Turraea vogelii
Turraea vogelii · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Turraea vogelii is a botanical species of significant pharmacological interest, particularly regarding its diverse biological activities. Scientific investigations have focused on the antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties found within its leaves and stems. Through the use of chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts, researchers have identified key chemical constituents such as alkanes, amines, flavonoids, and hexanoic acid. These specific compounds contribute to the plant's potent antioxidant capabilities under various studied conditions. Consequently, the chemical profile of Turraea vogelii highlights its potential as a valuable source for medicinal development.
- Synonyms
- Turraea Zenkeri · Turraea Procera · 5 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Synonyms
Turraea vogelii is a species characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms that reflect its diverse botanical history. Scientific records indicate that this plant has been previously identified under various names, including Turraea lamyi and Turraea procera. Furthermore, the species is linked to the synonym Turraea propinqua, illustrating the overlapping classifications found in botanical studies. Its taxonomic breadth also extends to specific varieties, such as Turraea vogelii var. congensis and Turraea vogelii var. kisantuensis. Understanding these shifting relationships is essential for accurate identification and consistent botanical research.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Turraea vogelii is a notable member of the kingdom Plantae. This species is classified under the class Equisetopsida and belongs to the diverse order Sapindales. Within this botanical hierarchy, it is specifically categorized under the genus Turraea. Finally, the plant is a representative of the Meliaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Turraea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Turraea vogelii is a plant species with a broad and diverse distribution spanning across the African continent. Its presence is noted in East Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Uganda. The species also extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it can be found in the Sudan and South Sudan regions. Moving toward the southern reaches of the continent, it is documented within South Tropical Africa in Angola. Finally, its range reaches into West Tropical Africa, encompassing the nations of both Ghana and Nigeria.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Turraea vogelii is a distinctive plant characterized by its unique shrub-like growth form. It possesses an obligatory climbing habit, meaning it relies on external structures to ascend and thrive. In terms of scale, this species typically reaches a minimum height of approximately 3.05 meters. As it matures, the plant can achieve a maximum stature of roughly 4.57 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Turraea vogelii is a plant highly valued for its diverse medicinal properties. Recent scientific investigations into its leaves have confirmed significant antioxidant activity, driven by the presence of bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenols. Furthermore, the plant exhibits potent antimicrobial potential, particularly through its ability to combat various bacterial pathogens. Specifically, studies have highlighted its strong antibacterial efficacy, with certain extracts demonstrating low minimum inhibitory concentrations against species such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. These findings validate the plant's traditional use in folk medicine and suggest its promise for developing new therapeutic agents.
Compounds
Turraea vogelii is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse array of bioactive chemical constituents. Analytical investigations using antioxidant screening have confirmed that the leaves contain significant amounts of flavonoids and phenols. Furthermore, specialized chemical analysis through GC-MS identified the presence of specific organic compounds, including squalene and hexanoic acid. These various components contribute to the plant's notable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Such a rich phytochemical profile supports the traditional use of the plant in folk medicine and suggests its potential for developing new therapeutic agents.
Conditions
Turraea vogelii demonstrates potent antibacterial activity against several specific bacterial pathogens. The plant's dichloromethane extract effectively treats Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Escherichia coli ATCC 35218. Furthermore, it shows significant efficacy in treating Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700303. The extract also serves as a treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. Finally, the antimicrobial properties of the plant are effective against Salmonella typhi ATCC14028.
Preparations
Turraea vogelii is prepared as a chloroform extract from both its leaves and its stem to study cytotoxic activity. The plant is also prepared as an ethyl acetate extract, which has been used to isolate specific compounds from the stem. Additionally, Turraea vogelii is prepared as a methanol extract to obtain various fatty acids from the stem. These different extraction methods allow for the isolation of diverse triterpenoids and fatty acids from the plant's various parts. Ultimately, these prepared extracts serve to demonstrate the antiproliferative potential of the species against K-562 cell lines.
Parts used
Turraea vogelii is a medicinal plant that offers significant therapeutic potential through its various morphological components. Scientific investigations have specifically focused on the leaves, which demonstrate notable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against several bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, the leaves have been shown to possess cytotoxic activity against chronic myelogenous leukemia cell lines. Beyond the foliage, the stem of the plant also contains valuable bioactive compounds, including various fatty acids and triterpenoids. Together, the extracts from both the leaves and the stem of Turraea vogelii highlight its promise for the development of novel antiproliferative and antibacterial agents.