Gynura procumbens
What's the taxonomical classification of Gynura procumbens?
Gyunura procumbens belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida, it is situated in the subclass Magnoliidae and falls under the order Asterales. This plant is a member of the family Asteraceae, which places it within the genus Gynura, ultimately reaching its specific designation as the species procumbens.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Gynura |
| Species | procumbens |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Gynura procumbens has a prostrate growth habit characterized by creeping stems that root at the nodes and leaves that are fleshy, ovate, and covered in fine, soft hairs. The leaves are typically bright green with slightly serrated margins and a succulent texture. Small, tubular flowers emerge from the leaf axils, often appearing in clusters. The plant's stems can grow quite long as they spread across the soil surface. This creeping morphology allows the species to colonize ground space effectively.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically occurring in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It typically thrives in humid, lowland environments where moisture levels remain consistently high. Within these habitats, the species is often found growing along forest edges, shaded stream banks, and moist soil surfaces. Its distribution is closely tied to warm climates that prevent frost and support year-round growth. Localized populations are most dense in areas characterized by dense vegetation and significant annual rainfall.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Gynerura procumbens is cultivated in well-drained, moist soil within warm, humid environments that mimic its natural tropical habitat.
Growers should maintain consistent moisture levels without allowing the substrate to become waterlogged to prevent root rot. Providing bright, filtered sunlight is essential for optimal growth while preventing the delicate foliage from scorching. Regular fertilization with a balanced, liquid organic formula during the active growing season supports vigorous spreading.
Monitoring for common pests like spider mites ensures the plant remains healthy and vibrant throughout its development.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Gynera procumbens provides medicinal benefits through the use of its leaves, roots, shoots, stems, and exudates. The leaves are frequently harvested for their bioactive compounds to treat various ailments. Both the shoots and the stems are utilized in traditional remedies to support overall health. The roots contain concentrated nutrients essential for specific therapeutic applications. Additionally, the exudates collected from the plant serve as important components in medicinal preparations.
According to a study published by "Heliyon", the medicinal plant Gynura procumbens utilizes in vitro and in vivo plant parts for various effects. The regenerated leaf extract exhibited the highest antibacterial activity and the highest toxicity with a lethal concentration LC50 value of 1.21 ± 0.03 μg/mL. Conversely, the callus extract showed the lowest antibacterial activity and the highest LC50 of 11.09 ± 0.4 μg/mL. Cytotoxicity tests revealed that both callus and field leaf extracts possess anti-cell-proliferative properties. Meanwhile, the regenerated leaf and stem extracts have the ability to induce cell growth.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaf
- root
- shoot
- stem
- exudates
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Gynera procumbens, has been utilized extensively in Thai folk medicine to treat various ailments through the application of its leaves and stems. Practitioners traditionally prepare decoctions or poultices from the plant to address inflammatory conditions and digestive issues. Historical records suggest that local communities relied on its medicinal properties to alleviate minor wounds and skin irritations. The plant's chemical constituents have long been valued in these indigenous practices for their potential therapeutic effects. These traditional applications form a significant part of the ethnobotanical history within Southeast Asian healing traditions.
According to a study published by "Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)", Gynura procumbens is used in Thai folk medicine to treat topical inflammation, rheumatism, and viral ailments. In a study using a croton oil-induced mouse ear inflammation model (n = 5), the administration of 0.75 mg/ear of the original organic extract showed 65.2% inhibition. This activity was similar to 6 mg/ear of hydrocortisone 21-hemisuccinate sodium salt, which showed 64.8% inhibition. Furthermore, the hexane and toluene fractions showed significant inhibitions of 44.6% and 34.8%, respectively. These two fractions had similar activities to 4 mg/ear of hydrocortisone, which showed 35.0% inhibition.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Thai folk medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Gynura procumbens?
This plant has significant pharmacological activities including anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-glycaemic, and anti-oxidant properties. Its anti-glycaemic and anti-diabetic effects help in regulating blood sugar levels and managing glucose metabolism effectively. The plant also exhibits anti-hypertensive qualities that assist in lowering high blood pressure. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory actions help reduce bodily swelling and pain. Finally, the presence of strong anti-oxidant compounds protects cells from oxidative stress and damage.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Gynura procumbens is used to treat renal discomfort, constipation, diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, and hypertension. In a DPPH free radical scavenging assay, the ethyl acetate soluble fraction showed a maximum antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 10.78 µg/mL. The chloroform soluble fraction displayed a cytotoxic effect with an LC50 value of 1.94 µg/mL, while vincristine sulphate had an LC50 of 0.464 µg/mL. In a thrombolytic assay, the crude methanolic extract exhibited 63.77% activity compared to 70.78% for standard streptokinase. Additionally, the petroleum ether soluble fraction showed 70.37% glucose-lowering activity, which was higher than the 63.24% glucose-reducing activity of standard glibenclamide.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-diabetic
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-hyperglycaemic
- anti-hypertensive
- anti-oxidant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive medicinal compounds including the flavonoids kaempferol, luteolin, myricetin, and quercetin, along with the triterpene lupeol. These specific phytochemicals are recognized for their significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of these diverse molecules contributes to the overall therapeutic potential of the species in traditional medicine. Research suggests that these substances work together to help protect cells from oxidative stress. Understanding the concentration of these elements is essential for studying the plant's pharmacological applications.
