Neurolaena lobata
Neurolaena lobata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Neurolaena lobata is a botanical species recognized for its diverse range of medicinal activities, including antibacterial, antiplasmodial, acidulant, and anthelmintic properties. Research into its leaves has revealed the presence of significant bioactive chemicals such as lobatin B and various flavonols. Scientific studies have specifically evaluated its efficacy against bacteria, the parasite Brugia pahangi, and its impact on cell proliferation. These therapeutic effects are often investigated through different preparations, including aqueous, apolar, and ethanol extracts. Furthermore, specialized studies have focused on the potent biological potential found within Fraction 2 of the ethanol extract.
- Synonyms
- Neurolaena Lobata Var. Indivisa · Calea Lobata · 10 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Pacific
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Neurolaena lobata is a versatile plant recognized by a wide array of regional and descriptive names. In many areas, it is commonly referred to as American goldenrod or bushy fleabane. Depending on the local culture, you may also encounter it known as Caballon or Caballón. In Jamaica, the species is specifically identified by the name cow-gall bitter. These diverse monikers highlight the plant's widespread presence and its varied roles across different landscapes.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Neurolaena lobata is a plant species known to be associated with several different botanical names throughout various taxonomic classifications. It is frequently identified by its synonyms, which include the names Calea lobata and Calea suriani. Furthermore, the species has been historically referred to as Conyza lobata and Conyza symphytifolia in certain scientific records. Documentation also links the plant to the synonym Critonia chrysocephala, reflecting its complex botanical history. Understanding these various nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate identification and research.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Neurolaena lobata is a distinguished member of the kingdom Plantae. This botanical species belongs to the diverse family Asteraceae, which is known for its complex flowering structures. Within this group, it is classified under the order Asterales to reflect its evolutionary lineage. Its specific biological identity is further defined by its placement within the genus Neurolaena. Finally, the plant is categorized under the class Equisetopsida, completing its scientific profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Neurolaena |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Neurolaena lobata maintains a widespread presence throughout various regions of North America and Mexico. This plant can be found spanning the diverse landscapes of Central Mexico and along the coastal stretches of the Gulf region. Its reach extends further into the Northeast and Southeast territories of the country. Additionally, the species is well-established within the arid environments of the Mexican Southwest. Together, these distributions highlight the adaptable nature of the plant across multiple geographic zones.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Neurolaena lobata is a self-supporting plant that typically takes the form of a shrub. It reaches a maximum height of approximately 2.5 meters as it matures. This structural growth allows the species to establish a steady presence within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Neurolaena lobata is a plant of significant pharmacological interest due to its diverse range of biological activities. Research has demonstrated that this species possesses potent antiplasmodial properties, specifically showing effectiveness against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. Beyond its impact on parasites, the plant has also been identified as having notable antiviral capabilities, including the ability to inhibit HIV replication. Furthermore, studies indicate that Neurolaena lobata exhibits antibacterial and antisecretory activities that contribute to its medicinal profile. These various therapeutic potential pathways highlight the importance of further investigating this species for drug development.
Compounds
Neurolaena lobata is a traditional medicinal plant that serves as a significant source of bioactive compounds. Research has identified that this species contains the specific furanoheliangolide sesquiterpene lactone known as lobatin B. Beyond this particular compound, the plant is also characterized by the presence of various flavonols. The isolation of lobatin B has proven particularly important because it demonstrates the ability to inhibit NPM/ALK and NF-κB expression. These properties suggest that the chemical constituents of Neurolaena lobata may play a vital role in combating certain types of cancer progression.
Conditions
Neurolaena lobata exhibits significant therapeutic potential through its ability to treat T. cruzi via both in vitro and in vivo inhibition. The plant's active principle, lobatin B, effectively treats ALCL expansion by inhibiting the NPM/ALK chimera and arresting cell proliferation. Furthermore, extracts of this medicinal plant treat Brugia pahangi by demonstrating potent macrofilaricidal and microfilaricidal activities. Research also indicates that Neurolaena lobata treats HIV replication by inhibiting the virus and preventing its transfer from dendritic cells to lymphocytes. Finally, the compound lobatin B treats HL-60 cell proliferation by attenuating growth without affecting healthy PBMCs.
Preparations
Neurolaena lobata is prepared as various extracts to study its medicinal properties, including hexane and ethanol forms. Researchers have specifically utilized Fraction 2 of the ethanol extract of this plant due to its high activity against T. cruzi both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, an apolar extract of the plant has been shown to inhibit the expression of the NPM/ALK chimera in lymphoma cells. The plant is also prepared as aqueous extracts, which are evaluated for their antiplasmodial activities against Plasmodium falciparum. Through these diverse preparation methods, the biological potential of the species is explored across antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiparasitic studies.
Parts used
Neurolaena lobata is a medicinal plant native to Guatemala that has shown significant therapeutic potential in recent pharmacological studies. Researchers specifically focused on the ethanol extract derived from the leaf to evaluate its efficacy against parasitic worms. This leaf extract demonstrated strong macrofilaricidal activity by reducing the motility of adult Brugia pahangi in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, the study revealed that the plant's leaf components can effectively prevent the release of microfilariae from female worms. Ultimately, these findings suggest that the leaf of Neurolaena lobata serves as a promising source for developing treatments against lymphatic filariasis.