Indigofera hirsuta L.

Indigofera hirsuta L.

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Phylum: Tracheophyta
  • Class: Magnoliopsida
  • Order: Gentianales
  • Family: Apocynaceae
  • Genus: Brachystelma
  • Species: Brachystelma togoense

Synonyms:

Anila hirsuta (L.) Kuntze

Indigofera ferruginea Schum. & Thonn.

Indigofera fusca G.Don

Indigofera hirta Bojer

Indigofera indica Mill.

Species ID: NMP-216;wfo-0000570645

Common Names: Hairy indigo, roughhairy indigo

Local Names:

Description

Brachystelma togoense is a geophytic herb characterized by a tuberous root system. The plant exhibits small, inconspicuous flowers, typical of the Brachystelma genus, which are often short-lived and may emit a slight odor to attract pollinators.

Distribution and Habitat

This species is distributed across West Africa, including countries such as Nigeria, Togo, and Ghana. It typically inhabits grasslands and open woodlands, thriving in well-drained soils

Medicinal Properties

Brachystelma togoense holds significance in traditional medicine. Studies have isolated compounds such as phaeophytin a, α-amyrin, and lupeol from the plant, which exhibit antimicrobial activities against various pathogens

Known Toxicity

There is limited information regarding the toxicity of Brachystelma togoense. While it is utilized in traditional medicine, caution is advised, and further research is necessary to fully understand its safety profile.

Additional Information

The genus Brachystelma comprises numerous species, many of which are utilized in traditional medicine across Africa and Asia. However, empirical data on their nutritional and phytochemical profiles, as well as their biological activities, remain limited. Conservation efforts and sustainable harvesting practices are essential to preserve these species, given their ecological and medicinal importance.

References

  • Kew Science. (n.d.). Brachystelma togoense. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:95140-1
  • Aremu, A. O., & Hlophe, N. (2022). Ethnobotanical Uses, Nutritional Composition, Phytochemicals, Biological Activities, and Propagation of the Genus Brachystelma (Apocynaceae). Horticulturae, 8(2), 122. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8020122
  • Ekalu, A., Ayo, R. G., Habila, J., & Hamisu, I. (2019). Bioactivity of Phaeophytin a, α-Amyrin and Lupeol from Brachystelma togoense Schltr. Journal of the Turkish Chemical Society Section A: Chemistry, 6(3), 411–418. https://doi.org/10.18596/jotcsa.571770

External links
Compounds of Indigofera hirsuta L.
References

Abbas, L. S., Musa, A. M., Abdullahi, M. I., Magaji, M. G., Sule, M. I. and Bawa, B. (2013) “Flavonol Glycosides from the Aerial Parts of Indigofera hirsuta and Anti-inflammatory Activity of n-butanol Fraction”, Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 3(4), pp. 897–905. doi: 10.9734/BJPR/2013/3609