Acalypha segetalis
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Acalypha segetalis Common Names: Three Seeded Mercury, Field Copperleaf Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Angiosperms Order: Malpighiales Family: Euphorbiaceae Genus: Acalypha Species: Acalypha segetalis Synonyms: Acalypha gemina var. brevibracteata (Müll.Arg.) Müll.Arg., Acalypha gemina var. exserta (Müll.Arg.) Müll.Arg., Acalypha sessilis De Wild. & T.Durand, Acalypha sessilis var. brevibracteata Müll.Arg., Acalypha sessilis var. exserta Müll.Arg., Mercurialis cucullata Dinter ex Pax Morphological Description Acalypha segetalis is an annual herb, typically growing to 50 cm in height,
with decumbent to ascending stems that branch profusely from the base. Key
morphological characteristics include: · Stems: Slender, often pubescent, green to reddish, with a tendency
to sprawl or ascend, occasionally rooting at nodes. · Leaves: Ovate, 2–7 cm long and 1–4 cm wide, with serrated margins,
acute apex, and cuneate base; petioles 1–3 cm long, sparsely hairy. · Inflorescences: Axillary spikes, usually less than 2.5 cm
long, monoecious with both male and female flowers; male flowers clustered at
the apex, pedunculate, reddish; female flowers basal, with 1–3 crenate-margined
bracts per inflorescence. · Fruit: Small, 3-lobed capsules, 2–3 mm in diameter, pubescent,
containing 1–3 ovoid seeds, 1.5–2 mm long, greyish-brown. Distribution and Habitat Acalypha segetalis is widely distributed across tropical and southern Africa,
documented in countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
South Africa, and Angola. It thrives in seasonally dry tropical biomes and is
adaptable to various ecological niches, such as: · Floodplains and pans: Common in alluvial and black clay soils,
often in moist grassy areas. · Woodlands: Frequent in miombo and mopane woodlands, preferring
well-drained soils with annual rainfall of 500–1,200 mm. · Disturbed areas: Grows as a weed in cultivated fields, roadsides,
and secondary regrowth sites. · Rocky outcrops: Found in rocky terrains at elevations from
sea level to 1,800 m, tolerating pH 5.0–7.5. The species is highly
adaptable, flourishing in temperatures of 15–38°C and often dominating
herbaceous communities in disturbed habitats (Kew Science, n.d.). Ethnopharmacology Although specific
ethnopharmacological studies on Acalypha segetalis are limited compared to other Acalypha
species, its use in traditional African medicine is documented, particularly in
East and Southern Africa. Available studies and related species’ data suggest
the following applications: · Antimicrobial activity: Leaf extracts show activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with MIC values of 200–400 μg/ml, supporting
its use for treating microbial infections, including skin and wound infections
(Seebaluck et al., 2015). · Anti-inflammatory effects: Leaf decoctions are traditionally used for
swelling and inflammation, likely due to flavonoids and tannins, which reduce
pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro (Seebaluck et al., 2015). · Dermatological applications: Crushed leaves are applied to treat skin
conditions like eczema and scabies, with preliminary studies on related species
indicating wound-healing properties via collagen synthesis enhancement (Onocha
et al., 2011). · Respiratory support: In Uganda, leaf infusions are used for
coughs and bronchitis, potentially linked to bronchodilatory terpenoids, though
specific studies on A. segetalis are
lacking (Kacholi, 2024). · Nutritional use: Young leaves are occasionally consumed as
a vegetable in Zimbabwe and Zambia, providing micronutrients like calcium and
iron. ⚠ Toxicity Profile: No substantial evidence confirms significant toxicity for Acalypha segetalis. However, as a member of the Euphorbiaceae
family, it may contain irritant compounds like diterpenoids, which can cause
skin irritation or gastrointestinal discomfort if mishandled or ingested in
large quantities. Brine shrimp lethality tests on related species suggest
moderate cytotoxicity (LC₅₀ ~100 μg/ml), warranting caution in prolonged use
(Onocha et al., 2011). Additional Uses · Ecological role: Acts as ground cover in disturbed areas,
reducing soil erosion and enhancing biodiversity in herbaceous communities. · Agricultural use: Occasionally used as fodder for small
livestock, though palatability is moderate due to bitter compounds (Selina
Wamucii, n.d.). · Cultural significance: In some Zimbabwean communities, the plant
is used in traditional rituals for cleansing or protection, though specific
practices are poorly documented (Seebaluck et al., 2015). References
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| Compounds of Acalypha segetalis |
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