Lophira lanceolata
Lophira lanceolata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Lophira lanceolata is a significant botanical species known for its diverse therapeutic potential in traditional medicine. Recent studies have focused on the methanol extract derived from its stem bark to explore its medicinal properties. This plant contains specialized chemical compounds, most notably Lanceolin B and Lophirone E, which contribute to its biological efficacy. Research has demonstrated that these extracts exhibit potent antimalarial and antimicrobial activities against various pathogens. Specifically, the plant has shown effectiveness against challenging organisms such as Candida albicans, Enterococcus hirae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Ochnaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Common Names
Lophira lanceolata is a versatile botanical species recognized by a diverse array of regional and descriptive common names. It is widely known as the Dwarf Red Ironwood and is also referred to as azobé de savanne in certain contexts. In many areas, the plant is identified by the names false shea and faux karité due to its perceived similarities to other trees. Furthermore, it carries the specific designation of lofira kopijovitolistá within local naming traditions. This wide variety of nomenclature highlights the significant cultural and practical importance the species holds across different landscapes.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Lophira lanceolata is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Malpighiales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Lophira, it occupies a distinct niche in the natural world. Finally, this plant is a recognized representative of the Ochnaceae family.
| 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 lanceolata is a diverse plant species found across several distinct regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, its presence is notably documented within the borders of Uganda. The species also extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it can be located in both Chad and the Sudan-South Sudan region. Moving toward the western side of the continent, Lophira lanceolata maintains a steady distribution throughout West Tropical Africa. Specifically, its range includes important territories such as Benin and Burkina Faso.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Lophira lanceolata is a robust, self-supporting tree that serves as a sturdy component of its native ecosystem. This species typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 12.19 meters, though it can occasionally grow as tall as 15.5 meters. Its distinct growth form allows it to establish a commanding presence within the forest canopy. By reaching these impressive heights, the tree plays a vital role in the structural complexity of its habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Lophira lanceolata is a medicinal plant recognized for its significant pharmacological potential in combating various pathogens. Research into its stem bark has revealed potent antimalarial properties, specifically through compounds like lophirone E and lanceolin B that target the transmissible stages of the Plasmodium parasite. Furthermore, investigations into traditional Cameroonian medicine have confirmed that the plant also possesses notable antimicrobial activity. In vitro studies using methanol extracts demonstrate that the species can inhibit the growth of several microorganisms through disc-diffusion assays. These combined findings highlight the importance of Lophira lanceolata as a valuable source for discovering new bioactive agents.
Compounds
Lophira lanceolata serves as a significant medicinal resource in the ongoing search for new antimalarial compounds. Recent phytochemical studies of the plant's stem bark have successfully identified several bioactive constituents. Among these key compounds are lophirone E, which exhibits notable gametocytocidal activity. Furthermore, the plant contains lanceolin B, a substance that acts as a potent inhibitor during the early sporogonic stages of the parasite. Together, these findings highlight how the plant produces distinct, stage-specific agents capable of targeting the malaria parasite within both human and mosquito hosts.
Conditions
Lophira lanceolata exhibits significant antimicrobial properties by effectively treating several different types of pathogens. The methanol extract of this plant demonstrates the ability to treat the yeast Candida albicans along with the bacterium Enterococcus hirae. Furthermore, the plant shows medicinal potential in treating Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Research also highlights its specific effectiveness in treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis through its bioactive steroid and flavonoid contents. These various relationships underscore the plant's broad utility in combating diverse microbial threats.
Preparations
Lophira lanceolata is prepared as a methanol extract to investigate its in-vitro antimicrobial activities against various microorganism strains. This specific plant preparation is utilized in disc-diffusion assays to test its effectiveness against species such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Additionally, Lophira lanceolata is prepared as stem bark to facilitate the study of stage-selective antimalarial properties. The bioactive compounds, including lanceolins, are isolated from this stem bark to target the development of Plasmodium parasite stages. These distinct preparation methods allow researchers to explore both the antimicrobial and antimalarial potential of the species.
Parts used
Lophira lanceolata serves as a vital source of medicinal compounds, particularly through the extraction of bioactive substances from its stem bark. Recent phytochemical investigations have focused on this plant to identify new agents capable of targeting the transmissible stages of the Plasmodium parasite. Through bioassay-guided studies, researchers successfully isolated potent molecules such as lanceolin B and a new glycosylated bichalcone named glucolophirone C. These specific components derived from the stem demonstrate significant inhibitory effects against the early sporogonic stages of malaria development. Ultimately, the study highlights how the chemical diversity within the stem of this African plant offers promising strategies for malaria control and elimination.