Hoslundia opposita
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Hoslundia opposita Common Names: Hoslundia, Orange Bird Berry Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Asterids Order: Lamiales Family: Lamiaceae Subfamily: Nepetoideae Tribe: Ocimeae Genus: Hoslundia Species: H. opposita Authority: Vahl Synonyms: Haaslundia Schumach. & Thonn., Micranthes Bertol. (1858), Hoslundia verticillata Vahl, Hoslundia oppositifolia P.Beauv., Hoslundia decumbens Benth., Orthosiphon
physocalycinus A.Rich., Micranthes menthoides Bertol., Premna longipes Baker, Clerodendrum micranthum Gilli Morphological Description Hoslundia opposita is a perennial shrub or small tree in the Lamiaceae family,
growing 1–5 m tall: · Stem: Square, woody at base, green and herbaceous above, often
pubescent (Fern, 2024). · Leaves: Opposite, simple, ovate to lanceolate, 5–12 cm long, 2–5 cm
wide, serrated margins, aromatic (Burkill, 1995). · Flowers: Small, tubular, red to orange-red, 1–2 cm long, in dense
terminal or axillary panicles; 5-lobed calyx (Ngadjui et al., 1999). · Fruits: Small, round, berry-like drupes, 3–5 mm diameter, orange
when ripe, containing 1–2 seeds (Fern, 2024). Distribution and Habitat Hoslundia opposita is widely distributed across tropical Africa and cultivated
elsewhere: · Range: Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa;
introduced to India, Caribbean (Burkill, 1995; Jones, 1991). · Habitat: Open woodlands, forest edges, grasslands, roadsides; thrives
in sandy or loamy soils, 0–1,500 m altitude (Fern, 2024). Ethnopharmacology Hoslundia opposita, commonly known as orange bird berry or boundary tree, is a
widely used medicinal plant in traditional African medicine, valued for its
broad spectrum of therapeutic properties. It exhibits antimicrobial,
anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, analgesic, antioxidant, and anticonvulsant
effects. Various parts of the plant—especially the leaves and stems—are used to
treat ailments such as malaria, fevers, wounds, toothaches, diarrhea,
respiratory infections, and epilepsy. It is also used in managing mental health
conditions and pain-related disorders. Phytochemical studies have identified
active compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolics, which
contribute to its pharmacological effects. Scientific research supports many of
its traditional uses, particularly its antimicrobial and neuroprotective
potential, though more clinical studies are needed to fully validate its
efficacy and safety. · Antimicrobial: Leaf infusions in Ghana for wounds; essential oil
inhibited Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 0.5 mg/mL) (Gundidza et al., 1992). · Antimalarial: Root bark in Tanzania for malaria; abietane-type esters.
3-O-benzoylhosloppone, 3-O-cinnamoylhosloppone, 3-O-benzoylhinokiol and
3-O-benzoylhosloquinone were isolated from the root bark of the antimalarial
plant Hoslundia opposita Vahl 3-O-Benzoylhosloppone inhibits the growth of the
multidrug resistant strain K1 of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro with an IC50-value
of 0.4 μg ml−1 (Achenbach et al., 1992). · Anti-inflammatory: Stem decoctions in Nigeria for fevers;
leaf extract (200 mg/kg) reduced rat paw edema by 35% (Akah & Odo, 2010). · Respiratory Relief: Leaves in Togo for coughs; ethanol extract
exhibited antitussive effects in guinea pigs (Agyare et al., 2009). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: No significant toxicity reported at therapeutic
doses; high doses (>1,000 mg/kg) of leaf extract caused mild liver enzyme
elevation in rats (Akah & Odo, 2010). Additional Uses · Dye: Leaves yield a blue dye used in West African textiles
(Burkill, 1995). · Ornamental: Planted for its vibrant flowers in tropical gardens (Fern,
2024). · Culinary: Aromatic leaves used as a spice in Nigerian soups (Ojo &
Anibijuwon, 2011). References
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