Ipomoea pes-caprae
Ipomoea pes-caprae · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ipomoea pes-caprae is a resilient plant species known for its ability to withstand various environmental challenges, including salt stress, cold, and drought. Scientific investigations into its leaves, stems, and flowers have revealed significant biological activities, most notably antinociceptive and cytotoxic properties. Various chemical profiles, including As, CR, NI, and PB, have been identified through the analysis of different preparations such as aqueous, hexane-soluble, and CHCl(3)-soluble resin glycosides. These extracts are being studied for their potential therapeutic applications, particularly in addressing gastrointestinal disorders. Consequently, this plant remains a subject of intense pharmacological interest due to its diverse chemical composition and adaptability.
- Synonyms
- Ipomoea Bilobata · Ipomoea Bilobata Var. Emarginata · 21 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Convolvulaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Flower · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Ipomoea pes-caprae is a versatile coastal plant known by a wide variety of descriptive names across different regions. It is frequently called Beach Morning Glory or Sea Vine, reflecting its natural ability to thrive along sandy shorelines. In some areas, locals may refer to it as Goat's foot due to the distinctive shape of its leaves. It also carries the unique common names Batata di Lama and Seaside Potato. Regardless of the name used, this resilient species remains a vital component of maritime ecosystems.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Ipomoea pes-caprae is a botanical subject known to be associated with several different scientific names. Throughout taxonomic history, it has been identified by synonyms such as Batatas maritima and Bonanox orbicularis. The plant's classification has also been linked to various members of the Convolvulus genus. Specifically, researchers have previously referred to it as Convolvulus bauhiniifolius and Convolvulus bilobatus. Furthermore, the name Convolvulus brasiliensis serves as another recognized synonym within its complex botanical relationships.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Ipomoea pes-caprae belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of living organisms. Within this kingdom, the species is categorized under the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified into the order Solanales, which helps scientists understand its evolutionary lineage. This plant is a member of the genus Ipomoea, a group known for its distinctive climbing habits. Finally, it is situated within the family Convolvulaceae, linking it to other well-known morning glories.
| 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 pes-caprae is a resilient plant with an expansive distribution across the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, it can be found thriving in the coastal regions of both Kenya and Tanzania. Its reach extends beyond the mainland to the Macaronesia islands, where it has established itself in various unique habitats. Specifically, the species is present in the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Cape Verde archipelago. This widespread presence highlights the plant's remarkable ability to colonize diverse island and coastal environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Ipomoea pes-caprae is a resilient herb characterized by its distinct and obligatory climbing habit. This sprawling vine is capable of reaching a significant maximum height of 30 meters as it seeks support. While it can exist at a ground level of 0 meters, it typically establishes a visible presence with a minimum height of 0.25 meters. This flexible growth pattern allows the plant to navigate various coastal environments effectively. Ultimately, its ability to climb ensures it can dominate its ecological niche through rapid vertical expansion.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Ipomoea pes-caprae, commonly known as beach morning glory, has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential through its diverse biological activities. Research indicates that methanolic extracts from its aerial parts possess notable antinociceptive properties, effectively reducing both neurogenic and inflammatory pain in animal models. This efficacy is supported by a phytochemical profile containing steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Furthermore, the plant contains unique lipophilic glycosides, such as pescaproside A and pescapreins, which have been identified through advanced spectroscopic characterization. These isolated compounds have also been found to exhibit weak cytotoxic activity against several cancer cell lines, highlighting the plant's medicinal versatility.
Compounds
Ipomoea pes-caprae is a medicinal halophyte recognized for its diverse range of pharmacologically active components. Phytochemical analyses have revealed that the plant contains essential bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and glycosides. Furthermore, its phenolic profile is particularly notable for containing significant amounts of chlorogenic acid. Detailed mass spectrometry also highlights the presence of both isochlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid within its extracts. These various chemical constituents contribute to the plant's traditional use in treating inflammation, wounds, and other medicinal needs.
Conditions
Ipomoea pes-caprae manages salt stress through the regulation of WRKY transcription factors like IpWRKY16, which enhances antioxidant activity and ion transport in roots. This medicinal plant is traditionally used to moderate "heat" in an infected kidney through its unique resin glycosides. Its extracts can effectively reduce edema induced by Bothrops erythromelas snake venom, particularly when used in conjunction with antivenom. In folk medicine, it is also utilized to treat dermatitis caused by jellyfish and the Portuguese man-of-war. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates significant immunostimulatory activity by inducing T lymphocyte proliferation in human mononuclear cells.
Preparations
Ipomoea pes-caprae is prepared as an extract for various pharmacological studies, including tests on its inhibitory effects on guinea-pig ileal smooth muscle. The plant is also prepared as a hexane-soluble extract to yield lipophilic oligosaccharides such as pescaproside B and various pescapreins. Researchers have utilized CHCl(3)-soluble resin glycosides from the species to obtain pescaprein XVIII, which acts as a bacterial efflux pump inhibitor. Additionally, the plant is prepared as an aqueous extract to demonstrate antinociceptive activity against models of pain in mice. Finally, aqueous and aqueous ethanolic extracts are used in studies investigating the antimicrobial potential of medicinal plants.
Parts used
Ipomoea pes-caprae is a common seashore plant species that serves as a vital subject for studying heavy metal bioaccumulation. Research indicates that the plant effectively absorbs various metals and metalloids from contaminated soils, translocating them throughout its biological structure. Specifically, the accumulation of these elements is distributed across the plant's essential components, including its flowers, leaves, and stems. Among these parts, the flowers exhibit the highest concentrations of metals, followed by the leaves and then the stems. Understanding how these metals settle in different parts of the plant is crucial for ensuring the safety of those using it for medicinal purposes.