Funtumia elastica
Funtumia elastica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Funtumia elastica is a plant species known for its significant medicinal potential in various therapeutic applications. Scientific investigations have focused on its antimicrobial activities, specifically targeting pathogens such as Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. Research also explores its efficacy in addressing conditions like Malaria through the use of its bioactive compounds. These biological properties are derived from the plant's leaves and stems, which are utilized in diverse pharmaceutical preparations. Specifically, studies evaluate the potency of aqueous extracts as well as ethanol extracts sourced from both the leaves and the stem bark.
- Synonyms
- Kixia Elastica · Kibatalia Elastica
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Funtumia elastica is recognized across various regions by a diverse array of local names. In several parts of the world, it is widely known as Lagos caoutchouc or Lagos caoutchouc in Cuba. The plant also carries the distinct name of Caucho de lagos in certain territories. In Puerto Rico, locals frequently refer to the species simply as Goma. Additionally, it is commonly identified by the name Ive-rubber in other botanical contexts.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Funtumia elastica is a botanical species that is recognized under several different scientific names within various taxonomic databases. Due to historical classification shifts, this plant is frequently referred to by its synonym, Kibatalia elastica. Additionally, researchers may encounter the same organism documented as Kixia elastica in older or alternative literature. Understanding these nomenclatural variations is essential for ensuring accuracy when studying the plant's distribution and characteristics. Consequently, navigating these synonymous relationships helps botanists maintain consistency in their scientific communication.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Funtumia elastica is a fascinating biological specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It specifically falls under the order Gentianales, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. Further narrowing its identity, the species is a member of the family Apocynaceae. Ultimately, it is defined by its placement within the genus Funtumia.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Funtumia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Funtumia elastica is a versatile species widely distributed across several key regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, the plant can be found growing throughout Tanzania and Uganda. Its presence also extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, specifically within the Sudan and South Sudan territories. Moving toward the western side of the continent, the species is well-established in West Tropical Africa. Specifically, it flourishes in the diverse landscapes of both Benin and Ghana.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Funtumia elastica is a distinctive tree characterized by its robust and self-supporting growth form. This species can reach impressive heights, typically scaling up to approximately 18.29 meters. In certain optimal conditions, however, the plant is capable of reaching a maximum height of 22.5 meters. Such significant vertical growth allows it to establish a commanding presence within its natural environment.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Funtumia elastica has a significant ethnopharmacological history, traditionally being used to treat various fungal infections and wounds. Recent investigations into the plant's ethanol leaf and stem bark extracts have confirmed its potent antimicrobial properties. Using microdilution and agar diffusion methods, researchers tested the extracts against a diverse range of organisms, including bacteria like Escherichia coli and fungi such as Candida albicans. The results demonstrated effective minimum inhibitory concentration ranges for both the leaves and the bark against these test organisms. These findings suggest that the plant's bioactive secondary metabolites are likely responsible for its proven antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.
Compounds
Conditions
Funtumia elastica exhibits significant antifungal activity against several different fungal species through its crude extracts. Specifically, the plant demonstrates the ability to treat Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. It also shows effective inhibition of the fungus Microsporium audouinii. Furthermore, the extracts are capable of treating Penicillium sp and Trichoderma sp. These results were determined using disc diffusion agar assays to measure the varying zones of inhibition.
Preparations
Funtumia elastica is prepared as aqueous extracts to evaluate its antifungal properties against various fungi. The plant is also prepared as ethanol extracts for use in disc diffusion agar assays to determine significant antifungal activity. Furthermore, Funtumia elastica is prepared as ethanol extracts from the leaves and stem bark to investigate its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential. These specific ethanol leaf and bark extracts are analyzed to identify secondary metabolites and determine their minimum inhibitory concentrations. Such varied preparation methods allow for a comprehensive study of the plant's medicinal characteristics and ethnopharmacological uses.
Parts used
Funtumia elastica is a plant with a significant ethnopharmacological history used for treating various ailments such as asthma and wounds. Research indicates that both the leaves and the stem bark of this species possess potent medicinal properties. Specifically, ethanol extracts derived from the leaves contain alkaloids and flavonoids, while the stem bark is rich in steroids and saponins. Studies have demonstrated that these specific plant parts exhibit significant antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities against several test organisms. Ultimately, the bioactive secondary metabolites found in the leaves and stem allow the plant to serve its traditional medicinal roles.