Pupalia lappacea
Pupalia lappacea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Pupalia lappacea is a botanical species known for its diverse pharmacological potential, particularly through its antibacterial activities. The plant contains significant chemical constituents, most notably saponins, which contribute to its medicinal properties. Research focusing on the leaf and flower parts has explored various preparations, including water extracts, 80% methanolic leaf extracts, and hydroethanolic leaf extracts. These studies have investigated its effects on complex biological conditions such as cancer and gastric emptying. Furthermore, the plant's impact on enzyme activities, specifically hyaluronidase and protease, remains a key area of scientific interest.
- Synonyms
- Celosia Lappacea · Achyranthes Lappacea · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Distribution
- Europe
- Plant Parts
- Flower · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Pupalia lappacea is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of local and regional names. It is frequently referred to as beesklits or bosklits depending on the specific area. In different contexts, it is also commonly called bogoma or the forest burr. Furthermore, the plant carries the descriptive name isinama esibomvu among certain communities. These varied identities highlight the deep cultural and linguistic connections surrounding this single species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Pupalia lappacea is a botanical species that has been identified by several different names throughout scientific history. Due to various taxonomic classifications, it is recognized by the synonym Achyranthes lappacea. The plant is also frequently documented under the names Cadelari lappacea and Celosia lappacea. Furthermore, researchers have historically referred to this species as Codivalia lappacea. Finally, the name Desmochaeta lappacea serves as another established synonym within its complex botanical lineage.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Pupalia lappacea belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, marking its place among the diverse world of living plants. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida and falls into the specific order Caryophyllales. Its taxonomic journey continues through the family Amaranthaceae, which helps scientists understand its evolutionary connections. Furthermore, this species is a distinct member of the genus Pupalia. Together, these botanical relationships provide a clear scientific map of the plant's unique identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Pupalia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Pupalia lappacea is a botanical species with a broad and diverse distribution across the African continent. It is notably found throughout East Tropical Africa, with established populations in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The plant's range extends further into the Northeast Tropical Africa region as well. Specifically, it can be located within the territories of both Chad and Djibouti. This wide geographic spread highlights the plant's ability to thrive in various African environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Pupalia lappacea is a distinctive herb characterized by its self-supporting growth form. This plant typically maintains a modest stature, with heights ranging from a minimum of 0.3 meters to 0.775 meters. Depending on its environmental conditions, the specimen may reach a maximum height of approximately 1.22 meters. Such a compact structure allows it to thrive within its specific ecological niche. Understanding these dimensions is essential for identifying the species in the wild.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Pupalia lappacea has demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, making it a promising candidate for wound management. Research into its methanolic leaf extract reveals that it effectively reduces the total viable bacterial count in contaminated excision wounds. Specifically, the plant shows measurable inhibitory effects against common pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. These antibacterial properties work in tandem with the extract's ability to accelerate wound contraction and epithelialization. Ultimately, these findings validate the traditional use of the plant as a medicinal tool for treating injuries and preventing infection.
Compounds
Pupalia lappacea is a medicinal plant commonly found in the savannah and woodland localities stretching from Senegal to Southern Nigeria. In Nigerian traditional medicine, this species is frequently utilized for the effective management of diarrhoea. Recent phytochemical analyses of its hydroethanolic leaf extract have confirmed that the plant contains several bioactive compounds, including alkaloids and saponins. These chemical constituents contribute to the plant's ability to produce a significant dose-dependent decrease in intestinal transit. Ultimately, the study suggests that the extract's antidiarrhoeal activity is likely mediated by antimuscarinic receptor activity.
Conditions
Pupalia lappacea demonstrates significant medicinal potential through its various therapeutic effects on human health. Research indicates that extracts from the flower tops of this plant can produce growth inhibitory effects against breast cancer cells and cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, the plant serves as a treatment for cancer by exhibiting antiproliferative activity against multiple cell lines. In terms of gastrointestinal health, the hydroethanolic leaf extract is effective in treating castor oil-induced diarrhoea. This antidiarrhoeal action is also evidenced by the plant's ability to manage castor oil-induced intestinal transit in rodent models.
Preparations
Pupalia lappacea is prepared as an 80% methanolic leave extract to investigate its wound healing and antibacterial properties in rats. This plant is also prepared as water extracts, which have demonstrated the ability to inhibit necrotic enzymes such as hyaluronidase or protease. Furthermore, the species is prepared as a hydroethanolic leaf extract to evaluate its antidiarrhoeal activity. Researchers have also utilized Pupalia lappacea as an extract for various medicinal investigations. Finally, the plant is prepared as an ointment, specifically in 10% and 20% concentrations, to accelerate wound contraction and epithelialization.
Parts used
Pupalia lappacea is a medicinal plant found across various habitats ranging from the savannah to forest pathsides. Research indicates that different parts of this plant possess significant therapeutic potential, specifically including its flowers and leaves. Studies have utilized flower tops to investigate antiproliferative activities against various cancer cell lines. Additionally, the hydroethanolic leaf extract has demonstrated notable antidiarrhoeal activity in animal models. These findings highlight the importance of utilizing both the leaves and flowers of the species in traditional and modern medicine.