Bryophyllum pinnatum
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Bryophyllum pinnatum Common Names: Air Plant, Cathedral Bells, Life Plant,
Miracle Leaf, Goethe Plant, Kalanchoe Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Tracheophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Saxifragales Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Bryophyllum Species: B. pinnatum Synonyms: Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb., Cotyledon pinnata Lam., Crassula pinnata L.f., Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers., Sedum madagascaricum Clus. Morphological Description Bryophyllum pinnatum, commonly known as the Miracle Leaf or Kalanchoe, is a succulent
perennial herb, typically growing 0.5–2 m tall, with a fleshy, cylindrical stem
that transitions from reddish in young growth to greyish-brown. Its key
features include: · Stem: Erect, glabrous, tuberous, up to 5 cm in diameter, often
reddish in young parts · Leaves: Opposite, simple or 3–7-foliate, oblong to elliptic, 5–25 cm
long, 2–10 cm wide, thick, fleshy, scalloped with crenate margins, producing
plantlets along edges · Flowers: Bell-shaped, pendulous, 2–4 cm long, pale green to
yellow-red, in terminal panicles · Fruit: Follicles, 1–2 cm long, containing numerous tiny seeds
Distribution and Habitat Bryophyllum pinnatum is native to Madagascar but has naturalized in tropical and
subtropical regions globally, including Africa (Nigeria, Ghana), Asia (India,
Philippines), the Americas (Brazil, Mexico), Australia, and Pacific Islands. It
thrives in: · Ecosystems: Disturbed areas, roadsides, grasslands, forest margins, and
coastal zones · Climate: Tropical to subtropical, with rainfall of 500–2,500 mm annually
and temperatures of 18–30°C · Soils: Well-drained, sandy to loamy, tolerating nutrient-poor
conditions · Altitude: Sea level to 2,000 m In Nigeria, it is
widespread in southern states like Lagos and Ogun, often in gardens and as a
weed in disturbed areas. Its vegetative propagation via plantlets contributes
to its invasiveness in regions like Australia and Hawaii. Ethnopharmacology Bryophyllum pinnatum also known as Miracle Leaf, Life Plant, or Goethe Plant, is
a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine around the world. Various
parts of the plant, especially the leaves, are known for their
anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, wound-healing, analgesic,
antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and anticancer properties. Traditionally, the
leaves are crushed and applied to wounds, cuts, and insect bites to promote
healing and reduce infection. Infusions or decoctions are also used to treat
kidney stones, urinary disorders, fevers, coughs, bronchial problems, stomach
ulcers, and inflammatory conditions. Phytochemical studies have revealed the
presence of active compounds such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids,
glycosides, and steroids, which contribute to its wide range of therapeutic
effects. While Bryophyllum pinnatum has a strong reputation in traditional
medicine, more clinical research is needed to fully validate its medicinal uses
and ensure safe, standardized applications: · Gastroprotective Effects: Aqueous whole-plant extracts (500–750
mg/kg) reduced ethanol-induced gastric
ulcers in rats by 67–73%, comparable to rabeprazole (75%), validating their use
for gastritis and ulcers in Brazil (Braz et al., 2012; De Araújo et al., 2021). · Anticancer Potential: Chloroform
leaf extracts inhibited cervical cancer (HeLa) cell proliferation (IC₅₀ 10–20
µg/mL), attributed to bufadienolides and flavonoids, supporting potential
cancer treatment in India (Mahata et al., 2012;). · Antihypertensive and Uterine Relaxant: Leaf extracts reduced blood pressure in hypertensive
rats and relaxed human myometrial strips in vitro, validating their use for
hypertension and tocolysis in Nigeria and Brazil (Ghasi et al., 2011;
Gwehenberger et al., 2004;). · Antimicrobial
Activity: Extracts of B. pinnatum
have demonstrated antimicrobial properties against various pathogens, including
Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The antimicrobial action is closely
related to the presence of bioactive compounds such as bufadienolides
(Wikipedia, n.d.). · Anxiolytic
and Psychoactive Effects:
Studies suggest that B. pinnatum leaf aqueous extract exhibits anxiolytic and
psychoactive effects in a dose-dependent manner in animal models, supporting
its potential use in treating mood disorders (Martins Fernandes Pereira et al.,
2022). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Bryophyllum pinnatum has low acute oral toxicity (LD₅₀
>5,000 mg/kg in rats), but sub-chronic use at 600 mg/kg caused mild liver
enzyme elevation and reduced sperm count in rats, indicating potential
hepatotoxicity and reproductive toxicity. Bufadienolides, particularly
bryophyllin A, are cardiotoxic at high doses and linked to poisoning in grazing
animals. The plant’s use in dysmenorrhea showed no adverse effects in small
clinical trials, but prolonged or excessive consumption, especially of raw
leaves, may cause gastrointestinal irritation or neurological symptoms.
Traditional preparations (e.g., boiling) reduce risks, but caution is advised,
particularly in pregnancy or with cardiac conditions ( Fürer et al., 2015;). Additional Uses · Ornamental: Cultivated for its attractive scalloped leaves and pendulous
flowers in gardens and as a houseplant globally. · Cultural: In Nigeria, leaf infusions are used in Yoruba rituals for
spiritual cleansing; in India, the plant is considered auspicious. · Ecological: As an invasive species, it stabilizes disturbed soils but
can outcompete native flora in regions like Australia. · Agricultural: Leaf extracts are explored as natural insecticides against
pests like Aedes aegypti in
Nigeria. References
External Links More Pictures
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