Ononis spinosa
Ononis spinosa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ononis spinosa is a botanical species known for its diverse pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential. Research indicates that its methanol extracts and herbal preparations contain key chemicals like ononin, which contribute to its medicinal profile. The plant exhibits significant biological activities, including antioxidant and antitumor effects, as well as acting as an 11B-HSD and 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor. Due to these mechanisms, it is studied for its ability to address various medical conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and allergic reactions. Consequently, this plant remains a subject of interest in the development of natural therapeutic agents.
- Synonyms
- Anonis Spinosa · Bonaga Spinosa
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Ononis spinosa is a plant known by a diverse array of regional common names. It is frequently referred to by the moniker tornbeinurt in certain traditional contexts. Other variations of its identity include names such as Arrestabue and Arrete-boeuf. The spelling often shifts slightly across different records, appearing as Arrête-boeuf or Arrête-bœuf. These linguistic nuances highlight the rich, multifaceted history of the plant's local nomenclature.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Ononis spinosa is a plant that is frequently identified through various botanical names in scientific literature. Due to historical naming conventions, it is often recognized by the synonym Anonis spinosa. Researchers may also encounter the name Bonaga spinosa when studying its taxonomic classifications. Understanding these different synonyms is essential for ensuring accuracy in botanical documentation. Recognizing these relationships helps botanists maintain consistency when discussing this specific species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Ononis spinosa belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of multicellular organisms. Within this biological classification, it is specifically categorized under the class Equisetopsida. The plant falls into the order Fabales, which helps define its fundamental evolutionary lineage. It further belongs to the family Fabaceae, a group often known for its characteristic flowering structures. Finally, this species is nested within the genus Ononis, which distinguishes it from other related botanical relatives.
| 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 spinosa exhibits a broad geographical range that extends across Africa and the Macaronesian islands, including Madeira. Within the African continent, the species is particularly prevalent throughout the Northern African region. Its specific presence is well-documented in the diverse landscapes of Algeria and Libya. Furthermore, the plant thrives across the territories of Morocco and Tunisia. This widespread distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various Mediterranean and subtropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Ononis spinosa is a self-supporting plant characterized by its distinct shrub-like growth form. This hardy species typically maintains a compact stature, reaching a maximum height of approximately 0.8 meters. Depending on its environmental conditions, the plant's size can vary significantly. Individual specimens may grow as small as 0.1 meters, while many commonly establish themselves at a height of at least 0.37 meters. Together, these measurements define the diverse physical profile of this resilient shrub.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Ononis spinosa is recognized as a significant medicinal plant that contains the valuable flavonoid compound known as ononin. Historically, this plant has been utilized across various regions for its diverse therapeutic properties. Specifically, it is known to exhibit potent antioxidant and antitumor activities. Recent research further highlights the potential of its components to regulate complex signaling pathways in the brain. These findings suggest that the plant may offer promising benefits for addressing neurological and cellular health.
Compounds
Ononis spinosa is a medicinal plant known to contain the valuable flavonoid compound ononin. Recent research highlights the potential of this compound to serve as a promising candidate for treating major depression. By regulating the BDNF-TrkB-CREB signaling pathways, ononin has been shown to effectively ameliorate depression-like behaviors in both cellular and animal models. The treatment also helps to mitigate microscopic alterations within the hippocampus and frontal cortex caused by chronic stress. Ultimately, these findings underscore the therapeutic importance of the bioactive components found within Ononis spinosa.
Conditions
Ononis spinosa demonstrates significant medicinal potential through its ability to treat Penicillium aurantiogriseum by inhibiting its growth. The plant's methanolic extract is also effective in treating biofilms formed by various Candida strains. Regarding inflammatory conditions, Ononis spinosa helps treat asthma by inhibiting the cPLA2α enzyme. It similarly provides therapeutic benefits for treating allergic reactions through this same inhibitory mechanism. Furthermore, the herb serves as a valuable agent for treating arthritis by addressing key components of the inflammatory process.
Preparations
Ononis spinosa is prepared as a herbal extract to investigate its chemical profiling and various biological activities. This herbal extract has demonstrated significant antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as methanol extracts to evaluate its ability to inhibit cytosolic phospholipase A2α. Among several medicinal plants tested, the Ononis spinosa methanol extract was identified as one of the eight most active inhibitors of this enzyme. These different preparation methods allow researchers to explore the plant's extensive potential in anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative applications.