Bryophyllum pinnatum
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Bryophyllum pinnatum Common
Names: Resurrection plant, Life plant Scientific Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Order: Saxifragales Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Bryophyllum Species: B. pinnatum Synonyms: Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers., Cotyledon pinnata Lam., Crassula pinnata L.f. Morphological Description Bryophyllum
pinnatum is a succulent perennial herb reaching 1-2 meters in height. Features
thick, fleshy leaves with scalloped margins (up to 25 cm long) arranged
oppositely on stems. Distinctively produces vegetative plantlets along leaf
margins. Displays pendulous panicles of bell-shaped flowers (2-4 cm long) in
red-orange hues. The CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) photosynthetic pathway
enhances drought tolerance. Distribution & Habitat Native to
Madagascar, now pantropical in distribution. Thrives in USDA zones 9-11,
colonizing disturbed areas, roadsides, and forest margins (0-2,000 m
elevation). Considered invasive in Pacific Islands and parts of Australia due
to high reproductive capacity (1 leaf can produce 20-50 plantlets). Ethnopharmacology ·
Wound
Healing: Fresh leaves are
crushed and applied topically to cuts and wounds, believed to promote healing. Leaf
paste reduces epithelialization time by 40% (Braz et al., 2013) ·
Anti-inflammatory: The plant has been used to treat
inflammation and pain. Inhibits COX-2 (IC₅₀ = 23 μM) and TNF-α (Chibli et al.,
2014) ·
Antiurolithiatic: Some traditional systems of medicine use
the plant's juice to treat kidney stones. Reduces calcium oxalate crystals by
65% in rat models ·
Antimicrobial: Extracts from the plant have shown
activity against certain bacteria and fungi. Active against Candida albicans (MIC 0.8 mg/mL) ·
Treatment for Minor
Ailments: It's also been used for a variety of other conditions, including
boils, burns, respiratory ailments, and more. ⚠ Toxicity Alert While Bryophyllum pinnatum is widely used for its medicinal
benefits, certain parts of the plant may possess toxic properties. For
instance, bufadienolide compounds present in the plant can cause cardiac
poisoning, particularly in grazing animals. Contains bufadienolides (0.3% dry
weight) with LD₅₀ = 50 mg/kg in mice. Avoid during pregnancy due to uterotonic
effects (Chibli et al., 2014). Additional
Information · Invasiveness: Forms monocultures at 12 plants/m² (Lucid Central, n.d.) · Cultural Use: Yoruba rituals employ leaves for spiritual cleansing · Ornamental Value: Widely cultivated in tropical rock gardens References
External Links More Pictures
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| Compounds of Bryophyllum pinnatum |
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