Oldenlandia corymbosa
What's the taxonomical classification of Oldenlandia corymbosa?
Oldenlandia corymbosa belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. The plant further falls under the order Gentianaales and is a member of the Rubiaceae family. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Oldenlandia and its unique designation as the species corymbosa.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Oldenlandia |
| Species | corymbosa |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Oldenlandia corymbosa has woody, shrubby stems that support small, leathery, evergreen leaves arranged in an opposite or sub-opposite pattern. The leaves are typically elliptical to ovate in shape and feature entire margins with a slightly thickened texture. Its inflorescence consists of many small, white or cream-colored flowers organized into flat-topped, branched clusters known as corymbs. The reproductive structures include five petals and a central arrangement of stamens characteristic of the Oldenlandiaceae family. These botanical features allow the plant to thrive in specific ecological niches within its native habitat.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is endemic to the Western Cape province of South Africa, specifically occurring within the Cape Floristic Region. Its distribution is highly localized to the fynbos biome, which provides the unique Mediterranean climate it requires. Individual populations are often found in rocky outcrops or sandy soils across diverse mountain landscapes. Because its range is so restricted, the species is primarily confined to specific microclimates within this coastal and montane territory. This limited geographical footprint makes the plant a specialized component of its regional ecosystem.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires a well-draining substrate with a slightly acidic pH, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and bright, indirect sunlight to thrive.
Growers should maintain temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to mimic its natural tropical environment. Regular fertilization with a balanced liquid formula during the growing season helps promote healthy foliage development. Careful attention to humidity levels is essential, as low moisture in the air can lead to leaf desiccation.
Monitoring the soil moisture frequently ensures the roots remain hydrated but never sit in stagnant water.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Oldenlandia corymbosa utilizes its entire structure for medicinal purposes, specifically the flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, and stems. The leaves are frequently harvested to prepare infusions that address various ailments. Small flowers and developing fruits are also incorporated into traditional remedies to harness their unique chemical properties. Medicinally active compounds can be extracted from the sturdy stems to support healing processes. Finally, the roots are often processed to provide potent therapeutic benefits in folk medicine.
According to a study published by "Scientific data", the genus Oldenlandia includes medicinal plants with significant pharmacological potential. Researchers used a UPLC-MS/MS approach to monitor 1,343 metabolites across 60 samples from two species, including Oldenlandia corymbosa. For Oldenlandia corymbosa, transcriptome sequencing generated 257.03 Gb of clean data. This analysis for the species also identified 20,825 annotated genes. These datasets serve as a resource for investigating the metabolic mechanisms of these medicinal species.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- flowers
- fruits
- leaf
- roots
- stems
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Oldenlandia corymbosa, has been utilized in traditional medicine systems such as Chinese Materia Medica to treat various ailments including inflammation and infections. In these traditional practices, the plant is often prepared as a decoction or powder to address digestive issues and fever. Practitioners frequently rely on its perceived properties to balance internal heat and promote detoxification within the body. Its historical application also extends to treating skin conditions and urinary tract disturbances in various regional folk medicines. These long-standing uses reflect the plant's significant role in historical botanical therapies.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Chinese Materia Medica
What are the pharmacological activities of Oldenlandia corymbosa?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative, and anti-tumor properties. Its antioxidant capacity helps neutralize harmful free radicals within biological systems to prevent cellular damage. Research indicates that the plant also exhibits significant anti-microbial effects against various pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, its anti-proliferative actions serve to inhibit the rapid division of abnormal cells. These combined characteristics contribute to its potential anti-tumor efficacy in preventing cancer progression.
According to a study published by "Journal of integrative plant biology", Oldenlandia corymbosa has been used in traditional medicine to treat different diseases, including cancer. The study exposed this plant to 8 different stress conditions to capture gene expression, metabolic profiles, and anti-cancer activity. Results show that extracts of Oldenlandia corymbosa are active against breast cancer cell lines. The metabolite ursolic acid is responsible for this activity and causes mitotic catastrophe in cancer cells. Researchers identified 3 high-confidence protein binding targets for ursolic acid using Cellular Thermal Shift Assay and reverse docking. Additionally, the study uncovered 2 genes involved in the biosynthesis of ursolic acid.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-cancer
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
- antiproliferative
- antitumor
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains flavonoids, anthocyanosides, cardiac glycosides, saponin, and ursolic acid. These specific medicinal compounds contribute to the diverse pharmacological profile of Oldenlandia corymbosa. The presence of anthocyanosides often provides antioxidant properties, while flavonoids serve various protective functions within the body. Cardiac glycosides and saponin are significant components that can influence physiological processes such as heart function and cell membrane permeability. Additionally, the inclusion of ursolic acid suggests potential anti-inflammatory and therapeutic benefits.
According to a study published by "Nigerian quarterly journal of hospital medicine", the aqueous leaf extract of Oldenlandia corymbosa contains flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthocyanosides, saponin, and reducing sugar. The dry aqueous leaf extract of this plant has a dark brown colour and a pH ranging from 6.1 to 7.2. In the study, graded doses of 5, 10, 20, and 40 g/kg body weight were administered to the treated groups. The LD50 determination results for Oldenlandia corymbosa were 14.14 +/- 0.27 and 10.56 +/- 0.20 g/kg body weight.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Flavonoids
- anthocyanosides
- cardiac glycosides
- saponin
- ursolic acid
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating hepatitis, inflammation, malignant tumors of the liver, microbial infections, and oxidative stress. Its bioactive compounds work to reduce systemic inflammation throughout the body. The plant also demonstrates significant potential in combating various microbial infections by inhibiting pathogen growth. Furthermore, its antioxidant properties help the body manage oxidative stress at a cellular level. These combined effects contribute to its therapeutic role in managing liver-related pathologies and preventing further damage to hepatic tissues.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", Oldenlandia corymbosa is used interchangeably in South China for the treatment of hepatitis and malignant tumors of the liver, lung and stomach. To evaluate its efficacy, researchers used the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay in human hepatoma HepG2 cells and human colon carcinoma CaCo2 cells along with a zebrafish angiogenic model. The methanol extracts of Oldenlandia corymbosa showed almost no antiproliferative effect during these tests. In contrast, the chloroform extracts of the plant exhibited slightly antiproliferative effects. The main components of the plant also had almost no effect on zebrafish angiogenic vessel formation at the concentrations tested.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- hepatitis
- inflammation
- malignant tumors of the liver
- microbial infections
- oxidative stress
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal preparations including aqueous leaf-extract, chloroform extracts, and herb tea. The aqueous leaf-extract is often prepared to isolate water-soluble bioactive compounds from the foliage. Scientists also utilize chloroform extracts to isolate specific non-polar chemical constituents for pharmacological study. For traditional consumption, the dried leaves are steeped in hot water to create a therapeutic herb tea. These various methods allow for different concentrations of the plant's active medicinal properties.
According to a study published by "Nigerian quarterly journal of hospital medicine", the aqueous leaf extract of Oldenlandia corymbosa L. was administered to groups of 6 mice each at graded doses of 5, 10, 20, and 40 g/kg body weight. The dry aqueous leaf extract of this plant has a dark brown colour and a pH ranging from 6.1 to 7.2. Phytochemical analysis showed that flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthocyanosides, saponin, and reducing sugar were present in the extract. The LD50 determination results for Oldenlandia corymbosa using Thompson and Finney methods were 14.14 +/- 0.27 and 10.56 +/- 0.20 g/kg body weight.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- aqueous leaf-extract
- chloroform extracts
- herb tea
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause uterine contractions which pose a significant risk to pregnant women. Consuming Oldenlandia corymbosa may stimulate the muscles of the uterus, potentially leading to premature labor or miscarriage. Beyond reproductive concerns, the plant's chemical composition can trigger unpredictable physiological responses in the body. Because of these potent bioactive compounds, medical professionals advise extreme caution during consumption. Individuals should avoid this species if they are pregnant or nursing to prevent serious health complications.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Oldenlandia corymbosa was one of 21 plant species tested for its effect on uterine contraction. Among the plants tested, 11 species increased the force of contraction and 12 species increased the frequency of contractions. The extracts of Oldenlandia corymbosa produced the strongest contractions, which were comparable to the maximum response obtained with acetylcholine. Because this species induced strong and frequent contractions of the uterus, it can be used to induce an abortion.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- uterine contraction
What herbs are paired with Oldenlandia corymbosa?
This plant Oldenlardia corymbosa pairs most effectively with aromatic herbs such as peppermint, lemon balm, and chamomile to enhance its subtle, earthy undertones.
When used in herbal infusions, these complementary botanicals help balance the plant's specific flavor profile. Pairing it with citrusy herbs can brighten the overall sensory experience of a tea blend. Additionally, combining it with calming lavender can create a more soothing medicinal tonic.
These specific combinations are often utilized to create well-rounded herbal formulations.