Turraea vogelii
What's the taxonomical classification of Turraea vogelii?
Turraea vogelii belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is categorized within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, this plant is further classified under the order Sapindales. It is a part of the family Meliaceae, falling under the genus Turraea, and is specifically identified by the species name vogelii.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Turraea |
| Species | vogelii |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Turraea vogelii has a woody structure characterized by a medium-sized tree habit with elliptic to oblong leaves that possess entire margins and acute apices. The foliage is typically arranged in an opposite pattern along the stems, featuring prominent pinnate venation. Its flowers are small and often grouped in axillary clusters, displaying a tubular morphology typical of the Meliaceae family. The plant eventually produces woody capsules that split open to reveal seeds often surrounded by a fleshy aril. These structural features collectively define its physical presence within its native forest habitat.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is endemic to the tropical rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. It is found specifically within the humid, lowland habitats characteristic of the Congo Basin. Its presence is closely tied to the dense vegetation and high rainfall patterns of this equatorial region. Localized environmental factors dictate the specific pockets where this species can thrive. Due to this restricted range, the plant is considered a regional specialist rather than a widespread species.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Turraeae vogelii requires a tropical environment characterized by high humidity, consistent warmth, and well-draining soil to support its growth.
Growers must provide dappled sunlight to mimic its natural forest understory habitat while ensuring the substrate remains moist but never waterlogged. Regular fertilization with a balanced liquid formula helps maintain the nutrient levels necessary for its development. Maintaining stable temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius is crucial to prevent physiological stress.
Monitoring soil pH levels is also essential for optimal root health and nutrient uptake.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Turraeae Vogeli medicinal uses involve the application of its leaves and stem to treat various ailments. The leaves are frequently processed into decoctions or infusions to address digestive issues and inflammatory conditions. Additionally, the stem can be utilized in traditional preparations to manage specific systemic ailments. These distinct components provide a diverse range of phytochemical properties essential for herbal remedies. Practitioners rely on these specific parts to ensure the efficacy of the plant's medicinal applications.
According to a study published by "Natural product research", the leaves and stem of Turraea vogelii Hook. f. ex benth. are used for their medicinal properties. The chloroform extract from the leaves demonstrated cytotoxic activity against K-562 cells with an IC50 of 14.27 μg/mL. Extracts from the stem inhibited K-562 cell growth with IC50 values of 19.50 μg/mL for chloroform, 24.10 μg/mL for ethyl acetate, and 85.40 μg/mL for methanol. From the leaf chloroform extract, two triterpenoids, six fatty esters, tetradecane, and four fatty acids were isolated. Additionally, the stem extracts yielded various compounds including 1,2,3-propanetriyltris(heptadecanoate) (14), (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid (15), (Z)-7-tetradecenoic acid (16), and (Z)-5-pentadecenoic acid (17). Compounds 1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 12, 15, 16 and 17 exhibited pronounced antiproliferative activity against K-562 cell lines.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaves
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Turraeae vogelii is traditionally utilized by various indigenous ethnic groups in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, as a medicinal remedy for treating gastrointestinal ailments and skin infections.
Local healers often prepare decoctions from the bark or leaves to manage symptoms of stomach pain and intestinal parasites. In many rural communities, the plant is also applied topically to promote the healing of wounds and various dermatological conditions. These historical practices rely on the specific botanical properties of the species to address common regional health concerns.
The plant's role in ethnobotany highlights a deep-seated reliance on local flora for primary healthcare in these cultural contexts.
What are the pharmacological activities of Turraea vogelii?
This plant has demonstrated significant antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant pharmacological activities through its various chemical constituents. The presence of specific secondary metabolites allows the extract to inhibit the growth of diverse pathogenic microorganisms. Research indicates that these antimicrobial properties make it a potential candidate for developing new therapeutic agents against infectious diseases. Furthermore, its antioxidant capacity helps neutralize free radicals, which can protect cells from oxidative stress and damage. These combined biological actions suggest that Turraeafogelii holds considerable medicinal value in pharmacological studies.
According to a study published by "Toxicology reports", Turraea vogelii leaves possess antioxidant and antibacterial potentials. Antioxidant screening of 100μg/mL extracts identified flavonoids at 24.63 ± 0.47, 19.96 ± 0.17, and 21.04 ± 0.04, while phenols were measured at 20.18 ± 0.4, 17.61 ± 0.11, and 8.65 ± 0.15 in the DCM, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane crude extracts. The DCM extract demonstrated potent antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values as low as 3.125 µg/mL. Furthermore, the DCM extract showed minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranging from 6.25 µg/mL to 50 µg/mL against various pathogens. These pharmacological activities are supported by the presence of bioactive compounds such as squalene and Hexanoic acid.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antibacterial
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains flavonoids, phenols, squalene, (Z)-7-tetradecenoic acid, and tetradecanoic acid as its primary medicinal compounds. These chemical constituents contribute to the diverse biological activities observed in the species. The presence of phenols and flavonoids is particularly important for the plant's antioxidant properties. Additionally, the specific fatty acids and squalene support various therapeutic functions within the organism. Together, these bioactive molecules define the complex pharmacological profile of Turraeae vogeli.
According to a study published by "Toxicology reports", antioxidant screening of 100μg/mL of Turraea vogelii crude extracts identified flavonoids at levels of 24.63 ± 0.47, 19.96 ± 0.17, and 21.04 ± 0.04, alongside phenols at 20.18 ± 0.4, 17.61 ± 0.11, and 8.65 ± 0.15 for the DCM, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane extracts respectively. FTIR analysis of the extract identified functional groups including hydroxyls, alkanes, amides, ethers, and amines. GC-MS identified key organic compounds in the plant such as squalene and Hexanoic acid. The DCM extract demonstrated potent antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values as low as 3.125 µg/mL. Additionally, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values for the extract ranged from 6.25 µg/mL to 50 µg/mL.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- flavonoids
- phenols
- squalene
- (Z)-7-tetradecenoic acid
- hexadecanoic acid
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating inflammatory conditions, skin infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and respiratory ailments. Its medicinal properties are primarily utilized to reduce swelling and soothe skin irritations through topical applications. Extracts from the plant are also administered to alleviate stomach discomfort and improve digestive functions. Additionally, various parts of the species are employed in traditional remedies to combat coughs and other lung-related issues. These diverse therapeutic uses stem from the plant's bioactive compounds which target specific biological pathways.
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Turraea vogelii, which is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as chloroform extract to treat various ailments like intestinal parasites and fevers. These preparations often utilize the bark or roots of the plant to harness its bioactive compounds. The chloroform extract is particularly noted for its potent pharmacological properties in traditional medicine. Practitioners carefully prepare these infusions or extracts to ensure the correct dosage is achieved for therapeutic use. This specific plant remains a significant component in certain regional herbal pharmacopeias.
According to a study published by "Natural product research", chloroform extract from the leaves of Turraea vogelii Hook f. ex Benth demonstrated cytotoxic activity against K-562 cells with an IC50 of 14.27 μg/mL. Chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts from the stem of the plant inhibited K-562 cell growth with IC50 values of 19.50, 24.10, and 85.40 μg/mL respectively. The bioactive chloroform extract of the leaves affords two triterpenoids and six fatty esters, specifically compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. From the stem chloroform extract, tetradecane and four fatty acids labeled 10, 11, 12, and 13 were isolated. Other compounds isolated from the stem included 1,2,3-propanetriyltris(heptadecanoate) (14), (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid (15), (Z)-7-tetradecenoic acid (16), and (Z)-5-pentadecenoic acid (17). Compounds 1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 12, 15, 16, and 17 exhibited pronounced antiproliferative activity against K-562 cell lines.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Chloroform extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant health complications including severe gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These adverse reactions often occur shortly after ingestion due to the presence of potent bioactive compounds within the roots. Some individuals may also experience neurological symptoms or dizziness when consuming excessive amounts of the extract. Because its chemical makeup is highly concentrated, the risk of toxicity increases with improper dosage. Long-term consumption is generally discouraged due to the potential for unpredictable systemic effects on the body.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Turraea vogelii?
This plant Turraeae vogelii is most commonly paired with herbs such as ginger, lemon balm, and peppermint to enhance its therapeutic properties.
These botanical combinations are frequently used in traditional herbalism to balance the plant's intense flavor profiles. Adding citrus elements like lemon balm helps to soften the bitter undertones often associated with the root. Ginger is often included in these mixtures to provide a warming sensation that complements the plant's physiological effects.
These specific pairings are carefully selected to improve both the palatability and the overall efficacy of the herbal infusions.