Voacanga africana
Voacanga africana · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (7 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Voacanga africana is a versatile botanical species known for containing significant chemical compounds such as Ibogaine, octadecanoic acid, and various fatty acids. Researchers utilize different parts of the plant, including the root, stem, bark, seeds, and fruit, to create medicinal preparations like aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts. These extracts demonstrate a broad range of biological activities, specifically serving as antimicrobial and antibacterial agents against pathogens like Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Furthermore, the plant shows promise in managing neurological and muscular issues through its anticonvulsant and antispasmodic properties. By targeting conditions such as convulsions, Voacanga africana remains a subject of intense pharmacological interest.
- Synonyms
- Voacanga Puberula · Voacanga Africana Var. Auriculata · 17 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root · Seed
Classification
Common Names
Voacanga africana is a botanical species known by a diverse array of names across different cultures and languages. In various regions, it is frequently referred to by its common names, such as cata-grande or the small-fruit wild frangipani. It is also widely recognized as voacanga d'Afrique in many international contexts. The plant's reach is truly global, as evidenced by its designation as Воаканга африканская in Russian. Finally, in Chinese-speaking areas, it is identified by the name 非洲马铃果.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Voacanga africana is a complex species that encompasses several distinct botanical synonyms within its taxonomic classification. Researchers have identified various varieties such as Voacanga africana var. auriculata, var. glabra, and var. lutescens that characterize its diversity. Beyond these specific varieties, the plant is also linked to the synonym Voacanga angolensis. Additionally, the nomenclature includes Voacanga angustifolia as part of its broader botanical identity. Understanding these various relationships is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Voacanga africana is a fascinating species that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Gentianales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. As a member of the family Apocynaceae, it shares distinct characteristics with many other related species. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its placement within the unique genus Voacanga.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Voacanga |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Voacanga africana is a plant species characterized by a broad and diverse geographic distribution across the African continent. It is notably present in East Tropical Africa, where it can be found within the borders of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The species also extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, reaching the regions of Sudan and South Sudan. Furthermore, its range stretches toward the south, establishing a presence in South Tropical Africa within Angola. This wide-reaching habitat highlights the plant's ability to thrive across various tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Voacanga africana is a self-supporting species that typically manifests in a tree growth form. This plant exhibits significant variation in stature, with some individuals reaching a modest height of only 1.52 meters. However, many specimens grow much larger, frequently achieving a minimum height of approximately 5.67 meters. In ideal environmental conditions, these trees can continue to expand until they reach a maximum height of about 9.14 meters. Such diverse height ranges highlight the adaptable nature of this woody species within its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Voacanga africana is a versatile medicinal plant that exhibits a wide range of significant biological activities. Scientific screenings have confirmed its potent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making it effective against various microorganism strains. Additionally, the plant demonstrates therapeutic potential as an antispasmodic agent and has shown measurable anticonvulsant effects in animal models. Beyond these physiological benefits, the alkaloids found within its root bark and seeds are also recognized for their traditional use as an aphrodisiac. Together, these diverse pharmacological characteristics highlight the complex medicinal value of this tropical African species.
Compounds
Voacanga africana is a small tropical African tree that possesses a diverse array of bioactive chemical constituents within its various parts. The root bark and seeds are known to contain important alkaloids, specifically ibogaine and tabersonine, which are often utilized for their psychoactive properties. In addition to these alkaloids, the plant's seeds serve as a rich source of fatty acids, including tetradecanoic acid and octadecanoic acid. Research into the spatial distribution of these molecules shows that the fatty acids are specifically localized within the seed embryo. Understanding these complex chemical relationships is essential for the sustainable isolation of medicinal compounds without damaging the tree.
Conditions
Voacanga africana contains alkaloids like voacafrines A-C and E-G that exhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity. The plant's bark extract, particularly through the alkaloid voacamine, provides neuroprotection by treating AD-oxytosis in hippocampal nerve cells. It also demonstrates potent antimicrobial properties by treating the fungus Aspergillus niger. Regarding gastrointestinal health, the plant contains alkaloids that effectively treat augmented histamine-induced gastric acid secretion. However, studies indicate that Voacanga africana does not show antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans.
Preparations
Voacanga africana is prepared as plant hydroethanolic extracts to test for neuroprotective compounds relevant to Alzheimer's disease. The plant is also prepared as seeds, which serve as a sustainable resource for mapping the spatial distribution of alkaloids. Research indicates that Voacanga africana is prepared as aqueous extracts for use as traditional antidiarrhoeal agents. Additionally, the plant is prepared as bark to facilitate the extraction of various alkaloids. Finally, Voacanga africana is prepared as an extract from the bark to isolate potent compounds like voacamine.
Parts used
Voacanga africana is a small tropical African tree that possesses several parts utilized for various medicinal and psychoactive purposes. The root bark of the plant is a known source of alkaloids like ibogaine, which are traditionally used for religious and therapeutic reasons. Researchers have also identified significant chemical compounds within the stem bark, including the newly described Voagafries alkaloids which show potential anti-glioma activity. Furthermore, the seeds of this species contain important constituents such as tabersonine and are being studied as a more sustainable source for metabolite isolation. Finally, the fruit of the plant yields specific alkaloids that demonstrate promising anti-ulcer and gastric protective properties.