Hibiscus macranthus
Hibiscus macranthus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Hibiscus macranthus is a botanical species widely recognized for its potential therapeutic applications in traditional medicine. Research indicates that the aqueous extract and leaf mixture extract derived from its leaves possess significant biological properties. These preparations are frequently studied for their ability to influence various physiological processes, including the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Specifically, the plant shows promise in addressing conditions such as dysmenorrhea and complications related to infertility. Furthermore, its medicinal profile suggests potential benefits for managing body weight through its bioactive components.
- Synonyms
- Cienfuegosia Althaeoides · Hibiscus Rutshuruensis · 2 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Synonyms
Hibiscus macranthus is a complex botanical subject that is often identified through various taxonomic synonyms. Within scientific literature, this species is frequently referred to by the name Cienfuegosia althaeoides. It is also closely associated with the synonym Hibiscus ellenbeckii in several historical records. Furthermore, researchers may encounter the plant listed as Hibiscus rutshuruensis depending on the classification system used. Finally, the name Hibiscus teramnensis serves as another recognized synonym for this particular hibiscus.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Hibiscus macranthus belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing the diverse world of living vegetation. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further belongs to the order Malvales, a group that defines its fundamental biological structure. As a member of the family Malvaceae, it shares close botanical ties with many other well-known flowering plants. Ultimately, this species is identified by its specific genus, Hibiscus, which highlights its unique characteristics.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Hibiscus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Hibiscus macranthus is a notable botanical species with a widespread distribution across the African continent. It is frequently encountered throughout East Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The plant's presence extends further into the Northeast Tropical regions as well. In these areas, it can be found growing naturally in Ethiopia and Eritrea. This broad geographic range highlights the plant's adaptability to various tropical African environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Hibiscus macranthus is characterized by its distinctive herbaceous growth form. This plant typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 1.83 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Hibiscus macranthus is utilized in traditional medicine to treat dysmenorrhea and regulate the menstrual cycle. In male reproductive studies, the plant extract promotes the presence of abundant spermatozoa in the lumen of the seminiferous tubulus. It also significantly impacts biochemical markers by increasing the activity of prostatic acid phosphatase in the prostate, testis, and serum. The aqueous extract demonstrates clear anabolizing and virilizing effects through increased testosterone production. Furthermore, administration of the fresh leaf extract has been shown to increase body weight in experimental subjects.
Preparations
Hibiscus macranthus is prepared as an aqueous extract to study its physiological effects on reproduction. This plant is also utilized as a component in a specific leaf mixture extract consisting of Aloe buettneri, Justicia insularis, and Dicliptera verticillata. These combined plant extracts are locally used to regulate menstrual cycles and treat infertility in women. Research indicates that the aqueous extract of this leaf mixture can significantly increase the in vitro production of estradiol. Consequently, Hibiscus macranthus plays a functional role within these prepared aqueous and mixed botanical formulations.
Parts used
Hibiscus macranthus is a plant whose leaves are frequently utilized in traditional medicinal practices to address reproductive health concerns. Research indicates that aqueous extracts derived from these leaves are often combined with other botanical species to treat dysmenorrhea and infertility in women. Studies involving immature rats have demonstrated that these leaf extracts can significantly influence physiological parameters, such as uterine and ovarian weights. Furthermore, the chemical components found within the Hibiscus macranthus leaf mixture have been shown to induce the production of estradiol in ovarian cells. These findings suggest that the plant possesses potent oestrogenic properties that directly affect ovarian steroidogenesis.