Sambucus australis
Sambucus australis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Sambucus australis is a botanical species recognized for its significant therapeutic potential in medicinal research. The leaves of this plant are particularly valued for their potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Chemical analysis reveals that the presence of ursolic acid plays a crucial role in its biological functionality. Recent studies suggest that extracts from this plant can effectively influence blood glucose levels and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, it demonstrates a capacity to modulate immune responses by impacting cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-5.
- Synonyms
- Sambucus Pentagynia
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Sambucus australis is a versatile plant recognized by a wide variety of regional names. In some areas, it is commonly referred to as Acapora or Amigo-do-peito. It is also frequently identified by the traditional name Mata-febre, highlighting its historical uses. Depending on the local dialect, you may also encounter it called Sabugueiro-do-rio-grande. Finally, the plant is often known simply as Sabugueiro-negro to distinguish it from other species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Sambucus australis is a plant species that is frequently identified in botanical literature through its alternative name. Many researchers and gardeners may encounter this plant listed under the synonym Sambucus pentagynia. Understanding these taxonomic relationships is essential for ensuring accurate identification in various scientific contexts. While the names may differ depending on the source, they both refer to the same biological entity. Recognizing this synonymy helps prevent confusion when studying the diverse characteristics of this specific shrub.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Sambucus australis is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the species belongs to the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the order Dipsacales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. This plant is a representative of the genus Sambucus, a group known for its unique botanical characteristics. Ultimately, it finds its place within the diverse family Viburnaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Viburnaceae |
| Genus | Sambucus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Sambucus australis is widely distributed across various regions of Southern America. This plant can be found throughout Brazil, specifically within the southern and southeastern territories. Its presence also extends into the northeastern parts of Argentina. Furthermore, the species thrives across much of Southern South America, including Paraguay. Finally, it is commonly established within the borders of Uruguay.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Sambucus australis is a self-supporting shrub that adds structure to any landscape. While it possesses a robust growth form, its height typically reaches a maximum of 3 m. In certain ideal conditions, however, this species may occasionally climb to a height of up to 12 m. This versatility makes it a dynamic addition to diverse botanical environments.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Sambucus australis is a plant species traditionally utilized in Brazilian folk medicine to address various inflammatory disorders. Recent scientific investigations have confirmed that its ethanol extracts possess significant antioxidant properties, as demonstrated through DPPH and FRAP assays. Furthermore, the plant exhibits notable antimicrobial activity, specifically showing effectiveness against bacteria such as Salmonella typhimurium and Klebsiella pneumoniae. These biological functions are largely attributed to the presence of key chemical compounds like chlorogenic acid and rutin. Ultimately, the study of these extracts highlights the medicinal potential of the plant in combating oxidative stress and microbial threats.
Compounds
Sambucus australis is a notable source of ursolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene with significant metabolic benefits. Recent research indicates that this specific compound can effectively prevent abdominal adiposity in mice even when they are fed a high-fat diet. By treating subjects with ursolic acid, scientists observed a significant decrease in body weight, blood glucose, and plasma lipid levels. The study also highlighted positive changes in hormonal regulation, specifically through increased leptin and decreased ghrelin. These findings suggest that the ursolic acid found in Sambucus australis holds great potential as an anti-obesity agent through its impact on metabolic targets.
Conditions
Sambucus australis demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-5. The plant also functions by inhibiting the expression of the transcription factor NF-kB in vitro. Beyond its immunological effects, certain components of the plant, such as ursolic acid, serve to treat abdominal adiposity. These combined actions highlight the herb's diverse therapeutic potential in managing both inflammatory responses and metabolic health.
Preparations
Parts used
Sambucus australis is a plant species utilized in Brazilian folk medicine to address various inflammatory disorders. Recent scientific investigations have specifically focused on the medicinal properties found within the leaf of this species. By utilizing ethanol extracts of the leaf, researchers identified significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Notably, the leaf extract demonstrated a unique ability to inhibit the production of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in cellular models. These findings suggest that the leaf of Sambucus australis contains potent bioactive compounds like chlorogenic acid and rutin that support its therapeutic potential.