Ononis sicula
Ononis sicula · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ononis sicula is a distinctive herbaceous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. Often found in specific Mediterranean habitats, this species is recognized for its unique floral characteristics and growth patterns. In various botanical applications, the plant is valued for its specific chemical constituents. Researchers and herbalists frequently utilize different extracts derived from its tissues for study or preparation. Understanding the properties of these extracts is essential for exploring the plant's full biological potential.
- Synonyms
- Ononis Sicula F. Microcarpa · Ononis Viscosa Subsp. Sicula · 5 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Ononis sicula is a distinctive plant known by several different names across various linguistic traditions. In French-speaking regions, it is frequently referred to by the common name Bugrane de Sicile. Those searching for it under different local identifiers might also come across the term sisilianorakko. In Hebrew, the species is recognized by the specific name שברק סיצילי. These diverse naming conventions highlight the plant's widespread recognition throughout the Mediterranean landscape.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Ononis sicula is a botanical species that is frequently identified by several different scientific synonyms. Taxonomists have previously classified this plant under various names, including Ononis leptocarpa and Ononis ludovicii. It has also been referred to in literature as Ononis persica, reflecting different historical interpretations of its characteristics. Furthermore, specific variations such as Ononis sicula f. microcarpa and Ononis sicula var. major are recognized within its complex nomenclature. Understanding these various relationships is essential for accurate identification and consistent botanical study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Ononis sicula is a specialized member of the kingdom Plantae that belongs to the class Equisetopsida. Within this botanical hierarchy, it is categorized under the order Fabales. This plant is a representative of the diverse Fabaceae family, showcasing unique evolutionary traits. It is further identified by its specific genus, Ononis, which defines its closer biological relatives. Through these classifications, one can better understand the complex taxonomic position of this species.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Ononis |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Ononis sicula exhibits a broad geographic distribution that spans across several key regions. This species is found throughout Africa, extending its reach into the Macaronesia and Canary Islands. Within the continent, it thrives in Northern Africa, with established populations in Algeria and Egypt. Its presence is also noted in Northeast Tropical Africa, specifically within the territories of Djibouti and Somalia. Together, these various locations highlight the diverse environmental range of this plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Ononis sicula is a modest herb characterized by its self-supporting growth form. This small plant typically reaches a maximum height of only 0.25 meters. Its compact structure allows it to maintain a stable presence within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Ononis sicula demonstrates significant antiproliferative activity against multiple cell lines in this study. The plant extracts were shown to effectively treat Hep-2 cells during the evaluation. Additionally, Ononis sicula exhibits therapeutic potential in treating the MCF-7 cancer cell line. The research also indicates that these extracts are capable of treating Vero cells. These findings highlight the broad biological activity of Ononis sicula across the tested cell types.
Preparations
Ononis sicula is prepared as extracts to evaluate its potential antiproliferative activity against various cancer cell lines. These medicinal preparations were developed through fractionation processes using solvents such as ethanol, methanol, chloroform, n-hexane, distilled water, and butanol. The study specifically included Ononis sicula among the plants whose extracts demonstrated significant activity against one or more tested cell lines. Researchers utilized the MTT assay to measure the effectiveness of these plant-derived preparations in a laboratory setting. This extraction method allowed for the investigation of the plant's biological properties in the context of traditional anticancer medicine.