Synclisia scabrida
Synclisia scabrida · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Synclisia scabrida is a botanical species recognized for its diverse therapeutic potential in traditional medicine. The plant contains a rich array of bioactive secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, and saponins. Researchers frequently utilize the leaves, roots, and stems to create various preparations such as ethanol extracts, water extracts, and specific powdered fractions. These preparations have demonstrated significant pharmacological activities, most notably antispasmodic and antiulcer properties. Consequently, the plant shows great promise in managing health conditions such as menstrual pains and peptic ulcers.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Menispermaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Root
Classification
Taxonomy
Synclisia scabrida is a specialized botanical species that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized into the order Ranunculales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. The species is a member of the Menispermaceae family, which helps define its unique characteristics. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Synclisia, completing its detailed taxonomic profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Genus | Synclisia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Synclisia scabrida is a botanical species widely distributed across the diverse landscapes of the African continent. Its presence is notably documented throughout South Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Angola. The plant also extends its range into West Tropical Africa, where it can be found in Nigeria. In the West-Central Tropical Africa region, it thrives in territories such as Cabinda and Cameroon. Furthermore, its geographical reach continues through the Central African Republic, marking it as a significant component of these tropical ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Synclisia scabrida is characterized by an obligatory climbing habit that allows it to ascend through its environment. This vigorous climber can reach a maximum height of approximately 30 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Synclisia scabrida is a medicinal plant traditionally utilized in ethnomedicine to address various stomach disorders and menstrual pains. Recent scientific investigations into its stem extracts have provided empirical support for these traditional uses. The study demonstrated that both ethanolic and hot aqueous extracts significantly protect against ulcers induced by histamine, stress, and indomethacin. Furthermore, the plant exhibits notable antispasmodic activity, as evidenced by its ability to decrease gastrointestinal motility similarly to atropine sulfate. These findings suggest that the phytochemical components of the plant offer promising antiulcer and antispasmodic therapeutic properties.
Compounds
Synclisia scabrida is a medicinal plant that possesses a diverse range of bioactive phytochemicals. Detailed analyses reveal that the plant contains significant amounts of alkaloids, specifically including Alkaloid B. Furthermore, the species is characterized by the presence of cardiac glycosides and tannins. It also contains flavonoids and saponins, which contribute to its complex chemical profile. These various constituents help support the plant's traditional use in treating stomach disorders and other medicinal purposes.
Conditions
Synclisia scabrida demonstrates significant pharmacological potential by treating the contractile effect of oxytocin on the rat uterus through its alkaloid B component. The plant also effectively treats electrically induced stimulations via the phrenic nerve by reversibly blocking responses in the rat diaphragm. Its antiulcer properties are evidenced by its ability to protect against both histamine-induced and indomethacin-induced ulcers in experimental models. Furthermore, the plant is utilized in ethnomedicine for the successful treatment of menstrual pains. These diverse medicinal effects justify the use of its various extracts in managing stomach disorders and muscle-related contractions.
Preparations
Synclisia scabrida is prepared as an ethanolic extract (EE) and a hot water extract (HWE) from its stems. These crude extracts are further processed through chromatographic fractionation to produce specific pooled fractions. These resulting fractions are identified as PF-1, PF-2, and PF-3. Each of these preparations, including the EE, HWE, and the three fractions, demonstrates significant protective effects against induced ulcers. Consequently, the plant is utilized in multiple forms to study its medicinal antiulcer properties.
Parts used
Synclisia scabrida is a medicinal plant frequently utilized in Nigerian ethnomedicine for treating various stomach disorders and menstrual pains. Scientific investigations have confirmed that the therapeutic properties of this plant are distributed across its primary anatomical parts. Specifically, the medicinal benefits are found within the leaves, stems, and roots of the species. Research into the stem extracts has demonstrated significant antiulcer and antispasmodic activities in experimental models. These findings validate traditional claims regarding the plant's diverse chemical potential residing in its different components.