Waltheria indica
Waltheria indica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Waltheria indica is a versatile medicinal plant known for its diverse therapeutic properties, particularly its potent antiplasmodial activities. Scientific investigations into its roots, stems, and leaves have identified key bioactive chemicals such as Chrysosplenol E, 5-Hydroxy-3,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone, Flindulatin, and Melovinone. Researchers utilize various preparations, including aqueous, chloroform, and CH2Cl2 extracts of the aerial parts, to study its medicinal potential. These studies have demonstrated significant efficacy against challenging conditions like Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Candida albicans. Furthermore, the plant shows promise in managing inflammation, highlighting its importance in pharmacological research.
- Synonyms
- Waltheria Indica Var. Prostrata · Waltheria Americana Var. Densiflora · 20 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Root · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Waltheria indica is a versatile plant known by a wide variety of regional and descriptive names. In Haiti, it is commonly referred to as Balai blanc, while in Puerto Rico, it is recognized as Basora prieta. The species also carries the name Basora Kòrá in certain linguistic traditions. In English-speaking contexts, it is often called Boater bush or Buff coat. These diverse common names reflect the plant's widespread presence across different cultures and landscapes.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Waltheria indica is a taxonomically complex species that is frequently identified by various botanical synonyms. It is widely recognized in scientific literature under the name Waltheria africana. Furthermore, the plant is often referred to as Waltheria americana in different regional contexts. This classification also extends to several specific varieties, including Waltheria americana var. densiflora and Waltheria americana var. elliptica. Finally, the name Waltheria americana var. glandulosa is also utilized to describe distinct forms of this versatile species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Waltheria indica belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, showcasing the incredible diversity found within the natural world. This specific species is classified under the class Equisetopsida and falls within the order Malvales. Moving down the taxonomic hierarchy, it is a member of the family Malvaceae. It is further defined by its placement within the genus Waltheria. Through these distinct biological relationships, scientists can accurately categorize and study its unique characteristics.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Waltheria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Waltheria indica exhibits a broad geographic range across several distinct regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, this plant is commonly found within the borders of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its presence extends beyond the mainland to the Atlantic islands of Macaronesia. Specifically, it can be located throughout the Canary Islands as well as in Cape Verde. This diverse distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive in varied tropical and island ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Waltheria indica is a self-supporting herb that displays a versatile growth form. This plant varies significantly in size, with heights typically ranging from a minimum of 0.2 meters to a maximum of 2.13 meters. In many environments, it maintains a more substantial presence with a minimum height of 1 meter. Such diverse dimensions allow it to adapt effectively to various ecological niches. Understanding these structural characteristics is essential for identifying the species in the wild.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Waltheria indica has demonstrated notable antiplasmodial activity during recent medicinal plant evaluations in Burkina Faso. Researchers tested various extracts of this species, specifically focusing on its roots and aerial parts, to assess their effectiveness against malaria. The study utilized a colorimetric method to evaluate the extracts on the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 chloroquine-sensitive strain. Results indicated that Waltheria indica falls into a category of plants exhibiting moderate antiplasmodial activity, with IC50 values between 15 and 50 microg/ml. This finding contributes to the broader understanding of traditional medicinal plants that may serve as potential candidates for further malaria research.
Compounds
Waltheria indica is a plant species that serves as a rich source of various bioactive secondary metabolites. Chemical investigations of its aerial parts have identified several key polyhydroxymethoxyflavonoids, including chrysosplenol E, flindulatin, oxyanin A, and vitexicarpin. Furthermore, the plant contains melovinone, which was isolated alongside several pyridine-4(1H)-one derivatives. These diverse chemical constituents contribute to the plant's traditional medicinal uses in treating inflammatory diseases and cancer. The presence of these specific compounds highlights the complex phytochemical profile that makes this species a subject of significant pharmacological interest.
Conditions
Waltheria indica demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its ability to treat Trypanosoma cruzi and the resulting American Trypanosomiasis (AT). Research into its alkaloids has identified potent agents capable of inhibiting the growth of these parasites. Furthermore, the plant's extracts are recognized for their COX-2 inhibitory properties, which are driven by specific fatty acids and saponins to aid in inflammation resolution. The medicinal plant also possesses antifungal capabilities, specifically showing activity against the human pathogen Candida albicans. These diverse biological activities highlight the plant's multifaceted role in addressing parasitic, inflammatory, and fungal conditions.
Preparations
Waltheria indica is prepared as an aqueous extract to evaluate its effects on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. This plant is also prepared as crude plant extracts that have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory activity by modulating various immune responses. For the purpose of isolating specific pyridine-4(1H)-one alkaloids, Waltheria indica is prepared as a CH2Cl2 extract of the aerial parts. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as a chloroform extract for various pharmacological investigations. Finally, Waltheria indica is prepared as a decoction of the aerial parts, a traditional medicinal preparation used for treating inflammatory-related diseases and cancer.
Parts used
Waltheria indica is a medicinal plant that offers significant therapeutic potential through the utilization of its various biological components. Scientific studies have demonstrated that the roots of the plant contain quinoline alkaloids known for their antitrypanosomal activity. Additionally, the aerial parts, which include the stem and leaves, have been identified as sources of bioactive compounds with diverse medicinal properties. Research indicates that extracts from these leafy stems may help treat inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, by reducing inflammation. Furthermore, chemical investigations into the plant's aerial parts have revealed polyhydroxymethoxyflavonoids and alkaloids that exhibit potent antifungal activity.