Ipomoea nil
Ipomoea nil · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ipomoea nil is a botanical species that holds significant interest in pharmacological research due to its diverse biological activities. Specifically, the ethanol extract derived from its seeds has demonstrated promising anthelmintic and antitumor properties. Scientific investigations into this plant have focused on its chemical composition, noting the presence of sugar and various coumarin derivatives. These components contribute to notable antioxidant activity and the potential to influence tyrosinase levels. Consequently, studying the ethanol extract of Ipomoea nil provides valuable insights into its medicinal potential.
- Synonyms
- Ipomoea Githaginea · Ipomoea Nil Var. Himalaica · 37 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Convolvulaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Seed
Classification
Common Names
Ipomoea nil is a versatile plant known widely by its common name, the annual morning glory. Depending on the local region and language, this climbing species is also referred to as Bejuco de vaca. In certain areas, you might encounter it called Blakstienotasis sukutis or the unique Café-de-rama. It is also frequently identified by the charming name Campanilla. These diverse monikers reflect the plant's widespread presence across various cultures and landscapes.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Ipomoea nil is a fascinating botanical subject that is frequently identified through various historical synonyms. Within scientific literature, this plant has been cataloged under names such as Convolvulus caeruleus and Convolvulus coelestis. Researchers may also encounter it listed as Convolvulus dillenii or Convolvulus hederaceus depending on the taxonomic source used. Additionally, the name Convolvulus lindleyi serves as another recognized synonym for this specific species. Understanding these diverse nomenclatures is essential for accurately tracking the plant's identity across different botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Ipomoea nil is a fascinating member of the kingdom Plantae that showcases the diverse complexity of the natural world. This specific plant belongs to the genus Ipomoea, a group known for its distinctive climbing habits and vibrant blooms. Within this genus, it is classified under the family Convolvulaceae, placing it among the well-known morning glory relatives. Its biological lineage continues through the order Solanales, which connects it to a wide array of significant botanical species. Finally, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida, completing its formal scientific profile.
| 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 nil exhibits a broad geographic presence across several key regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, the species is notably established within the territories of both Tanzania and Uganda. Its range also extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it can be found thriving in Chad. Furthermore, the plant is documented as part of the natural flora in Eritrea and Ethiopia. This diverse distribution highlights the adaptability of the species throughout these various African landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Ipomoea nil is a distinctive herb characterized by its obligatory climbing habit. This vigorous climber relies on external supports to navigate its environment as it ascends. Depending on the growing conditions, the plant typically reaches a minimum height of 1 meter. However, it often surpasses this size, frequently reaching heights of 5 meters or more. Ultimately, this impressive species can achieve a maximum height of up to 10 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Ipomoea nil, also known as Pharbitis nil, demonstrates significant medicinal potential through its diverse biological activities. Research indicates that the seeds of this plant, referred to as Semen pharbitidis, possess notable anthelmintic properties used to combat intestinal parasites. Specifically, the compound pharbitin has been identified as a key agent responsible for this antiparasitic effect. Beyond its use against helminths, the plant also exhibits potent antitumor activity by inducing apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells. These combined findings highlight the importance of Ipomoea nil in traditional East Asian medicine and its value in modern pharmacological studies.
Compounds
Ipomoea nil, also known by its synonym Pharbitis nil, serves as a significant source of diverse chemical compounds. Recent phytochemical investigations have successfully isolated several unique diterpene glycosides from its seeds. Among these findings, the identification of pharboside G stands out as a notable discovery. This specific ent-gibbane diterpene glycoside was characterized using advanced spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR analysis. Such research into the plant's chemical makeup is essential for evaluating its potential cytotoxic activities against human cancer cell lines.
Conditions
Ipomoea nil, also known as Pharbitis nil, demonstrates significant biological activity by treating several phenolic compounds through glucosylation. Specifically, the hairy roots of this plant treat aesculetin by exhibiting potent glucosylation activity. The plant also treats flavone derivatives, including 3-hydroxy flavone, 3,6-dihydroxyflavone, and 3,7-dihydroxyflavone, by converting them into 3-glucosylated derivatives. Furthermore, Ipomoea nil treats AGS gastric cancer cells by inducing growth inhibition and apoptotic cell death. These diverse interactions highlight the plant's ability to metabolize specific chemical structures and exert antitumor effects.
Preparations
Ipomoea nil, also referred to as Pharbitis nil, is prepared as an ethanol extract for various medicinal investigations. This specific ethanol extract is utilized to study its potential in ameliorating liver fibrosis by regulating the TGFβ1-SMAD2/3 pathway. Furthermore, the plant is processed into an ethanol extract to evaluate its anti-cancer activity against HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells. Research shows that this prepared extract can inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptotic cell death in specific cancer cell lines. Consequently, the ethanol extraction of Ipomoea nil serves as a critical method for exploring its therapeutic properties in treating liver and tumor-related conditions.
Parts used
Ipomoea nil, often referred to in scientific literature as Pharbitis nil, serves as a valuable source of bioactive compounds located within its seeds. Researchers have successfully utilized ultrasonic extraction methods to isolate polysaccharides from these seeds, which exhibit significant antioxidant properties. Furthermore, chemical analyses of seed extracts have led to the discovery of several new diterpene glycosides, such as pharbosides A-G. These isolated compounds are of particular interest due to their demonstrated cytotoxic activities against various human cancer cell lines. Consequently, the seeds of this plant represent a promising resource for further pharmaceutical and nutritional development.