Ludwigia octovalvis
Ludwigia octovalvis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ludwigia octovalvis is a botanical species recognized for its significant therapeutic potential in medicinal research. Scientific studies have highlighted its impressive antihepatotoxic and hepatoprotective activities, making it a subject of interest for liver health. The plant contains vital bioactive compounds, including oleanolic acid, 2alpha-hydroxy ursolic acid, beta-sitosterol, and daucosterol. Researchers often evaluate these properties using various preparations, such as aqueous, hydroalcoholic, and 80% methanolic extracts. Furthermore, the efficacy of the herb is frequently tested against specific biological conditions involving glucosidase and lipase enzymes.
- Synonyms
- Jussiaea Octovalvis · Oenothera Octovalvis
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Onagraceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Ludwigia octovalvis is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional and descriptive names. In certain areas, it is commonly referred to as Cacabean or Calavera. It also carries the name Camarambaia, highlighting its presence in different linguistic traditions. In French-speaking regions, the plant is identified as Herbe à bourrique. Finally, it is widely recognized by the descriptive English common name, Mexican primrose-willow.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Ludwigia octovalvis is a plant species that is recognized by several different botanical names. In various scientific contexts, it is frequently referred to by its synonym, Jussiaea octovalvis. Additionally, researchers may encounter the name Oenothera octovalvis when studying this particular taxon. These nomenclatural variations highlight the complex history of botanical classification. Understanding these synonyms is essential for accurate identification and study within the plant kingdom.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Ludwigia octovalvis is a remarkable organism that belongs to the diverse kingdom Plantae. Within this vast botanical realm, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is a member of the order Myrtales, which helps define its evolutionary placement. It further falls into the family Onagraceae, a group known for its unique floral characteristics. Finally, its taxonomic identity is solidified by its membership in the genus Ludwigia.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Onagraceae |
| Genus | Ludwigia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Ludwigia octovalvis maintains a broad geographic presence throughout the African continent. Its range extends across East Tropical Africa, where it can be found in the diverse landscapes of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Beyond these eastern regions, the species also inhabits the Northeast Tropical territory of Chad. Furthermore, its distribution stretches toward the Atlantic via Macaronesia, specifically appearing in Cape Verde. This wide-reaching dispersal highlights the plant's adaptability to various African environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Ludwigia octovalvis is a versatile herb that maintains a self-supporting growth form. This plant exhibits a remarkable range in size, with individual specimens varying significantly in stature. While some instances may be as small as 0.03 m, others can reach a minimum height of 3 m. Ultimately, the species can grow to a maximum height of 4 m under ideal conditions. This diverse physical profile allows the plant to adapt effectively to its environment.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Ludwigia octovalvis has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential through its documented antihepatotoxic and hepatoprotective activities. Research involving Formosan plant screening identified this species as one of the few capable of inhibiting cytotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride and D-galactosamine. Further toxicological evaluations using methanolic extracts in mice support these findings, showing that the plant does not produce lethality or adverse histological changes in the liver. Specifically, administration of the extract led to a significant decrease in liver enzyme levels, such as ALT, AST, and ALP. These results suggest that the plant contains biologically active principles that may serve as a valuable natural agent for protecting liver health.
Compounds
Ludwigia octovalvis is a plant species characterized by a diverse profile of bioactive chemical constituents. Scientific investigations have confirmed that the herb contains several significant compounds, including the sterol beta-sitosterol and the phytosterol daucosterol. Additionally, the plant is a source of important triterpene acids such as oleanolic acid and 2alpha-hydroxy ursolic acid. The presence of gallic acid further highlights the complex chemical makeup of this species. These isolated components contribute to a growing understanding of the plant's potential pharmacological properties.
Conditions
Ludwigia octovalvis demonstrates significant antihepatotoxic activity by treating D-galactosamine in primary cultured hepatocytes. This plant also exhibits noteworthy antibacterial properties against several different types of microorganisms. Specifically, it shows effectiveness in treating the nonpathogenic bacteria E. coli DSM 1077 and Micrococcus luteus DSM 348. Additionally, the plant possesses the ability to treat pathogenic strains including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25933 and Yersinia enterocolitica 03.
Preparations
Ludwigia octovalvis is prepared as an 80% methanolic extract to evaluate its acute and subacute toxicity profiles in mice. It is also utilized as hydroalcoholic extracts to screen for inhibitory activities against glucosidase and lipase enzymes. The plant is processed as aqueous extracts to test its antibacterial effectiveness against Streptococcus mutans. Furthermore, studies have focused on the chemical constituents found specifically within the herb of Ludwigia octovalvis. Finally, the whole plant is used to isolate new oleanane-type triterpenes that exhibit cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines.