Lannea nigritana
Lannea nigritana · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Lannea nigritana is a significant medicinal plant recognized for its diverse therapeutic applications in traditional medicine. Researchers have specifically investigated the biological activities of its stem to explore its potential in managing complex health issues. Among these studies, the plant's properties have been examined for their efficacy in addressing conditions related to cancer. The bioactive compounds found within the stem are thought to play a crucial role in these medicinal processes. Understanding these chemical profiles offers promising insights into the plant's role in modern pharmacological research.
- Synonyms
- Odina Nigritana · Lannea Grossularia · 4 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Synonyms
Lannea nigritana is a taxonomically complex species that is known by several different botanical names. Throughout various studies, it has been identified by synonyms such as Lannea afzelii and Lannea glaberrima. Researchers have also documented its relationship to Lannea grossularia and the specific variety Lannea nigritana var. pubescens. Furthermore, the plant is occasionally referred to in literature under the name Odina nigritana. Understanding these diverse nomenclatures is essential for accurate botanical identification and classification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Lannea nigritana is a remarkable botanical species that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this diverse kingdom, the plant is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further descends through the order Sapindales, which helps define its unique evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Lannea, it shares structural characteristics with its close botanical relatives. Finally, this species is nested within the Anacardiaceae family, placing it among a distinct group of flowering plants.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Lannea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Lannea nigritana is a notable plant species primarily distributed across the diverse landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Its presence is widely documented throughout several key nations, including Benin and Ghana. The species also flourishes within the natural habitats found in Guinea and Guinea-Bissau. Furthermore, its botanical range extends significantly into the Ivory Coast. This widespread distribution highlights the plant's ecological importance within the West African tropical belt.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Lannea nigritana is a self-supporting species characterized by its distinct tree growth form. This hardy plant typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 12 meters in its natural habitat. However, some specimens may occasionally grow slightly taller, reaching an upper limit of about 13.72 meters. These physical dimensions contribute to its presence within the diverse canopy of its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Lannea nigritana is one of the sixteen Nigerian plants investigated for its potential cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cancer cell line. Although it is used locally in traditional medicine for the treatment of cancer, the study specifically tested its ethanolic stembark extract. The results indicated that this plant demonstrated very low cytotoxic activity during the MTT assay. This finding suggests that while it is traditionally utilized, its effectiveness in treating cancer is limited compared to other tested species. Therefore, the research highlights its role as a traditional remedy despite its low observed potency in this specific laboratory setting.
Preparations
Parts used
Lannea nigritana serves as a subject of interest in studies investigating the anticancer potential of Nigerian medicinal plants. In recent cytotoxic research conducted on the HeLa cell line, specific components of this species were tested to evaluate their effectiveness against cancer cells. The study specifically examined the stembark of the plant using an ethanolic extract and the MTT assay. Results indicated that the stembark of Lannea nigritana exhibited very low cytotoxic activity compared to other studied species. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of how different plant parts function in traditional cancer treatments.