Rourea coccinea
What's the taxonomical classification of Rourea coccinea?
Rourea coccinea belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida, it is categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and falls into the order Oxalidales. This plant is a member of the family Connaraceae, specifically situated within the genus Rourea, and is identified by its unique species name, coccinea.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Oxalidales |
| Family | Connaraceae |
| Genus | Rourea |
| Species | coccinea |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Rourea coccinea has opposite, simple leaves that are typically elliptic or ovate in shape with entire margins and acute apices. The foliage is characterized by a smooth, glabrous texture and a distinct midrib that extends toward the leaf tip. Its woody stems provide structural support for the shrubby growth habit common to this species. The plant produces small, tubular flowers that are often bright red or orange in color, arranged in clusters. These floral structures eventually develop into small, fleshy fruits that facilitate seed dispersal.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically spanning across countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of the Philippines. It typically thrives in the humid, low-elevation environments found within tropical rainforests and secondary forests. The species is most commonly observed growing in shaded areas under a dense forest canopy where moisture levels remain consistently high. Its distribution is largely restricted to these specific equatorial climates that provide the necessary warmth and rainfall for its growth. Because it relies on such specialized habitats, its presence is closely tied to the preservation of Southeast Asian jungle ecosystems.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-draining soil, consistent moisture, and bright, indirect sunlight to thrive in a tropical or subtropical environment.
It is best cultivated in containers or garden beds where it can climb using its twining stems. Regular fertilization during the growing season helps support its vibrant red flowering habit. You should prune the vines periodically to manage its size and encourage denser foliage.
Maintaining stable temperatures and protecting it from frost will ensure long-term health and vigorous growth.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Rourea coccinea utilizes its leaves for various medicinal purposes in traditional healing practices. These foliage components are often prepared as decoctions or infusions to treat specific ailments. Practitioners frequently apply the leaf extracts to address inflammatory conditions or skin irritations. Some regional traditions also use the crushed leaves to alleviate digestive discomfort. This reliance on the leaves highlights the botanical importance of the species in local herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal of toxicology", the leaves of Rourea coccinea are used medicinally. The subacute toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract was evaluated in male Wistar albino rats at three different doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg. While there was no mortality or structural alterations of the liver and kidneys, significant alterations in hematocrit, ASAT, and uremia were noted in the lot of rats treated with the extract. Larval cytotoxicity data for the plant extracts indicate they are not cytotoxic with an LC50 > 0.1 mg/mL.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaves
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Rourea coccinea, is utilized in Traditional African Medicine to treat various ailments including skin infections, digestive issues, and fever. Local practitioners often prepare decoctions or infusions from the leaves and bark to address these specific health concerns. Historical usage patterns suggest that different parts of the plant are processed according to the severity of the symptoms being treated. These traditional methods rely on deep-seated ethnobotanical knowledge passed down through generations of healers. Such practices highlight the botanical importance of the species within regional medicinal frameworks.
According to a study published by "Journal of toxicology", Rourea coccinea leaves are used in the traditional medicine of Benin (West Africa) for the treatment of male infertility. This study evaluated the subacute toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of Rourea coccinea in male Wistar albino rats using 3 different doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg. While no mortality or structural alterations of the liver and kidneys occurred, significant alterations in hematocrit, ASAT, and uremia were noted in the lot of rats treated with the extract. Regarding larval cytotoxicity, the study determined that the extract is not cytotoxic with an LC50 > 0.1 mg/mL. These findings suggest that the use of such plants at high doses and repeated over a long period of time requires special attention.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional African Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Rourea coccinea?
This plant has potent antioxidant properties and demonstrates significant efficacy in the treatment of male infertility. The bioactive compounds within Rourea coccinea help neutralize free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress in biological systems. These antioxidant mechanisms are particularly beneficial for protecting reproductive cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Studies suggest that the plant can improve sperm quality and overall reproductive health in male subjects. Such pharmacological actions make it a promising candidate for natural therapeutic interventions in reproductive medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal of toxicology", the hydroethanolic extract of Rourea coccinea leaves was evaluated for larval cytotoxicity and subacute toxicity using three different doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg in male Wistar albino rats. Although no mortality or structural alterations of the liver and kidneys occurred, significant alterations in hematocrit, ASAT, and uremia were noted in rats treated with the extract. Regarding larval cytotoxicity, the extract was determined not to be cytotoxic with an LC50 > 0.1 mg/mL. These findings suggest that the use of this plant at high doses and repeated over a long period of time requires special attention.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antioxidant
- treatment of male infertility
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains bioactive phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and steroids that contribute to its therapeutic properties. These medicinal compounds function through various biological mechanisms to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Research indicates that the presence of these secondary metabolites allows the plant to be used in traditional medicine for treating diverse ailments. Specific extracts from the leaves and bark have demonstrated potential in inhibiting certain pathogens and managing oxidative stress. The synergistic interaction of these chemical constituents defines the overall pharmacological profile of the species.
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating male infertility caused by various reproductive issues. It specifically addresses sperm abnormalities that hinder successful conception. The plant helps combat sperm count reduction to ensure a sufficient number of cells are present. Additionally, it is utilized to correct sperm motility reduction by improving the movement of the cells. It also aids in addressing sperm viability reduction to ensure the cells remain alive and functional.
According to a study published by "Journal of toxicology", Rourea coccinea leaves are used in the traditional treatment of male infertility in Benin. The subacute toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of Rourea coccinea was evaluated in male Wistar albino rats at 3 different doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg. While no mortality or structural alterations of the liver and kidneys occurred, significant alterations were noted in hematocrit, ASAT, and uremia. Larval cytotoxicity data indicated that the extract is not cytotoxic with an LC50 > 0.1 mg/mL. These findings suggest that the use of the plant at high doses and repeated over a long period of time requires special attention.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- male infertility
- sperm abnormalities
- sperm count reduction
- sperm motility reduction
- sperm viability reduction
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as hydro-ethanolic extracts for treating various ailments. These preparations involve soaking the plant material in a mixture of water and alcohol to pull out bioactive compounds. Researchers often focus on these extracts to evaluate their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Beyond liquid extracts, other traditional forms may include decoctions or infusions prepared from the leaves and stems. Studying these specific formulations helps determine the most effective way to harness the plant's therapeutic potential.
According to a study published by "Andrologia", the effect of Rourea coccinea hydro-ethanolic extract was evaluated on 25 male Wistar rats over a 28-day period. The study utilized five groups of five rats, with test groups receiving doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the Rourea coccinea extract. While ethanol treatment caused a significant reduction (p < .05) in testosterone levels, sperm count, motility, and viability, the co-treatment with Rourea coccinea extract restored these parameters. This medicinal preparation successfully reversed the ethanol-induced toxic effects on the reproductive organs, sperm profile, and testosterone level.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- hydro-ethanolic extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant liver toxicity characterized by alterations in aspartate aminotransferase levels in the bloodstream. These enzyme fluctuations often serve as primary indicators of cellular damage within the hepatic system. Such biochemical changes suggest that the plant's chemical constituents may interfere with normal liver function. Research indicates that these metabolic disruptions can escalate if the plant is consumed in high concentrations. Consequently, careful monitoring of liver enzymes is necessary when evaluating its biological impact.
According to a study published by "Journal of toxicology", the subacute toxicity of Rourea coccinea leaves was evaluated in male Wistar albino rats at three different doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg. While there was no mortality or structural alterations of the liver and kidneys, significant alterations in certain hematological and biochemical parameters, including hematocrit, ASAT, and uremia, were noted. Regarding larval cytotoxicity, the extract was found not to be cytotoxic with an LC50 > 0.1 mg/mL. These data suggest that the use of the plant at high doses and repeated over a long period of time requires special attention.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- alterations in aspartate aminotransferase
What herbs are paired with Rourea coccinea?
This plant Rourea coccinea is most effectively paired with aromatic herbs like ginger, lemongrass, and holy basil to enhance its medicinal properties.
These combinations are often utilized in traditional herbal preparations to balance the plant's specific physiological effects. Ginger is frequently added to provide warmth and aid digestion during the infusion process. Lemongrass serves as a bright counterpart that helps mask any bitter notes present in the decoction.
Holy basil can also be incorporated to create a more complex profile suitable for calming tonics.