Triclisia subcordata
Triclisia subcordata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Triclisia subcordata is a significant medicinal plant recognized for its diverse therapeutic potential in traditional healing practices. Recent scientific investigations have focused on its biological activities, particularly regarding its efficacy against complex diseases. Studies have explored its pharmacological properties in treating conditions such as malaria and ovarian cancer. To harness these bioactive compounds, researchers frequently utilize an ethanol extract for concentrated analysis. Understanding the chemical profile of this extract provides vital insights into its medicinal applications.
- Synonyms
- Triclisia Dielsii · Tiliacora Subcordata
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Menispermaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Synonyms
Triclisia subcordata is a botanical species that is frequently identified by different names in scientific literature. One common way this plant is categorized is through its synonym, Tiliacora subcordata. Researchers may also encounter it referred to as Triclisia dielsii depending on the taxonomic classification used. These overlapping nomenclatures highlight the complex history of botanical naming conventions. Understanding these synonymous relationships is essential for accurate identification and study within the plant kingdom.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Triclisia subcordata is a distinct biological entity belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Ranunculales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Triclisia, it shares close ties with its botanical relatives. Finally, its taxonomic identity is completed by its placement within the family Menispermaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Genus | Triclisia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Triclisia subcordata is a plant species primarily concentrated throughout the West Tropical Africa region. Its geographic footprint spans several key nations, including Benin and Burkina Faso. The species also maintains a significant presence within the borders of Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Additionally, its distribution extends into Nigeria, marking it as a notable component of the local flora. This widespread occurrence highlights the plant's ecological importance across these diverse West African landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Triclisia subcordata is characterized by an obligatory climbing habit that dictates its growth pattern within its ecosystem. This climbing species typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 4.57 meters. Depending on its environment, the plant's stature generally maintains a minimum height of about 1.83 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Triclisia subcordata is a medicinal plant from West Africa that has shown significant potential in pharmacological research. Scientific analysis has confirmed that this plant contains the bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid cycleanine. Additionally, the species is known to contain tetrandrine, an alkaloid that has been previously reported in the plant's chemical profile. Both of these specific compounds have demonstrated the ability to induce apoptosis in various ovarian cancer cell lines. Consequently, the presence of cycleanine and tetrandrine within Triclisia subcordata suggests its value as a source for developing new anti-cancer agents.
Conditions
Triclisia subcordata contains alkaloids that demonstrate significant therapeutic potential against various cancer cell lines. Specifically, the plant's extracts and isolated compounds such as cycleanine and tetrandrine effectively treat A2780 and Ovcar-8 cells by inducing apoptosis. Research also indicates that these bioactive components are capable of treating Igrov-1 and Ovcar-4 ovarian cancer cell lines. Beyond its anticancer properties, the medicinal plant is traditionally utilized for the treatment of malaria. The alkaloid cycleanine, derived from the plant, has shown measurable efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial studies.
Preparations
Triclisia subcordata is prepared as an ethanol extract to facilitate the study of its medicinal properties. This specific extract, along with its various fractions, was utilized to screen for potential anti-ovarian cancer activities. Through this preparation, researchers were able to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of the plant's chemical components in vitro. The resulting ethanol extract provided a medium to isolate crude alkaloids like cycleanine and tetrandrine. Ultimately, the use of this ethanol extract helped demonstrate the plant's ability to induce apoptosis in specific cancer cell lines.