Solanum erianthum
Solanum erianthum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Solanum erianthum is a botanical species that has garnered scientific interest due to its diverse array of biological activities, including antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and abortifacient properties. Research involving its leaf components has focused on various preparations, such as aqueous leaf extracts, crude ethanolic extracts, berries, and essential oils. Phytochemical analyses of the plant have identified key chemical constituents including caryophyllene oxide, humulene epoxide II, p-cymene, and methyl salicylate. These compounds play a critical role in the plant's interaction with biological models, specifically in studies involving Plasmodium berghei. Understanding these chemical profiles is essential for exploring the medicinal potential of this species in pharmacological applications.
- Synonyms
- Solanum Erianthum Var. Adulterinum · Solanum Verbascifolium Var. Adulterinum · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Solanum erianthum is a versatile plant recognized by a diverse array of common names across different regions. It is frequently referred to as Berenjena de paloma or Turkey berry, highlighting its botanical connections. In other areas, the species is known as the China flowerleaf or the Potatotree. Some locals also identify the plant by the names Palo Hediondo or Salvadora. This variety of nomenclature reflects the widespread presence and cultural significance of the species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Solanum erianthum is a complex species that is frequently identified by several different botanical synonyms. Within various scientific records, it is often referred to as Solanum amblycalycinum or Solanum amblycalyx. The plant is also recognized under the name Solanum eriocalyx, illustrating the diversity of its taxonomic history. Furthermore, certain classifications include the specific variety known as Solanum erianthum var. adulterinum. Finally, the name Solanum mauritianum serves as another important synonym used to describe this particular taxon.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Solanum erianthum is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. This plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida, placing it among the diverse group of flowering plants. Within this classification, it belongs to the order Solanales, which connects it to many other well-known species. It further resides in the Solanaceae family, a group known for its significant botanical diversity. Finally, its taxonomic identity is solidified by its placement within the genus Solanum.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Solanum erianthum is a plant species with a broad distribution spanning several regions across the African continent. In the southern reaches of its range, it can be found throughout South Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Angola. Moving toward the west, the species is widely established across West Tropical Africa. This includes a significant presence in nations such as Benin, Ghana, and Guinea. Furthermore, the plant is commonly documented growing within the Ivory Coast, highlighting its diverse ecological footprint.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Solanum erianthum is a distinctive plant characterized by its robust tree-like growth form. As a self-supporting species, it maintains its structural integrity without the need for external assistance. Depending on its environmental conditions, the plant can reach varying dimensions during its development. While some specimens may reach a maximum height of 4.44 m, others have the potential to grow up to 8 m tall.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Solanum erianthum is a plant species widely recognized for its diverse applications in traditional medicine. Research indicates that the leaves of this plant possess abortifacient properties, which has historically influenced its medicinal use. Beyond these traditional uses, scientific studies have demonstrated that its essential oils exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. Furthermore, the leaf oil of the species shows potent cytotoxic effects, specifically demonstrating inhibitory activity against human breast and prostate tumor cells. These findings highlight the complex biological activities inherent in the chemical composition of Solanum erianthum.
Compounds
Solanum erianthum possesses a complex chemical profile distributed throughout its different parts. The essential oils extracted from its leaves are notably characterized by the presence of p-cymene. In contrast, the fruit of the plant yields a distinct set of volatile constituents. Analysis reveals that the fruit contains caryophyllene oxide as well as humulene epoxide II. Additionally, methyl salicylate serves as another significant component found within the fruit's essential oil.
Conditions
Solanum erianthum demonstrates significant biological activity through its ability to inhibit porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) via non-competitive inhibition. Research also indicates that the plant's aqueous leaf extract can treat Plasmodium berghei by producing dose-related schizontocidal effects and chemosuppression in mice. However, the plant is also linked to poisoning caused by the consumption of its berries, which can lead to speech disturbance. These neurologic symptoms, such as slurred speech, often mimic a stroke but typically resolve spontaneously with supportive care. Consequently, the plant serves as both a source of medicinal potential and a cause of specific toxicological issues.
Preparations
Solanum erianthum is prepared as an aqueous leaf extract to test its schizontocidal effects against Plasmodium berghei in mice. The plant is also prepared as berries, which have been linked to cases of poisoning characterized by speech disturbances and toxic glycoalkaloids. Researchers have utilized crude ethanolic extracts of the species to investigate its anti-lipase and antioxidant properties. Additionally, Solanum erianthum is prepared as essential oils obtained through hydrodistillation from both the leaves and the fruits. These volatile oils, including the fruit oil, are studied for their specific chemical compositions and their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities.
Parts used
Solanum erianthum possesses various medicinal properties derived primarily from its leaf components. Research indicates that aqueous leaf extracts of this plant exhibit dose-related schizontocidal activity against Plasmodium berghei in mice. Beyond anti-malarial potential, the leaves are traditionally utilized to treat skin irritations, sores, and leucorrhoea. Chemical analysis reveals that the essential oils extracted from the leaves are rich in compounds like α-terpinolene and p-cymene. Furthermore, these leaf oils demonstrate potent inhibitory activity against specific human breast and prostate tumor cells.