Lophira alata
Lophira alata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Lophira alata is a significant botanical species known for its diverse medicinal potential derived from its leaves and roots. Scientific investigations into its methanolic extracts and fractions have revealed potent antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities. These therapeutic effects are largely attributed to specialized chemical compounds such as flavonoids, sterols, alatachalcone, and lophirachalcone. Such biochemical properties suggest promising applications in treating complex conditions, including cancer and gliomas. Additionally, the plant shows potential in addressing parasitic infections like malaria and Loa loa.
- Synonyms
- Lophira Alata Var. Procera · Lophira Barteri · 5 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Ochnaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Root
Classification
Common Names
Lophira alata is a remarkable species known widely by several distinct regional names. In many parts of the world, it is commonly referred to as Azobe or Azobé. Depending on the local dialect and geography, it is also frequently called Bokole. Some enthusiasts and traders may identify the tree as Kujeme. Additionally, it is recognized by the name Jerntræ, reflecting its sturdy characteristics.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Lophira alata is a botanical species characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms. Scientific literature frequently refers to this plant under various names, including Lophira africana and Lophira barteri. It is also identified by the name Lophira macrophylla in certain contexts. Further distinctions include its classification as Lophira procera or the specific variety Lophira alata var. procera. Understanding these overlapping designations is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Lophira alata is a remarkable specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the order Malpighiales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Lophira, it holds a distinct place among its closest botanical relatives. Finally, this plant is firmly situated within the family Ochnaceae, completing its unique taxonomic identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Ochnaceae |
| Genus | Lophira |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Lophira alata is a versatile species with a broad geographical presence across the African continent. Its distribution spans from East Tropical Africa, specifically within Uganda, to the Northeast regions of Chad and the Sudan-South Sudan border. The plant also thrives in West Tropical Africa, establishing itself in countries such as Benin. Additionally, its reach extends to the Gambia, highlighting its ability to adapt to various tropical environments. This wide-ranging habitat underscores the significant ecological footprint this species maintains throughout Africa.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Lophira alata is a robust, self-supporting tree that commands attention within its ecosystem. This impressive species can reach a typical height of up to 37.5 meters as it matures. However, under optimal conditions, it is capable of achieving a massive stature of approximately 54.86 meters. Such significant vertical growth allows the tree to dominate the forest canopy effectively.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Lophira alata has demonstrated significant medicinal potential through its potent antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities. Research focusing on the methanolic fraction of its roots reveals that the plant can effectively decrease the proliferation of malignant glioma cells. This inhibitory effect occurs in both a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner, targeting critical survival signaling pathways. Furthermore, the plant induces apoptosis by triggering the cleavage of essential markers such as PARP and caspases. Ultimately, these findings suggest that Lophira alata could serve as a valuable therapeutic molecule in the management of brain tumors.
Compounds
Lophira alata is a medicinal plant found in tropical regions that serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds. Scientific investigations have identified that this plant contains various flavonoids, which contribute to its significant therapeutic potential. Specifically, the leaves of the species have been found to yield unique substances such as lophirone L and the known lithospermoside. Furthermore, the plant contains specialized chalcone tetramers, including both lophirachalcone and the newly identified alatachalcone. These complex chemical constituents highlight the botanical importance of Lophira alata in the study of anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory agents.
Conditions
Lophira alata demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by effectively treating Loa loa microfilariae with high selectivity. The plant also serves as a powerful agent to treat cancer through its various bioactive components. Specifically, Lophira alata is shown to treat gliomas by targeting malignant invasive cellular growth. Within these studies, the plant works to treat glioma cell proliferation by inducing a concentration-dependent decrease in growth. Furthermore, Lophira alata helps to treat apoptosis in glioma cell lines by inducing PARP and caspase cleavages.
Preparations
Lophira alata is prepared as a leaf extract to study its efficacy in treating malaria in murine models. This plant is also prepared as methanolic extracts to evaluate in vitro activities against Loa loa microfilariae. Furthermore, Lophira alata is prepared as a methanolic fraction of the root to examine its cytotoxic potential against glioblastoma cells. These various preparations allow researchers to investigate the plant's medicinal properties in treating parasites and cancer. Each specific preparation method, whether as a leaf extract, methanolic extract, or methanolic fraction, serves a unique role in pharmacological research.
Parts used
Lophira alata is a medicinal plant that offers diverse therapeutic potential through its different biological components. Research into its leaves has led to the discovery of unique biflavonoids and demonstrated significant antimalarial efficacy, especially when combined with artemisinin derivatives. Furthermore, the leaves have proven useful in studies investigating the chemical diversity of plant-derived compounds. Beyond the foliage, the root of the plant plays a critical role in traditional herbal decoctions used to treat cancer patients. Specifically, extracts from the root have shown promise in suppressing the growth of glioblastoma cells by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting key signaling pathways.