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Scientific
Classification:
- Kingdom:
Plantae
- Clade:
Angiosperms
- Order:
Gentianales
- Family:
Apocynaceae
- Genus:
Leptadenia
- Species:
L. hastata
Synonyms: Species ID:
NMP-289; Common Names: Basic Description: Leptadenia hastata
is an evergreen perennial climber that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. It
produces numerous soft stems that become woody at the base. The leaves are
simple, alternate, and taper towards the tip, with a pale undersurface. The
plant features greenish-yellow flowers and cone-shaped fruits that release
cottony winged seeds upon splitting open. Distribution and
Habitat: This species is native to tropical
Africa, with its range extending from Senegal to Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya.
It thrives in dry savannahs and semi-arid regions, often found scrambling over
the ground or climbing on other vegetation. Medicinal Properties: Leptadenia hastata
is esteemed for its extensive medicinal applications:
- Anti-inflammatory
Activity: The latex contains triterpenes such
as lupeol and its derivatives, which possess significant anti-inflammatory
properties.
- Diuretic
Effects: The plant is known to strongly
stimulate urine flow, making it useful in treating conditions like anuria.
- Treatment
of Venous Disorders: It is traditionally used to
address vein-related issues, including varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
- Antimicrobial
Properties: Extracts from the plant have
demonstrated antimicrobial activity, supporting its use in treating
infections.
- Antidiabetic
Potential: Studies have indicated that the
aqueous leaf extract of L. hastata has significant benefits in
lowering fasting blood glucose levels, along with antidiabetic and
hypoglycemic effects.
Known Toxicity: Acute toxicity studies have shown that
the median lethal dose (LD₅₀)
of L. hastata root extract is above 5000 mg/kg, indicating a high margin
of safety. However, it is advisable to use the plant under the guidance of
qualified healthcare professionals to avoid potential adverse effects. Additional
Information: Beyond its medicinal applications, Leptadenia
hastata serves as a valuable food source:
- Nutritional
Value: The leaves are consumed as a
vegetable and are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and essential minerals,
contributing to dietary nutrition.
- Famine
Food: Due to its resilience in harsh
conditions, the plant is often utilized as a food source during periods of
scarcity.
References:
- Abubakar,
S., et al. (2014). Nutritional and Pharmacological Potentials of
Leptadenia hastata (Pers.) Decne. Ethanolic Leaves Extract. Journal of
Food and Nutrition Research, 2(1), 51-55.
- Ojochegbe,
E. B., et al. (2024). Qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of
Leptadenia hastata. Frontiers in Chemistry, 12, 1397549.
- Namadina,
M. M., et al. (2019). Pharmacognostic and Toxicity Study of Leptadenia
hastata (Pers.) Decne (Asclepiadaceae) Root. FUDMA Journal of Sciences,
3(4), 1680.
External links - https://www.ajol.info/index.php/dujopas/article/view/244878
- https://www.gbif.org/species/3580243
- https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Leptadenia+hastata
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2024.1397549/full
- https://www.gbif.org/species/9150918
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