Dioclea reflexa
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Dioclea reflexa Common Names: Dioclea, Bulls Eye, Sea Bean, Drift Seed Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Fabales Family: Fabaceae Subfamily: Faboideae Genus: Dioclea Species: D. reflexa Binomial Name: Dioclea reflexa Hook.f. Synonyms: Dioclea labathei H.St.John, Lepidamphora volubilis Zoll. Morphological Description Dioclea reflexa is a vigorous, evergreen, perennial climbing shrub, reaching
lengths of 10–20 m, with twining woody stems up to 5 cm thick. Key features
include: · Stem: Woody, twining, occasionally with bristles or thorns, bark
greyish-brown · Leaves: Trifoliate, 10–20 cm long, leaflets ovate, 5–12 cm long, 3–7
cm wide, glossy dark green · Flowers: Zygomorphic, purple to blue, 1.5–2 cm long, in racemes,
blooming seasonally · Seeds: Large, 2–3 cm long, shiny brown to black, buoyant, known as
"sea beans" The plant’s buoyant
seeds enable oceanic dispersal, often washing ashore polished by waves (Fern,
2023). Distribution and Habitat Dioclea reflexa is native to tropical regions of West Africa and parts of
Asia, thriving in: · Regions: Rainforests, wetlands, riverbanks, coastal forests · Countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Togo, Indonesia, Philippines · Climate: Tropical, 25–35°C, rainfall 1,500–3,000 mm annually · Soil: Moist, well-drained, loamy, often nitrogen-poor due to
symbiosis · Elevation: Sea level to 500 m It forms symbiotic
relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, aiding growth in nutrient-poor
soils. Ethnopharmacology Dioclea reflexa, commonly known as marble vine or sea bean, is a tropical
leguminous plant found in parts of Africa and the Caribbean. It is recognized
in traditional medicine for a variety of therapeutic uses due to its rich
phytochemical composition.The plant—particularly its seeds—contains bioactive
compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phenols, which
contribute to its medicinal properties. Traditionally, Dioclea reflexa is used
to treat rheumatism, convulsions, inflammation, and mental health issues.
Scientific studies have shown it may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
analgesic, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties. It is also believed
to have fertility-enhancing effects, especially in men, by improving sperm
quality and motility. Additionally, extracts from the plant have been noted for
potential antidiabetic and hepatoprotective activities. While its traditional
use is widespread, more clinical research is needed to fully validate and
standardize its medicinal applications. · Coronary Pain: Root decoction in Nigeria relieves chest pain; vasorelaxant
lectins relax aortic rings (50% at 100 µg/mL) (Pinto et al., 2018). · Hematological/Kidney Protection: Study shows that in the acute model, the level
of total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin were significantly (P<0.05)
reduced in D. reflexa seed extract pre-treated rats compared to the CCl4
control, while in the chronic model, the level of packed cell volume (PCV) and
hemoglobin were significantly (P<0.05) boosted in extract treated group
compared to the CCl4 control group with concomitant reduction in the levels of
bilirubin. These results indicate
that the seed of D. reflexa possess capacity to boost haematological parameters
and protect the kidney against acute and chronic toxicological challenges (Ene-Ojo
, 2014). · Topical Pain/Skin Relief: Leaf poultices is used to treat aches,
rashes; flavonoids reduce inflammation (30% at 50 mg/kg) (Adegbesan et al.,
2024). · Antioxidant: Seed ethanol extract scavenges DPPH radicals (IC₅₀ 18
µg/mL), protects liver/kidney (Adegbesan et al., 2024). · Anticancer Potential: Root extract inhibits prostate cancer
cells (IC₅₀ 5.18 µg/mL); flavonoids show cytotoxicity (Oladele et al., 2015). · Lipid Regulation: Seed extract lowers LDL (25% at 15 mg/kg),
raises HDL in rats (Adegbesan et al., 2024). · Larvicide: Seed compounds kill mosquito larvae (LC₅₀ 10 mg/L), used
traditionally (Fern, 2023). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Seeds contain antinutritional factors (e.g.,
lectins, trypsin inhibitors); LD₅₀ > 2,000 mg/kg in rats (safe processed).
Raw consumption may cause GI distress; cooking/sprouting reduces risks. Caution
advised in pregnancy (Fern, 2023). Additional Uses · Culinary: Seeds (14% protein, 58% carbs) as famine food after
processing · Materials: Seed gum as food thickener; stems for cordage · Cultural: Seeds as jewelry, curiosities due to drift properties · Ecological: Nitrogen fixation enhances soil fertility References
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