Myrsine africana
Myrsine africana · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Myrsine africana is a botanical species recognized for its significant pharmacological potential, particularly through the study of its medicinal root components. Research into various preparations, including EtOH extracts, aqueous fractions, and butanol (BuOH) fractions, has revealed a diverse profile of bioactive compounds. These include key chemicals such as 2-Hydroxychrysophanol, 5-Methoxy-7-hydroxyphthalide, Embelin, and Nepodin. The plant demonstrates noteworthy biological activities, specifically exhibiting both anthelmintic and cytotoxic properties. Consequently, these findings suggest its therapeutic relevance in addressing complex medical conditions, including tuberculosis.
- Synonyms
- Buxus Dioica · Myrsine Africana Var. Glandulosa · 15 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Temperate
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Common Names
Myrsine africana is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional and descriptive names. It is widely recognized by the common English names African Boxwood and African Cape-Myrtle. Depending on the linguistic context, it is also frequently referred to as the African-boxwood. In certain areas, the species carries the specific name Boj africano. Additionally, it is known as Buis africain, reflecting its various cultural and botanical identities.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Myrsine africana is a versatile plant species that has been identified by several different botanical names throughout history. It is scientifically recognized through various synonyms, including the names Buxus dioica and Myrica montana. Taxonomic studies also link this species to Myrsine acuta, reflecting the complexity of its classification. Furthermore, the plant encompasses specific variations such as Myrsine africana var. acuminata and Myrsine africana var. bifaria. Understanding these diverse nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Myrsine africana is a unique botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further finds its place in the order Ericales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. This plant is a proud member of the genus Myrsine, which helps define its specific characteristics. Finally, it is categorized under the family Primulaceae, completing its detailed biological lineage.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Genus | Myrsine |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Myrsine africana is a versatile plant species with a widespread distribution spanning several distinct regions across the African continent. It is commonly found throughout East Tropical Africa, with established populations in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The species also extends its reach into Northeast Tropical Africa, specifically within the territory of Eritrea. Beyond the mainland, its presence can be traced to the Macaronesia region, including the Azores islands. This diverse range highlights the plant's ability to thrive in varied ecological settings across both continental and oceanic landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Myrsine africana is a versatile plant characterized by its distinct shrub growth form. As a self-supporting species, it maintains its structure naturally within its native habitat. The height of this shrub can vary significantly, ranging from a minimum of 0.4 meters to a maximum of 5 meters. Some specimens may establish themselves at a slightly higher baseline, frequently reaching a minimum height of 0.775 meters. This wide range in size allows the plant to adapt effectively to different environmental conditions.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Myrsine africana is a significant medicinal plant recognized for its diverse therapeutic potential in traditional healing practices. In the Loitoktok district of Kenya, it is frequently utilized by local populations as an anthelmintic to manage helminthosis in both humans and livestock. Scientific evaluations have further investigated these properties, noting that applications of the plant can significantly reduce total worm counts in certain parasite models. Beyond its ability to combat worms, research into the bioactive compounds of its roots has revealed important cytotoxic activities. Specifically, the isolation of components like emodin and 2-hydroxychrysophanol demonstrates the plant's complex chemical profile and its potential for further pharmacological discovery.
Compounds
Myrsine africana serves as a rich source of several bioactive secondary metabolites found within its roots. Chemical analysis and bioactivity-directed fractionation have identified emodin and 2-hydroxychrysophanol as key cytotoxic components of the plant. Furthermore, the species contains the compounds nepodin and 5-methoxy-7-hydroxyphthalide, although these were not found to be significantly cytotoxic. Research also links the presence of embelin to the medicinal profiles of various plants, including those used as traditional dewormers. Together, these findings highlight the complex chemical composition of Myrsine africana and its potential pharmacological relevance.
Conditions
Myrsine africana is utilized in traditional medicine to treat helminthosis in both humans and livestock. In laboratory evaluations, this plant has shown the ability to reduce total worm counts in Heligmosomoides polygyrus infections within mice. Furthermore, the plant exhibits significant antibacterial properties against specific clinical isolates. Specifically, various fractions of Myrsine africana demonstrate effectiveness against S11, S26, and S32.
Preparations
Myrsine africana is prepared as various extracts to facilitate diverse biological investigations. Researchers have specifically utilized Myrsine africana prepared as an EtOH extract to isolate bioactive compounds like emodin from its roots. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as aqueous fractions, butanol (BuOH) fractions, and chloroform (CHCl3) fractions to test for antibacterial activity. These different preparations allow for the evaluation of the plant's efficacy against pathogens such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Through these various forms, the medicinal potential of Myrsine africana is extensively explored across different chemical polarities.
Parts used
Myrsine africana possesses a root that serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds. Through bioactivity-directed fractionation of its ethanol extract, researchers have successfully isolated several significant chemical constituents. Notably, the root contains cytotoxic components such as emodin and the newly identified natural product, 2-hydroxychrysophanol. Other isolated substances, including nepodin and 5-methoxy-7-hydroxyphthalide, were also identified during the study. These findings highlight the complex chemical profile found within the plant's root system.