Leptadenia hastata

Leptadenia hastata

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Ojochegbe, E. B., et al. (2024). Qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of Leptadenia hastata. Frontiers in Chemistry, 12, 1397549.
  3. 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

  1. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/dujopas/article/view/244878
  2. https://www.gbif.org/species/3580243
  3. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Leptadenia+hastata
  4. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2024.1397549/full
  5. https://www.gbif.org/species/9150918

More Pictures


Compounds of Leptadenia hastata
References

Kabir, N., Umar, I. A., Dama, H. A., James, D. B., & Inuwa, H. M. (2021). Isolation and structural elucidation of novel antidiabetic compounds from Leaves of Momordica balsamina Linn and Leptadenia hastata (Pers) Decne. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: IJPR, 20(2), 390.