Globimetula oreophila
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Globimetula oreophila Common Names: Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Tracheophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Santalales Family: Loranthaceae Genus: Globimetula Species: Globimetula oreophila Synonyms: Loranthus oreophilus Oliv. ex Hook.f., Loranthus ciliolatus Engl.
& K.Krause, Loranthus oreophilus var. obtusatus Engl. & K.Krause,
Loranthus rigidissimus Engl. & K.Krause, Tapinanthus oreophilus (Oliv. ex
Hook.f.) Danser, Tapinanthus ciliolatus (Engl. & K.Krause) Danser. Morphological Description Globimetula oreophila is
a hemiparasitic, evergreen mistletoe, typically growing as an epiphyte on
dicotyledonous host trees. It forms dense clumps up to 1–2 meters in diameter,
attaching to hosts via haustoria, specialized structures that penetrate host
tissues to extract water and nutrients. Key features include: · Stems: Glabrous, green to greyish, branching
dichotomously; young stems flexible, becoming woody with age (Polhill &
Wiens, 1998). · Leaves: Opposite, simple, ovate to elliptic, 3–8 cm
long, 2–5 cm wide; coriaceous, glossy green, with entire margins; petioles 2–5
mm long (Dauda et al., 2023a). · Flowers: Bright red to orange, tubular, 2–3 cm long, in
axillary or terminal umbels of 3–7 flowers; corolla 5-lobed, slightly curved;
flowering from November to March in Nigeria (Burkill, 1985). · Fruit: Berry, ovoid, 5–8 mm long, red to orange when
ripe, containing a single seed; seed dispersal by birds, aiding parasitic
spread (Polhill & Wiens, 1998). · Haustoria: Robust, penetrating host bark, forming a
nutrient-absorbing interface (Dauda et al., 2016). Its vibrant flowers
attract pollinators like sunbirds and bees, while its berries support avian
seed dispersal, reinforcing its ecological role in forest ecosystems (Burkill,
1985). Distribution and Habitat Globimetula oreophila is
native to tropical Africa, recorded in Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Central
African Republic, and Democratic Republic of Congo. It thrives in: · Wet
Tropical Biomes: Prefers humid forests
and montane regions with annual rainfall of 1,200–2,500 mm and temperatures of
20–30°C, at altitudes of 800–2,200 meters (Polhill & Wiens, 1998). · Host
Trees: Parasitized hosts
include *Azadirachta indica*, *Mangifera indica*, and *Cola acuminata*, common
in evergreen and semi-deciduous forests (Dauda et al., 2023b). · Ecological
Niches: Found in primary and
secondary forests, often on rocky hillsides or along riverine forests,
tolerating partial shade. Its hemiparasitic nature
allows it to exploit a wide range of hosts, contributing to its broad
distribution, though it may stress host trees in high densities (Burkill,
1985). Ethnopharmacology Globimetula oreophila is
extensively used in traditional African medicine, particularly in Nigeria and
Cameroon, for a variety of ailments. Ethnopharmacological studies validate
several uses, highlighting its rich phytochemical profile, including
flavonoids, triterpenes, and alkaloids. Key medicinal uses include: · Antimalarial: Leaf decoctions are used in Nigeria to treat
malaria, supported by in vivo studies showing 70–80% suppression of *Plasmodium
berghei* parasitemia at 400 mg/kg, attributed to quercetin and quercetrin
(Dauda et al., 2016). · Analgesic
and Anti-inflammatory:
In Nigeria, leaf extracts are used for pain and inflammation, validated by
reduced acetic acid-induced writhing (60% inhibition at 200 mg/kg) and
carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, linked to flavonoids and triterpenes
(Faboro et al., 2022). · Gastrointestinal
Disorders: Decoctions of leaves
and stems treat diarrhea and stomachache in Nigeria and Cameroon, with
antimicrobial activity against *Escherichia coli* and Salmonella typhi due to
alkaloids and glycosides (Dauda et al., 2023a). · Fever
and Headache: Leaf infusions are used
in Nigeria to alleviate fever and headaches. · Antimicrobial: Leaf extracts are applied to wounds in Nigeria,
showing activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, attributed
to flavonoids and trace metals like zinc and copper (Dauda et al., 2023b). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Limited data exist on the toxicity of
Globimetula oreophila, but preliminary studies suggest moderate safety with
precautions. Key toxicity details include: Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 of
methanolic leaf extract in mice exceeds 5,000 mg/kg, indicating low acute
toxicity; however, high doses may cause mild gastrointestinal distress (Faboro
et al., 2022). Cytotoxicity: Flavonoids like quercetin show weak cytotoxicity
against HeLa cells (IC50 > 50 µM), suggesting low risk at therapeutic doses
but potential harm with prolonged use (Dauda et al., 2023a). Additional Uses · Ethnoveterinary: Leaf decoctions are used in Nigeria to treat
parasitic infections in livestock, leveraging antimicrobial and antiparasitic
properties (Dauda et al., 2023b). · Cultural: In Yoruba communities, the plant is used in
rituals for protection against spiritual ailments, reflecting its
ethnobotanical significance (Burkill, 1985). · Ecological: As a hemiparasite, it contributes to forest
biodiversity by providing food for birds and pollinators, though it may reduce
host tree vigor (Polhill & Wiens, 1998). References
External Links More Pictures |
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| Compounds of Globimetula oreophila | |
| References | Murtala
Muhammad, Etal. (2023). Phytochemical
analysis of Nigerian medicinal plants. NMPP-DB Project, Department of Biochemistry,
Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil |