Vigna umbellata
Vigna umbellata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Vigna umbellata is a significant botanical species that has gained attention for its diverse pharmacological potential. Recent studies have focused on the roots of this plant, specifically utilizing an ethyl acetate roots extract to isolate beneficial compounds. These roots contain key chemical constituents such as isosojagol, phaseol, and psoralidin. Research indicates that these components exhibit notable antinociceptive activities when applied to biological systems. Consequently, the plant shows great promise as a natural therapeutic agent for managing conditions like pain and rheumatism.
- Synonyms
- Phaseolus Ricciardianus Var. Macrocarpus · Phaseolus Chrysanthos Var. Hirtus · 14 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Common Names
Vigna umbellata is a versatile legume known by a wide variety of names across different cultures and languages. In English-speaking regions, it is most frequently referred to as the Rice Bean or the climbing mountain-bean. Some international contexts identify the plant as the Oriental-bean, highlighting its historical significance in various parts of Asia. In German-speaking areas, the species is commonly recognized by the name Reisbohne. Finally, its regional identity in certain Portuguese-speaking communities is captured by the descriptive term Feijão-arroz e afins.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Vigna umbellata is a plant species characterized by a complex history of taxonomic classification. Throughout botanical study, it has been identified by several different names, including the synonyms Azukia umbellata and Dolichos umbellatus. Researchers have also referred to this species as Phaseolus calcaratus in various scientific contexts. Furthermore, the plant is linked to the names Phaseolus chrysanthos and its specific variation, Phaseolus chrysanthos var. hirtus. Understanding these overlapping relationships is essential for maintaining accuracy in botanical documentation.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Vigna umbellata is a fascinating organism that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this botanical realm, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic journey continues through the order Fabales, which highlights its evolutionary connections. The plant is further identified as a member of the family Fabaceae, a group known for its diverse legumes. Ultimately, it finds its precise botanical home within the genus Vigna.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Vigna |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Vigna umbellata displays a diverse geographical presence across the African continent. Its distribution spans several key regions, including East Tropical Africa with notable populations in Kenya and Tanzania. The species also extends into South Tropical Africa, where it is found within Zambia. Furthermore, its range reaches West Tropical Africa, encompassing countries such as Ghana and Sierra Leone. This wide-reaching footprint highlights the plant's adaptability to various tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Vigna umbellata is a herbaceous plant characterized by its distinct growth form. It exhibits an obligatory climbing habit, requiring support to ascend toward the sunlight. This climbing vine typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 3 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Vigna umbellata is a species that has been noted for its specific biological properties, including antinociceptive activity. While recent research has focused on the potent effects of doliroside B derived from Dolichos trilobus, the study of such Leguminosae species highlights a broader interest in natural pain relief. For instance, the disodium salt of doliroside B demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing pain across various animal models. This compound works by inhibiting COX-1 and modulating the GABA receptor, affecting both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Such findings underscore the immense potential of exploring diverse plant species to develop multi-target therapeutic drugs for pain management.
Compounds
Vigna umbellata is a plant species of interest due to its diverse chemical profile. Research indicates that this plant contains several significant bioactive compounds, including isosojagol and phaseol. Additionally, the presence of psoralidin has been identified within its chemical makeup. The plant is also known to contain oleanolic acid, a triterpenoid with various biological implications. Together, these constituents contribute to the complex phytochemical characterization of the species.
Conditions
Vigna umbellata interacts with specific LCO molecules to induce aberrant nodule structures on its roots. Regarding digestive health, the rice bean exhibits a lower flatulence potential compared to other indigenous legumes due to its specific oligosaccharide profile. Various domestic processing methods can further reduce the flatus producing factors found within Vigna umbellata. While the provided abstracts do not link Vigna umbellata to the treatment of fractures, they do note that Dolichos trilobus is used for such purposes. Additionally, research into Dolichos trilobus compounds demonstrates an ability to inhibit nitric oxide production to achieve anti-inflammatory effects.
Preparations
Vigna umbellata is prepared as roots to facilitate the isolation of specific bioactive compounds. Within this botanical study, the plant is prepared as an ethyl acetate roots extract through specialized chemical processes. This specific preparation method allows for the extraction of triterpenoids and coumestans from the root structure. By utilizing the roots of the species, researchers can access diverse chemical constituents for further analysis. Consequently, the preparation of the ethyl acetate roots extract serves as a critical step in identifying these plant relationships.
Parts used
Vigna umbellata is a plant species that contains a significant root component used in various botanical studies. While research often focuses on the chemical properties of related species like Dolichos trilobus, the structural importance of the root remains a key area of interest. In many studies, root extracts serve as the primary source for isolating bioactive compounds such as triterpenoids and coumestans. These isolated substances are frequently evaluated for their potential medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Understanding these plant relationships helps scientists better identify the therapeutic potential found within specific plant parts.