Ipomoea murucoides
Ipomoea murucoides · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ipomoea murucoides is a botanical species that contains a unique profile of specialized secondary metabolites. Scientific investigations into its chemical composition have identified key compounds such as Stoloniferin I, 2-Methylpropanoic acid, Jalapinolic acid, and Operculinic acid A. These chemical constituents are primarily studied through the analysis of the plant's flower and root components. Researchers often utilize specific preparations, including CHCl3-soluble extracts and crude resin glycoside mixtures, to isolate these substances. Understanding these complex chemical properties provides valuable insight into the biological potential of this plant.
- Synonyms
- Convolvulus Macranthus · Convolvulus Arboreus · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Convolvulaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Flower · Root
Classification
Common Names
Ipomoea murucoides is a distinctive plant known by several different local names depending on the region. It is frequently referred to as Cazahuate blanco, a name that highlights its specific identity within its natural habitat. In other areas, people may simply call it palo bobo, reflecting its common vernacular usage. These various monikers demonstrate the rich linguistic diversity used to describe this particular species. Understanding these common names is essential for anyone looking to identify the plant in the wild.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Ipomoea murucoides is a plant species known to be associated with several different botanical names. It is frequently identified by the synonym Convolvulus arboreus in various scientific contexts. Additionally, this species has been classified under the name Convolvulus macranthus. The taxonomic history of the plant also includes its recognition as Convolvulus quahutzehuatl. Understanding these various synonyms is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Ipomoea murucoides belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing the diverse world of multicellular organisms. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its place among the flowering plants. It further falls into the order Solanales, a group that connects it to various significant botanical lineages. As a member of the genus Ipomoea, it shares close evolutionary ties with other well-known morning glories. Finally, this plant is nested within the family Convolvulaceae, defining its specific structural and reproductive characteristics.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus | Ipomoea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Ipomoea murucoides exhibits a wide geographical range that spans across multiple regions of the Americas. Within North America, the species is widely distributed throughout various parts of Mexico, including the central, northeast, southeast, and southwest territories. Its presence also extends into the southern reaches of the continent, establishing itself within Central America. Specifically, the plant can be found thriving in the landscapes of Guatemala. This broad distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to diverse environments across the Western Hemisphere.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Ipomoea murucoides distinguishes itself through a robust tree-like growth form that commands attention in any landscape. Unlike many of its climbing relatives, this species is entirely self-supporting and does not require external structures for stability. Its impressive stature typically reaches a minimum height of 5 meters, allowing it to stand out in diverse environments. Depending on ideal growing conditions, the plant frequently reaches heights of 7 meters or more. Ultimately, this resilient species can achieve a maximum height of up to 9 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Ipomoea murucoides, a Mexican medicinal arborescent morning glory, serves as a rich source of diverse resin glycosides. Chemical analysis of its flower extracts reveals that the plant contains several significant compounds, including the known stoloniferin I and pescaprein III. Furthermore, the species is characterized by the presence of specific glycosidic acids such as jalapinolic acid, simonic acid B, and operculinic acid A. These constituents are often found as part of complex pentasaccharides, like the murucoidin series, which demonstrate potential in inhibiting bacterial multidrug efflux pumps. Such findings highlight the pharmacological importance of the various chemical relationships found within this plant.
Conditions
Ipomoea murucoides contains resin glycosides that play a significant role in combating antibiotic resistance. Specifically, the murucoidin series and stoloniferin I from this plant exert a potentiation effect against the NorA overexpressing Staphylococcus aureus strain SA-1199B by enhancing the activity of norfloxacin. These compounds work by inhibiting multidrug efflux pumps, which helps overcome bacterial resistance mechanisms. Additionally, the plant demonstrates biological activity against cancer cells, as evidenced by the marginal cytotoxicity observed in compound 4 against Hep-2 cells. These dual properties highlight the medicinal potential of the various pentasaccharides isolated from the flowers of this species.
Preparations
Ipomoea murucoides is prepared as a CHCl3-soluble extract derived from its flowers to facilitate the isolation of various chemical compounds. This specific CHCl(3)-soluble extract is further utilized to yield several pentasaccharides, including the murucoidin series and stoloniferin I. Additionally, the plant is prepared as a crude resin glycoside mixture which serves as a source for studying glycosidic acids. Through the saponification of this crude mixture, researchers can identify specific components like simonic acid B and operculinic acid A. These various preparation methods allow for the detailed characterization of the plant's complex amphipathic oligosaccharides and their biological activities.
Parts used
Ipomoea murucoides is a Mexican medicinal plant that contains various bioactive compounds within its different structures. Research indicates that the flowers of this species yield resin glycosides, such as the murucoidin series, which possess interesting pharmacological properties. These floral extracts have demonstrated potential as inhibitors of bacterial multidrug efflux pumps and have shown marginal cytotoxicity against certain cell lines. Additionally, the roots of the plant serve as a significant source of unique chemical constituents, including five specific pentasaccharide glycosides known as murucins. By studying both the flowers and the roots, scientists can better understand the diverse chemical profile of this arborescent morning glory.