According to a study published by "Journal of the science of food and agriculture", Gynera procumbens is a medicinal plant recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ultrasound treatment for 10 min significantly increased the activities of catalase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and tyrosine ammonia-lyase in the leaves. These enzymatic changes were associated with elevated levels of phenolic acids and flavonoids, specifically including quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol. The 10 min ultrasound-treated G. procumbens (UTGP) extract enhanced cell viability under oxidative stress conditions. Targeted and untargeted metabolomics analyses confirmed the accumulation of key bioactive compounds in the plant.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- kaempferol
- lupeol
- luteolin
- myricetin
- quercetin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing blood glucose levels in individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus and mitigating symptoms of hyperglycemia. It is frequently studied for its ability to help regulate hyperlipidemia by improving lipid profiles in the bloodstream. Additionally, researchers have investigated its potential therapeutic properties in reducing liver damage and supporting hepatic function. These medicinal qualities make it a significant subject in natural pharmacology for metabolic health.
According to a study published by "Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets", Gynura procumbens is used to help manage blood glucose. This medicinal plant is one of the most commonly used species to assist in the management of steroid-induced diabetes. The predominant mode of action for herbal products like Gynura procumbens involves modulating insulin signalling pathways. Such medications can effectively manage blood sugar levels by maintaining a steroid concentration.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- blood glucose
- diabetes mellitus
- hyperglycemia
- hyperlipidemia
- liver damage
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is processed into various medicinal forms including Gynera procumbens extract, aqueous soluble fraction, essential oil, nanohydrogel, and powder. Researchers utilize the aqueous soluble fraction to isolate specific bioactive compounds that promote healing and reduce inflammation. The essential oil is frequently extracted for its potent aromatic properties and concentrated therapeutic effects. Modern pharmaceutical advancements have also led to the development of nanohydrogel to enhance the controlled delivery of the plant's active ingredients. Additionally, the dried plant is often ground into a fine powder for use in traditional topical applications or dietary supplements.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Gynura procumbens is a tropical Asian medicinal plant used to treat renal discomfort, constipation, diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, and hypertension. Chemical investigation of the methanol extract of the leaves resulted in the isolation and characterization of 6 compounds, including phytol (1), lupeol (2), stigmasterol (3), friedelanol acetate (4), β-amyrin (5), and a mixture of stigmasterol and β-sitosterol (6). In a DPPH free radical scavenging assay, the ethyl acetate soluble fraction showed a maximum activity with an IC50 value of 10.78 µg/mL. The chloroform soluble fraction displayed a cytotoxic effect with an LC50 value of 1.94 µg/mL, while the crude methanolic extract exhibited 63.77% activity in a thrombolytic assay compared to 70.78% for streptokinase. Furthermore, the petroleum ether soluble fraction showed 70.37% glucose-lowering activity during anti-diabetic assays, which was higher than the 63.24% glucose-reducing activity shown by glibenclamide.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Gynera procumbens extract
- aqueous soluble fraction
- essential oil
- nanohydrogel
- powder
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant health complications including constipation, renal discomfort, high blood pressure, diabetes, and altered cholesterol levels. Consuming this herb may lead to digestive issues such as constipation that disrupt normal bowel functions. It has also been linked to renal discomfort, potentially putting undue stress on the kidneys during processing. Furthermore, users may experience fluctuations in blood pressure and issues managing diabetes. Changes in cholesterol levels can also occur, making careful monitoring essential for anyone using this plant.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Gynura procumbens is utilized to treat health concerns such as renal discomfort, constipation, diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, and hypertension. In a DPPH free radical scavenging assay, the ethyl acetate soluble fraction showed a maximum activity with an IC50 value of 10.78 µg/mL. The chloroform soluble fraction displayed a cytotoxic effect with an LC50 value of 1.94 µg/mL compared to 0.464 µg/mL for vincristine sulphate. In a thrombolytic assay, the crude methanolic extract exhibited 63.77% activity compared to the standard streptokinase at 70.78%. Additionally, the petroleum ether soluble fraction showed 70.37% glucose-lowering activity, while the standard glibenclamide showed 63.24% glucose-reducing activity.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- constipation
- renal discomfort
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- cholesterol level
What herbs are paired with Gynura procumbens?
This plant Gyurina procumbens pairs most effectively with ginger, lemongrass, and peppermint to enhance its subtle earthy notes.
When used in herbal infusions, adding ginger provides a warming contrast to the plant's cooling properties. Lemongrass complements the profile by introducing a bright citrus aroma that balances the base flavor. Peppermint can be integrated to amplify the refreshing sensations experienced during consumption.
These combinations are frequently utilized in traditional wellness tonics to create a more cohesive sensory experience.