Dodonaea viscosa
What's the taxonomical classification of Dodonaea viscosa?
Dodonaea viscosa belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Moving down the taxonomic hierarchy, it falls under the order Sapindales and the family Sapindaceae. Finally, the plant is situated within the genus Dodonaea, with its specific designation being the species viscosa.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Dodonaea |
| Species | viscosa |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Dodonaea viscosa has opposite, trifoliate leaves consisting of three lanceolate or ovate leaflets that are typically leathery, glossy, and possess serrated margins. The plant features woody stems that can grow as either a spreading shrub or a small tree depending on its environmental conditions. Its flowers are small, inconspicuous, and greenish, appearing in dense clusters along the branches. The most distinctive morphological feature is the winged, papery fruit that develops from the ovary to facilitate wind dispersal. These characteristic wings surround a single seed and give the plant a unique structural appearance during fruiting stages.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to a wide range of tropical and subtropical regions including parts of Australia, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It thrives in diverse environments such as coastal areas, dry forests, and rocky hillsides. Due to its hardiness, it has become naturalized in many other warm climates across the globe. Many populations are now found in parts of the Americas where it can survive in disturbed soils. This widespread distribution is a result of its ability to tolerate various soil types and varying levels of moisture.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant thrives in well-drained soil and full sun exposure, requiring minimal water once its root system is fully established.
It is highly drought-tolerant and can adapt to various soil types, including sandy or rocky substrates. Propagation is most effective through stem cuttings taken from healthy, mature shrubs during the growing season. Regular pruning helps maintain a compact shape and encourages denser foliage for ornamental purposes.
Because it is resistant to many common pests, it serves as a low-maintenance choice for landscaping in arid climates.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Dodonaea viscosa provides medicinal benefits through its leaves, bark, flowers, roots, and seeds. The leaves are frequently crushed or decocted to treat skin ailments and inflammation. Bark extracts are utilized for their astringent properties to manage digestive issues or wounds. Flowers and roots are often prepared in infusions to address various systemic ailments. Additionally, the seeds are sometimes employed in traditional remedies for specific therapeutic purposes.
According to a study published by "Scientific reports", the leaves of Dodonaea viscosa contain a flavonoid-enriched fraction consisting of six phenolic acids and sixteen flavonoids. Quantitative analysis of the extract showed high levels of flavones and flavonols at 2518.6 ± 0.13 mg rutin equivalent/100 g, whereas flavanones and dihydroflavonols were measured at 401.2 ± 0.11 mg naringenin equivalent/100 g. The extract demonstrated antioxidant activity with DPPH scavenging values of 58.36 ± 18, 76.85 ± 13, and 89.75 ± 19%, and ABTS scavenging values of 69.56 ± 0.06, 76.42 ± 0.10, and 84.28 ± 0.07% at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL. Additionally, the plant exhibited inhibitory effects against COX-2 with an IC50 of 38.21 μg/mL and 5-LOX with an IC50 of 40.72 μg/mL.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaves
- bark
- flower
- roots
- seeds
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Dodonaea viscosa is utilized across diverse global healing traditions, including Aboriginal Australian practices, Ayurveda, Siddha, and Traditional African Medicine, to treat various ailments. Aboriginal people historically used the plant for its medicinal properties and as a ritual component in certain cultural ceremonies. Within the Ayurvedic and Siddha systems of India, the plant is applied to manage conditions involving inflammation, skin disorders, and digestive issues. Practitioners of Traditional African Medicine also incorporate the species into local remedies to address diverse health concerns. These varied applications highlight the significant role the species plays in the ethnobotanical history of multiple continents.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", hop bush, specifically Dodonaea viscosa, is one of the popular Aboriginal medicinal plants. These plants have served as a source of medicine for the first Australians, who are believed to have lived for more than 50,000 years. The study reviewed 78 medicinal plants used against various inflammation and inflammatory-related conditions by Aboriginal people. Out of those 78 species, the researchers included 45 species whose crude extracts or isolated pure compounds showed anti-inflammarotory properties. This research was conducted to find anti-inflammarotory lead compounds in collaboration with Aboriginal communities.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Aboriginal people
- Ayurveda
- Siddha
- Traditional African Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Dodonaea viscosa?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects allow it to effectively manage pain and reduce swelling in various biological models. Its potent antimicrobial capabilities enable it to combat a wide range of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Additionally, the plant contains bioactive compounds that act as antioxidants to neutralize harmful free radicals. These combined medicinal attributes make it a significant subject for natural drug development.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", oily substances extracted from the stem and bark of Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq. are used to treat inflammation, pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders. The phytochemical analysis of the stem extract indicates the presence of anti-spasmodic chemicals. These active substances are postulated to be pyrolysate derivatives of the anti-spasmodic flavonoids quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, and sakuranetin. The extracts contain dihydroxy, dimethyl, and other substituted catechols. This research substantiates the historical use of the plant by traditional practitioners for treating these specific conditions.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-microbial
