Rotheca myricoides
Rotheca myricoides · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Rotheca myricoides is a botanical species currently being investigated for its diverse pharmacological potential, particularly through the use of its root. Scientific studies have focused on various preparations, including aqueous extracts, standard extracts, and 80% methanol extracts, to evaluate their biological effects. These investigations have highlighted the plant's antiplasmodial activities, offering potential insights into the management of malaria. Chemical analyses of the plant reveal the presence of important compounds such as anthraquinones, along with elements like chromium, cobalt, and copper. Researchers are also exploring how these extracts influence conditions related to COVID-19, body weight, and grooming behaviors.
- Synonyms
- Clerodendrum Myricoides · Cyclonema Myricoides · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Common Names
Rotheca myricoides is a captivating plant known by a variety of charming common names. It is frequently referred to as Blue Cat's Whiskers or Bicoloured Cat's Whiskers due to its unique floral structure. Gardeners also often call it the Blue Butterfly-bush or simply Butterfly Bush, highlighting its appeal to pollinators. Additionally, this species is sometimes identified as the Blue-Flowered Tinderwood. Regardless of the name used, this versatile shrub remains a standout feature in any botanical collection.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Rotheca myricoides is a botanical subject that has been identified by several different scientific names throughout history. Due to shifting taxonomic classifications, it is widely recognized by the synonym Clerodendrum myricoides. Researchers also frequently refer to this plant as Cyclonema myricoides or Cyrtostemma myricoides in various academic contexts. Furthermore, the species has been cataloged under the names Siphonanthus myricoides and Spironema myricoides. Understanding these various synonyms is essential for anyone studying the complex lineage of this particular plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Rotheca myricoides is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, it is specifically categorized under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is a member of the order Lamiales, which helps define its structural characteristics. Moving down the taxonomic hierarchy, it is classified under the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it finds its place within the genus Rotheca, marking its unique position in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Rotheca |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Rotheca myricoides is a plant species primarily found across the diverse landscapes of the African continent. Its distribution is most prominent within East Tropical Africa, where it thrives in the regions of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Beyond these eastern territories, the species also extends into Northeast Tropical Africa. Specifically, it can be located within the borders of Djibouti and Eritrea. This widespread presence highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various ecological niches across these tropical regions.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Rotheca myricoides is a self-supporting plant characterized by its distinct shrub growth form. This species exhibits significant versatility in size, with individual specimens typically reaching a minimum height of 0.89 meters. Depending on its environment, the plant can develop into a more substantial shrub measuring at least 3.5 meters tall. Ultimately, these shrubs can reach an impressive maximum height of up to 5 meters. Such structural diversity makes it a dynamic addition to any botanical collection.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Rotheca myricoides, also known as Clerodendrum myricoides, has demonstrated significant antiplasmodial activity in recent pharmacological evaluations. This finding stems from a study conducted in Kwale County, Kenya, which aimed to validate the traditional medicinal remedies used by the Digo community. Researchers tested various plant extracts against both chloroquine-sensitive and resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Among the many species evaluated, this plant was identified as one of the twelve species showing potent efficacy with an IC50 of less than 5µg/ml. Such results highlight the importance of ethnopharmacological inquiry in the ongoing search for new herbal antimalarial treatments.
Compounds
Rotheca myricoides, also known as Clerodendrum myricoides, is a Kenyan medicinal plant recognized for its diverse therapeutic potential. Phytochemical screening reveals that the plant contains bioactive compounds such as anthraquinones, flavonoids, and phenols. These specific constituents are believed to contribute to its significant antimicrobial and antituberculous activities. In addition to these organic compounds, the plant also contains essential metals including manganese and chromium. Together, these chemical and elemental profiles highlight the plant's importance in traditional medicine and the search for novel drug leads.
Conditions
Rotheca myricoides, also known as Clerodendrum myricoides, has demonstrated significant potential in treating malaria through its documented antiplasmodial activity. In toxicological studies involving mice, the plant's extract was found to increase levels of ALP, ALT, and AST. These biochemical changes in the liver were accompanied by histopathological alterations such as inflammation and hepatocyte degeneration. Furthermore, the plant is a component of the herbal combination PHELA, which has shown the ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 as a candidate therapy for COVID-19.
Preparations
Rotheca myricoides is prepared as extracts for various medicinal investigations, including its use as a source of antimutagenic properties. This plant is prepared as 80% methanol extracts to evaluate its safety levels and antimalarial activity in vivo. Furthermore, Rotheca myricoides is prepared as RB, specifically referring to methanolic root bark extracts used for suppressing parasitaemia. The species is also prepared as aqueous extracts to facilitate the profiling of essential trace elements through sequential filtration. Finally, Rotheca myricoides is prepared as enzymatic extracts to study how gastric and intestinal conditions affect the release of elements compared to water-based methods.
Parts used
Rotheca myricoides, also known as Clerodendrum myricoides, possesses a root that serves as the primary source for methanolic extract studies. Recent toxicological investigations have focused on how this root extract affects various physiological parameters in mice during chronic treatment. While low doses did not significantly alter body weight, higher concentrations were linked to reduced activity and significant changes in hematological profiles. Specifically, the extract was found to influence lymphocyte and hemoglobin levels, though it also caused a decrease in white blood cell and platelet counts. Furthermore, the study revealed that the root extract can lead to liver and kidney damage, including inflammation and hydropic degeneration, necessitating further research to balance medicinal benefits with safety.