Synedrella nodiflora
Synedrella nodiflora · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Synedrella nodiflora is a versatile botanical species known for its diverse range of medicinal properties. Research indicates that the plant possesses significant antioxidant activities that can help combat oxidative stress. Specifically, certain extracts derived from the leaf contain chemical compounds such as estradiol. Due to these unique chemical profiles, the plant has been studied for potential contraceptive conditions. Both the whole plant and specialized leaf extracts are commonly utilized in various medicinal preparations.
- Synonyms
- Ucacou Nodiflorum · Wedelia Cryptocephala · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Synedrella nodiflora is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional and descriptive common names. In many English-speaking areas, it is widely recognized as Cinderella Weed. Depending on the local dialect, it may also be referred to as Barbatana or Cerbatana. In Puerto Rico, the name Cerbatana is specifically used to identify the species within that region. Additionally, it is sometimes called Botão-de-ouro, reflecting the many different ways it is identified across various cultures.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Synedrella nodiflora is a botanical species that is frequently identified by several different scientific names. Due to various taxonomic classifications, it is recognized by the synonym Ucacou nodiflorum in certain botanical circles. Furthermore, the plant has been historically documented under the name Verbesina nodiflora. Researchers also encounter this species referred to as Wedelia cryptocephala in older literature. Understanding these overlapping synonyms is essential for accurate identification and study within the field of botany.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Synedrella nodiflora is a distinctive botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It falls specifically into the order Asterales, which connects it to a diverse group of flowering plants. Further specialization places it within the family Asteraceae, a group known for its complex floral structures. Finally, this species is identified by its unique placement within the genus Synedrella.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Synedrella |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Synedrella nodiflora exhibits a widespread distribution across the African continent and the Macaronesia region, including Cape Verde. Its presence is notable throughout Northeast Tropical Africa, with specific populations documented in Chad. In the southern reaches of the continent, the species thrives within South Tropical Africa, specifically spanning Angola and Zambia. Furthermore, the plant can be found extending into West Tropical Africa, where it is established in Benin. This extensive geographic range highlights the adaptability of the species across diverse African landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Synedrella nodiflora is a self-supporting herb that exhibits a versatile growth form in various environments. This plant typically maintains a height ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 1.5 meters. Depending on its specific conditions, its stature can vary significantly throughout its life cycle. Because it grows upright without external support, it easily occupies its niche in the landscape. Such characteristics make it a distinctive feature among low-to-medium height herbaceous species.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Synedrella nodiflora is a medicinal plant traditionally utilized by the natives of Sabah, Malaysia, to treat various ailments including rheumatism. Recent scientific investigations have highlighted its significant therapeutic potential, particularly regarding its ability to protect the liver from damage. Research indicates that the crude aqueous extract of its leaves can effectively mitigate hepatic injury caused by carbon tetrachloride in animal models. This protective mechanism is largely attributed to the plant's potent antioxidant activity, which helps combat oxidative stress. Specifically, the presence of phenolic antioxidants allows the plant to function through effective free radical scavenging properties.
Compounds
Synedrella nodiflora was identified as a significant plant during a preliminary study of sex hormones found in Bangladeshi flora. Researchers screened twenty-six different plants used in folkloric contraceptive practices to analyze their steroid and estrogenic contents. Through this investigation, it was determined that the whole plant contains a high content of estradiol. This finding places it among a select group of plants, including Heliotropicum indicum and Phyllanthus neruri, that demonstrate notable hormonal properties. Such results contribute to a deeper understanding of the chemical profiles of plants traditionally used for reproductive health.
Conditions
Synedrella nodiflora demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its ability to treat adjuvant-carrageenan-induced inflammation (ACII). When administered orally, extracts of this plant effectively inhibit both the acute and chronic phases of inflammation, performing as well as reference drugs like indomethacin. Additionally, the plant is identified as having properties relevant to contraceptive use due to its hormonal composition. Specifically, the whole plant contains a high content of estradiol, a sex hormone of medical importance. These combined characteristics highlight the diverse medicinal applications of Synedrella nodiflora in addressing inflammatory and reproductive concerns.
Preparations
Synedrella nodiflora is prepared as extracts to investigate its potent anti-inflammatory potential against adjuvant-carrageenan-induced inflammation. These medicinal extracts, administered orally, were found to inhibit both acute and chronic phases of inflammation as effectively as reference drugs. Additionally, Synedrella nodiflora is prepared as a whole plant for the screening of sex hormones in Bangladeshi folkloric medicine. The study of the whole plant revealed a high content of estradiol, contributing to the identification of its hormonal properties. Through these different preparations, the plant demonstrates significant biological activity in both inflammatory and endocrine research.
Parts used
Synedrella nodiflora is a medicinal plant traditionally utilized by the natives of Sabah, Malaysia, to treat various ailments such as rheumatism. Scientific research highlights the specific therapeutic potential found within the leaf of this plant through the use of crude aqueous extracts. Studies conducted on animal models demonstrate that these leaf extracts can provide significant protection against hepatic injury caused by carbon tetrachloride. This hepatoprotective effect is likely driven by the presence of phenolic antioxidants and their ability to scavenge free radicals. Consequently, the leaf serves as a vital component in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation within the liver.