such findings highlight the specific biological impact of the plant's chemical constituents on human immune cells.
Preparations
Dioscorea preussii is prepared as methanolic extracts for pharmacological evaluation. These specific extracts were tested for their biological activities in a study of Gabonese medicinal plants. Among the various substances analyzed, the methanolic extracts of this plant demonstrated notable cytotoxic properties. Specifically, the extract showed an IC50 value of less than 5 microg/ml against human monocytes. This preparation was part of a broader investigation into the antileishmanial and antifungal potential of traditional botanical resources.
Parts used
Dioscorea preussii has been identified as a significant plant species within the study of Gabonese medicinal flora. Researchers specifically evaluated the biological potential of its leaves through various chemical extractions. The methanolic extracts derived from these leaf components demonstrated notable cytotoxic properties. Specifically, the extracts showed a high level of efficacy with an IC50 value of less than 5 microg/ml. This finding highlights the importance of the plant's foliage in the ongoing search for new pharmacological agents.