Dioclea reflexa.
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Dioclea reflexa Common Names: Dioclea, Bulls Eye, Sea Bean, Drift Seed Species ID: NMP-043 | wfo-0000186697 Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Tracheophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Fabales Family: Fabaceae Genus: Dioclea Species: D. reflexa Synonyms: Dioclea
labathei H.St.John, Lepidamphora volubilis Zoll., Dioclea hexandra (Ralph)
Mabb. Morphological Description Dioclea reflexa is a
vigorous, evergreen climbing shrub or liana, typically 10–15 m long, with
woody, twining stems up to 5 cm thick. Key features include: · Stems: Woody, twining, glabrous or sparsely pubescent, with
lenticels; supports climbing on trees or shrubs · Leaves: Trifoliolate, leaflets broadly elliptic to obovate, 5–23 cm
long, 3–13 cm wide; acuminate apex, rounded base; dark green above, paler
beneath · Flowers: Violet or red, 2–3 cm long, in stout axillary or terminal
inflorescences up to 45 cm; blooming in rainy seasons · Fruit: Compressed, elliptic-oblong pod, 10–15 cm long, 3–5 cm wide;
contains 1–4 hard, biconvex seeds (tan, brown, or dusky); dispersed by gravity
or animals Regeneration occurs via
seeds or vegetative propagation, with high germination rates in moist soils
(Fern, 2024). Distribution and Habitat Dioclea reflexa is
native to tropical Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Sierra Leone) and South
America (Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia). It thrives in: · Habitats: Wet lowland forests, thickets, riverine fringes, and
secondary forests at 0–500 m elevation · Ecological Conditions: Tropical climates with 1,500–3,000 mm
annual rainfall, temperatures of 22–32°C, and well-drained, loamy soils (pH
5.0–7.0) · Range in Nigeria: Common in southern regions (Yoruba:
Agbala), used for medicine and crafts (Burkill, 1985) Its climbing habit and
seed dispersal by mammals enhance its adaptability to disturbed areas (Kew
Science, n.d.). Ethnopharmacology Dioclea reflexa is
widely used in African and South American traditional medicine, with
ethnopharmacological studies validating its applications: · Antioxidant: Leaf and root ethanol extracts scavenge DPPH radicals (IC₅₀
5–10 µg/mL), attributed to flavonoids (e.g., reflevone, mearnsetin) and
phenolic acids, supporting use for oxidative stress-related conditions (Oladele
et al., 2018). · Antimicrobial: Leaf methanolic extracts inhibit Staphylococcus aureus,
Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans (MIC 50–100 µg/mL), linked to flavonoids
and terpenoids, validating use for skin rashes, sores, and infections (Ogundare
& Olorunfemi, 2018). · Anticancer: Root ethanol extract shows cytotoxicity against prostate
cancer cells (IC₅₀ 5.18 µg/mL), due to flavonoids (e.g., 7,4’-dihydroxyflavone)
and phytosterols (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol), supporting use for tumors
(Oladimeji et al., 2015). · Vasorelaxant: Seed lectin (DrfL) induces 80–90% relaxation in rat aortic
rings at 10 µg/mL, linked to carbohydrate-binding domains, validating use for
coronary pain and hypertension (Pinto et al., 2017). · Anti-inflammatory: Leaf poultices reduce edema in rats by 30%
at 200 mg/kg, attributed to flavonoids and hederagenin, supporting use for
aches and pains (Burkill, 1985; Oladele et al., 2018). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Seeds contain antinutritional factors (e.g.,
trypsin inhibitors, lectins), which may cause gastrointestinal distress if
consumed raw. Cooking or soaking reduces these compounds by 80–90%. Acute
toxicity studies show no mortality in rats at 2,000 mg/kg, but chronic use
(1,000 mg/kg, 28 days) may cause mild liver enzyme elevation (ALT/AST by
10–15%). Essential oils from roots show cytotoxicity (LC₅₀ 1.04 µg/mL) in brine
shrimp tests, indicating caution for internal use. Pregnant women, children,
and individuals with liver conditions should avoid use without practitioner
guidance (Oladele et al., 2024). Additional Uses · Nutritional: Seeds contain 14% protein, 8% fats, and 58% carbohydrates;
endosperm gum is used as a thickener in traditional foods (e.g., soups in
Nigeria) and has potential as a rheology modifier in processed foods. · Insecticide: Aqueous seed extracts achieve 100% mortality in Aedes
aegypti larvae at 1 mg/mL, used traditionally in Nigeria to control mosquitoes
(Fern, 2024). · Cultural: Seeds are used as pendants, necklaces, and children’s
marbles (Agbala in Yoruba culture); symbolize strength in Hausa traditions
(Burkill, 1985). · Ecological: Stabilizes soils in wet forests and supports pollinators
(bees, butterflies), but can become invasive in disturbed areas (Kew Science,
n.d.). References
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| Compounds of Dioclea reflexa. |
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