- anti-oxidant
- anti-diabetic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the specific medicinal compounds dodoneaside A, dodoneaside B, dodonic acid, viscosene, and viscosol. These various chemical constituents contribute to the diverse pharmacological profile of the species. Research indicates that these substances often work together to provide anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial benefits. The presence of these unique molecules distinguishes this plant from other similar botanical varieties. Scientists continue to study these components to better understand their therapeutic potential in medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", an EtOH extract obtained from the roots of Dodonaea viscosa led to the isolation of two new antiproliferative oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins known as dodoneaside A and B, identified as compounds 1 and 2. These two new compounds showed antiproliferative activity against the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line. Specifically, compound 1 showed an IC50 value of 0.79 uM. Compound 2 demonstrated an IC50 value of 0.70 uM.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- dodoneaside A
- dodoneaside B
- dodonic acid
- viscosine
- viscosol
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating gastric ulcers, skin diseases, inflammation, infection, and pain. Its medicinal extracts are often applied topically to soothe various skin diseases and reduce localized inflammation. When ingested or used in specific preparations, the plant helps combat internal infections and provides relief from stomach-related issues like gastric ulcers. Furthermore, its natural properties serve as an effective remedy for managing physical pain. This versatile shrub plays a crucial role in traditional medicine for addressing these diverse health conditions.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. is used traditionally for the treatment of gastric ulcers. The plant is known for its antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter pylori, which is a bacterium that causes inflammation and the onset of gastric ulcers. In the research, aqueous extracts of Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. demonstrated a mean minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.30 mg/mL. This plant was one of 21 species collected and one of 12 species that showed noteworthy activity against at least one H. pylori strain.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- gastric ulcers
- skin diseases
- inflammation
- infection
- pain
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is utilized to create various medicinal herbal preparations including an 80% methanol extract, aqueous extracts, a butanol fraction, decoctions, and essential oil. Researchers employ these different solvents and methods to isolate specific bioactive compounds responsible for the species' therapeutic properties. The 80% methanol extract and butanol fraction are often used in laboratory settings to study concentrated chemical constituents. Traditional medicine frequently relies on decoctions made by boiling the plant parts in water to release soluble medicinal agents. Additionally, the essential oil provides a highly concentrated volatile aromatic component for specific applications.
According to a study published by "Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie", Dodonaea viscosa is one of 11 traditional medicinal plants from Réunion Island evaluated for its aqueous extracts. The total polyphenol content of the studied plants ranged from 103.2 to 14.2 mg GAE/g dried plant. Identified main compounds in these extracts included chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, and mangiferin. Toxicity assays were used to determine the maximum non-toxic concentration for each extract. This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of the composition and in vivo activity of these 11 Reunionese medicinal plants.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 80% methanol extract
- aqueous extracts
- butanol fraction
- decoctions
- essential oil
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health reactions including headaches, rashes, reproductive toxicity, various skin diseases, and stomach pain. Exposure to its chemical components may lead to intense irritation that manifests as localized rashes or more severe skin diseases upon contact. Ingestion of certain parts of the plant is known to trigger significant stomach pain and discomfort. Furthermore, research indicates that the species may possess reproductive toxicity that could impact fertility or fetal development. These diverse side effects highlight the potential dangers associated with improper handling or consumption of the plant.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Dodonaea viscosa is used by tribes for headaches, backaches, stomach pain, piles, and simple ulcers. The hexane extract of Dodonaea viscosa dose dependently inhibited ethanol induced gastric lesions, causing 90% protection at 500 mg/kg, 81% protection at 250 mg/kg, and 70% protection at 125 mg/kg. It also inhibited indomethacin induced gastric lesions, providing 92% protection at 500 mg/kg, 77% protection at 250 mg/kg, and 52% protection at 125 mg/kg, with results being statistically significant at p<=0.05. The hexane extract at 500 mg/kg decreased the amount of total acid in gastric juice. An acute toxicity study using a higher dose of 1250 mg/kg did not manifest any toxicological signs in rats.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- headache
- rashes
- reproductive toxicity
- skin diseases
- stomach pain
What herbs are paired with Dodonaea viscosa?
This plant pairs effectively with aromatic herbs such as rosemary, lavender, and sage to create complex scent profiles in landscaping or essential oil blends.
The resinous quality of the leaves provides a grounding base that complements the bright, floral notes of lavender. When used in culinary-inspired aromatherapy, the woody undertones of Dodonaea viscosa balance the sharp pungency of rosemary. Pairing it with sage helps to soften the plant's natural astringency through shared earthy characteristics.
These combinations are often utilized by herbalists to design balanced sensory experiences in garden environments.