Woodfordia fruticosa
What's the taxonomical classification of Woodfordia fruticosa?
Woodfordia fruticosa belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Myrtales. This plant is a member of the family Lythraceae, falling under the genus Woodfordia, and is specifically identified by the species name fruticosa.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Lythraceae |
| Genus | Woodfordia |
| Species | fruticosa |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Woodfordia fruticosa has an erect, woody shrub habit characterized by slender, reddish-brown branches and oppositely arranged, ovate to lanceolate leaves with entire margins. The foliage typically features a rough, scabrous texture on the upper surface and a paler underside. Small, tubular flowers emerge in dense, terminal clusters, displaying a bright pink to rose-colored hue. These blossoms are accompanied by persistent, cup-shaped calyces that remain on the plant after the petals fall. The plant produces small, globose capsules that split open to release numerous tiny seeds.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, specifically spanning across India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of Indonesia. It thrives primarily in seasonally dry deciduous forests and scrublands where sunlight is abundant. Its distribution is often linked to open landscapes and hilly terrains characterized by a distinct dry season. You can frequently find it growing in disturbed areas or along forest edges throughout these warm climates. The species maintains a broad range across the Indian subcontinent and extends into various island ecosystems in the Malay Archipelago.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Woodfordia fruticosa, commonly known as Flaming Glory, is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions by planting seeds or cuttings in well-drained, sandy soil under full sunlight.
It thrives best in warm climates where it receives moderate amounts of regular moisture without becoming waterlogged. As a hardy shrub, it requires minimal maintenance once established, though occasional pruning helps maintain its bushy shape. Farmers often grow it specifically for its medicinal properties and the fragrant flowers used in traditional preparations.
Successful cultivation depends on providing enough space for its root system to spread effectively.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Woodfordia fruticosa utilizes its bark, flowers, leaves, roots, and seeds for various medicinal purposes. The bark is frequently employed in traditional treatments to manage inflammation and digestive issues. Fragrant flowers are often used in herbal preparations to soothe the nervous system or act as an aromatic agent. The leaves serve as a topical application for skin ailments or are decocted for internal use. Additionally, the roots provide therapeutic properties for treating fever, while the seeds can be utilized in specific traditional formulations.
According to a study published by "Health science reports", the leaves and bark of Woodfordia fruticosa are used for their antioxidant, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, and antidiarrheal properties. Methanolic extracts and various organic solvent fractions showed antioxidant abilities with IC50 values ranging from 6.11-20.79 μg/mL. The aqueous fraction of leaves at 41.24% and the methanolic extract of bark at 44.90% exerted notable in vitro thrombolytic activity. Leaf chloroform fractions and bark aqueous fractions showed 43.16% and 45.37% inhibition of RBC hemolysis, respectively. Both extracts provided significant (p < 0.001) analgesic responses at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg bw, while bark extract at both doses (p < 0.001) and leaf extract at 400 mg/kg bw (p < 0.05) showed antidiarrheal activity. The safety level of these extracts was indicated by a median lethal dose (LD50) greater than 5000 mg/kg bw.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- flower
- leaf
- root
- seed
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Woodfordia fruticosa, is utilized across various ancient medical frameworks including Ayurveda, the Indian medicinal system, Mahoran traditional medicine, and Unani to treat diverse ailments. In Ayurveda, the plant is often valued for its astringent properties and its role in managing gastrointestinal issues. Practitioners within the Indian medicinal system frequently employ its bark and flowers to address skin conditions and wound healing. Mahoran traditional medicine also incorporates the species into local healing rituals and botanical remedies for systemic wellness. Furthermore, Unani practitioners utilize its specific chemical constituents to balance bodily humors and treat inflammatory conditions.
According to a study published by "BioMed research international", Woodfordia fruticosa is one of 20 medicinal herbs selected for discussion. These herbs are commonly recognized antiviral medicinal plants in Ayurveda. The review intends to discuss the antiviral activities of plant extracts and some isolated plant natural products based on mainly preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies. The development of novel antiviral drugs is much significant and natural products are excellent sources for such drug developments.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
- Indian medicinal system
- Mahoran traditional medicine
- Unani
What are the pharmacological activities of Woodfordia fruticosa?
This plant has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound healing pharmacological activities. Its bioactive compounds work to reduce pain and swelling by inhibiting specific inflammatory pathways in the body. The plant also exhibits significant antimicrobial properties that allow it to combat various bacterial and fungal pathogens. Additionally, its potent antioxidant capacity helps neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular oxidative damage. These combined therapeutic effects contribute to its effectiveness in promoting rapid wound healing and skin regeneration.
According to a study published by "BMC complementary and alternative medicine", crude alkaloids from Woodfordia fruticosa were shown to be safe up to a dose of 1250 mg/kg body weight in mice. These alkaloids significantly reduced abdominal constrictions and increased the time for paw licking response in both phases. The research noted a significant raise in latency time in nociception models with a P value of ≤ 0.05. The antinociceptive response was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with naloxone, suggesting the involvement of opioid receptors. Ultimately, the crude alkaloids of Woodfordia fruticosa showed prominent analgesic potentials through the inhibition of both peripheral and central nervous system mechanisms.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse profile of bioactive phytochemicals, most notably several specific glycosides known as Woodfordins A, Woodfordins B, Woodfordin C, Woodfordin D, and Woodfordin I. These unique chemical constituents are primarily classified as iridoid glycosides that contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties. Researchers have identified these specific compounds during investigations into the medicinal potential of the species. The presence of these molecules is often linked to the plant's traditional uses in treating various inflammatory and oxidative conditions. Studying these individual components helps scientists understand the complex pharmacological mechanisms driving its healing effects.
