Dodonaea viscosa
Dodonaea viscosa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (18 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Dodonaea viscosa is a versatile plant known for its significant therapeutic potential across various medicinal applications. Various parts of the plant, including the leaf, flower, root, and seed, serve as rich sources of bioactive compounds such as epicatechin, quercetin, 1A, and 3A. Through different preparations like aqueous, polyphenolic, and 80% methanol leaf extracts, researchers have identified potent antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. These biological properties make the plant highly effective in combating oxidative stress, inflammation, and skin diseases. Furthermore, its extracts demonstrate a specialized capacity to inhibit pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Flower
Classification
Common Names
Dodonaea viscosa is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional and cultural names. In certain areas, it is affectionately referred to as 'a'ali'i or simply Akeake. Travelers and botanists may also encounter it under the moniker Bois de reinette. Depending on the local dialect, the species is frequently called Chamana. Finally, it is also recognized by the name Chirca in various parts of the world.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Dodonaea viscosa is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further belongs to the diverse order Sapindales, which links it to many other woody species. Specifically, it is a member of the Sapindaceae family, a group known for its distinct characteristics. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its taxonomic placement within the genus Dodonaea.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Dodonaea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Dodonaea viscosa exhibits a broad and diverse distribution across the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, this plant can be found flourishing within the landscapes of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its range also extends toward the Atlantic islands, reaching the Macaronesia region. Specifically, it has established a presence in the archipelagos of Cape Verde and Madeira. This widespread occurrence highlights the adaptability of the species to various African environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Dodonaea viscosa is a versatile plant that typically takes the form of a self-supporting tree. Depending on its specific environment, its stature can vary significantly, ranging from a modest height of just 0.5 m to a more substantial 9 m. In many established settings, the species frequently reaches a consistent height of at least 4.5375 m. This adaptability allows it to fit into diverse ecological niches within its habitat. Ultimately, its structural independence and flexible growth patterns make it a resilient member of the landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Dodonaea viscosa is a versatile medicinal plant recognized for its wide range of significant biological activities. Scientific studies have demonstrated that its extracts possess potent antioxidant properties, helping to counteract oxidative stress and protect cerebral endothelial cells. The plant also exhibits strong antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal potential, making it effective against various human pathogens and bacteria. Furthermore, research highlights its anticancer capabilities, specifically showing antiproliferative effects against aggressive breast cancer cell lines. Beyond human health, Dodonaea viscosa also functions as an antifeedant, with certain saponins effectively inhibiting the feeding and growth of insect larvae.
Compounds
Dodonaea viscosa is a medicinal plant recognized for its rich and diverse arsenal of bioactive phytochemicals. Research highlights that the plant contains significant amounts of flavonoids and various polyphenols, including epicatechin and gallic acid. These compounds contribute to its therapeutic potential, particularly in exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects against oxidative stress. Furthermore, the plant is a known source of unique clerodane diterpenoids, which are synthesized through specific enzymatic pathways. Together, these diverse chemical constituents support the traditional use of the species in treating various ailments.
Conditions
Dodonaea viscosa treats Staphylococcus aureus through its potent antibacterial and biofilm inhibitory properties. This medicinal plant also treats inflammation by inhibiting enzymes such as COX-2 and 5-LOX. Furthermore, Dodonaea viscosa treats oxidative stress by utilizing its rich flavonoid content to act as a powerful antioxidant. The plant is traditionally used and scientifically supported to treat skin diseases, including rashes, with a high profile of dermal safety. Finally, Dodonaea viscosa treats A 549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells by demonstrating effective growth inhibition and cytotoxicity.
Preparations
Dodonaea viscosa is prepared as extracts in various forms to investigate its diverse medicinal properties. Specifically, the plant is prepared as aqueous extracts to evaluate toxicity and antimicrobial activity in zebrafish and herbal mixtures. Research also shows that Dodonaea viscosa is prepared as polyphenolic extracts to demonstrate protective effects against hyperglycemic damage in cerebral endothelial cells. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as an 80% methanol extract of the leaf to conduct systematic dermatotoxicity studies. Finally, Dodonaea viscosa is prepared as an EtOH extract from its roots to isolate antiproliferative triterpenoid saponins.
Parts used
Dodonaea viscosa is a versatile medicinal plant that contains various bioactive components distributed throughout its different anatomical structures. Research indicates that the leaves are rich in flavonoids and phenols, providing significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The flowers have also been identified as a potent source of compounds with both antibacterial and antiproliferative effects against cancer cells. Furthermore, the roots contain unique triterpenoid saponins that demonstrate efficacy against human ovarian cancer cell lines. Finally, the seeds provide specialized saponins that function as effective antifeedants and growth inhibitors in certain insect larvae.