Gouania longipetala
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Gouania longipetala Common Names: Long-Petaled Rattlepod, Chew Stick Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Rosales Family: Rhamnaceae Genus: Gouania Species: G. longipetala Synonyms: None
widely recognized; often confused with other Gouania spp. like Gouania leptostachya. Morphological Description Gouania longipetala is a vigorous, woody liana or climbing shrub that can extend
up to 10–15 meters in length, using tendrils to ascend supporting vegetation.
Its key morphological features include: · Stems: Slender, flexible, woody with age, dark brown to grayish,
often with a rough texture and coiled tendrils at nodes. · Leaves: Alternate, ovate to lanceolate, 5–12 cm long, 2–5 cm wide,
with serrated margins, glossy dark green above, paler beneath. · Flowers: Small (3–5 mm), greenish-white, arranged in axillary or
terminal racemes; petals five, elongated, giving the species its name. · Fruit: Spherical drupe, 6–10 mm in diameter, green when immature,
turning reddish-purple to black when ripe, containing 2–3 seeds. Distribution and Habitat Gouania longipetala is native to tropical Central and South America, with a
range extending across: · Central America: Costa Rica, Panama (annual rainfall
1,500–3,000 mm). · South America: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil (altitude 0–1,000
m). · Africa (Introduced): Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, where it has
naturalized. It thrives in humid
lowland rainforests, secondary forests, and forest edges, preferring
well-drained, loamy soils (pH 5.5–7.0) and partial shade. Its adaptability has
led to cultivation in West Africa for medicinal and utilitarian purposes
(Gossan et al., 2015). Ethnopharmacology Gouania longipetala, a climbing plant commonly found in parts of West and Central
Africa, is traditionally used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory,
analgesic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Various parts of the
plant—particularly the leaves and roots—are used to treat ailments such as
fevers, rheumatism, toothaches, malaria, and gastrointestinal disorders like
diarrhea and dysentery. It is also employed in managing wounds, ulcers, and
skin infections due to its antimicrobial effects. Phytochemical analysis has
revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins, which
are believed to contribute to its therapeutic actions. Though widely used in
traditional practices, more scientific research and clinical studies are needed
to validate its efficacy and safety for broader medical application. · Anti-inflammatory: Stem bark decoctions treat swelling and
pain in Ghana. Ezeja et al. (2014) found methanolic extracts (200 mg/kg)
reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats by 40%, linked to flavonoids and
triterpenoids. · Antimicrobial: Leaves and stems combat infections in Nigeria. Ekuadzi et
al. (2012) reported stem bark extracts inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (MIC 32–128 μg/ml), supporting wound
treatment. · Antimalarial: Used in Cameroon for fever and malaria. Gossan et al. (2017)
noted moderate cytotoxicity of triterpenoid saponins against Plasmodium falciparum, though less potent than standard drugs. · Gastrointestinal: Bark macerations alleviate stomachaches
and diarrhea in Peru and Ghana. Ekuadzi et al. (2014) confirmed antidiabetic
and antilipidemic effects, reducing glucose by 30% in rats (100 mg/kg). · Gynecological: Stem infusions manage postpartum hemorrhage in West Africa.
Paul Désiré et al. (2015) demonstrated estrogenic effects in ovariectomized
rats, improving vaginal lubrication. Phytochemicals like
triterpenoid saponins (gouaniasides I–VI), flavonoids, and phenolic compounds
drive these effects (Gossan et al., 2015). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: High doses of methanol leaf extracts (>400
mg/kg) in rats caused elevated liver and kidney enzymes (ALT up 20%, creatinine
up 15%) after 90 days, suggesting potential hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity
with chronic use. Acute toxicity is low (LD₅₀ >4,000 mg/kg), but caution is
advised (Ezeja et al., 2015). Additional Uses · Ornamental: Its climbing habit and lush foliage make it a candidate for landscaping
in tropical gardens. · Utilitarian: Stems are chewed as a traditional toothbrush in West Africa,
earning the name "chew stick" (Green Institute, 2023). · Ecological: Supports biodiversity by providing habitat for small fauna
in forest ecosystems (Burkill, 1985). References
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| Compounds of Gouania longipetala | |
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