According to a study published by "Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin", three new dimeric hydrolyzable tannins, woodfordins A, B and C, were isolated from the dried flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz (Lythraceae). These new tannins were found alongside seven known hydrolyzable tannins, which included oenothein B. Woodfordin C is a macro-ring hydrolyzable tannin dimer that exhibits significant antitumor activity. The study also identified accompanying dimers from the Woodfordia fruticosa flowers. These specific compounds were isolated from an Indonesian crude drug called Sidowayah.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Woodfordin C
- Woodfordin D
- Woodfordin I
- Woodfordins A
- Woodfordins B
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating asthma, bronchospasm, diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. Its medicinal properties are frequently applied to manage respiratory issues by relaxing the airways. In digestive health, the plant serves as an effective remedy for controlling diarrhea and dysentery. Additionally, it possesses antipyretic qualities that help in reducing a high fever. These diverse applications make it a significant component in traditional herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Pharmaceutical biology", Woodfordia fruticosa flowers are used in the Indian medicinal system to treat asthma. The plant exhibits anti-asthmatic effects through bronchoprotection against 0.1% histamine- and 2% acetylcholine-induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs at 100 and 200 mg/ml; p.o. Its anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated at 100 and 200 µg/ml via membrane stabilization and in vivo inhibition of rat paw edema up to 5 h at 100 and 200 mg/ml; p.o. The methanol extract specifically demonstrated 100% bronchorelaxation and 48.83% bronchoprotection. Furthermore, methanol, ethyl acetate, and hydro alcohol extracts at 200 mg/kg showed 32.73, 29.83, and 26.75% inhibition of egg albumin-induced inflammation, respectively. These extracts also provide antioxidant and mast cell stabilization abilities to address these health conditions.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- dysentery
- diarrhea
- fever
- inflammation
- wound healing
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as Bhallatakadi Ghrita, Sidowayah, Woodfordia fruticosa extract, aqueous fraction of bark, and powder. These diverse formulations are utilized in traditional medicine to address various inflammatory and febrile conditions. The powder form often serves as a foundational component for more complex mixtures. Researchers also study the specific properties of the aqueous fraction of bark to understand its therapeutic potential. Additionally, concentrated extracts and specialized preparations like Bhallatakadi Ghrita provide targeted delivery of the plant's active compounds.
According to a study published by "Journal of complementary & integrative medicine", Woodfordia fruticosa K. was collected from the Western Ghats of India to be used in a polyherbal formulation. This formulation, known as Bhallatakadi Ghrita, demonstrated a complete wound contraction of 99.82 ± 0.10% (p<0.001). The treatment resulted in a re-epithelialization time of 15.17 ± 0.40 days and a breaking strength of 531.50 ± 5.89 (p<0.05). Quantitative estimation of the preparation showed 54.7 ± 3.7 mg100 g-1 of polyphenols and 42.3 ± 5.4 mg.100 g-1 of flavonoids. Additionally, the hydroxyproline content was found to be significantly higher at 4.23 ± 0.21 (p<0.05).
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Bhallatakadi Ghrita
- Sidowayah
- Woodfordia fruticosa extract
- aqueous fraction of bark
- powder
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause cellular toxicity, depressive disorder, and hyperglycemia in individuals who consume it in improper doses. Scientific studies indicate that certain compounds within the plant may disrupt normal metabolic processes and lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the chemical constituents have been linked to potential damage at a cellular level, which can impair organ function. Psychological impacts such as depressive disorder may also arise from the neurochemical imbalances caused by its ingestion. These adverse reactions highlight the necessity of caution when using this species for medicinal purposes.
According to a study published by "Plants (Basel, Switzerland)", the methanol extract of Woodfordia fruticosa leaves (MEWF) and its ethyl acetate fraction (EAFMEWF) contained the highest phenolic content and showed maximal antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing power assays. The n-hexane fraction (NHFMEWF) possessed the maximum flavonoid content and demonstrated a potent α-amylase inhibitory profile comparable with the positive control acarbosen. In animal models of depression using the forced swimming and tail suspension test, both EAFMEWF and NHFMEWF showed a dose-dependent antidepressant-like effect. Computational analysis of flavonoid compounds from the leaves showed potent binding affinity against target proteins including α-amylase, serotonin transporter, dopamine transporter, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase. These outcomes suggest the plant may provide potential dietary supplements for mitigating hyperglycemia, cellular toxicity, and depressive disorder.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- cellular toxicity
- depressive disorder
- hyperglycemia
What herbs are paired with Woodfordia fruticosa?
This plant, known as Dhaw, is commonly paired with Tulsi, ginger, and honey to enhance its effectiveness in treating respiratory ailments and digestive issues.
When used for wound healing, it is often combined with turmeric to create a potent antiseptic paste. For managing fever and inflammation, practitioners frequently blend its bark with neem or cinnamon. These combinations are carefully selected to balance the plant's astringent properties with other therapeutic elements.
Such herbal synergies aim to maximize the medicinal benefits of the plant across various traditional applications.