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Scientific
Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Order: Santalales
- Family: Loranthaceae
- Genus: Loranthus
- Species: Loranthus micranthus
Linn.
Synonyms
- Tapinanthus bangwensis (Engl. & K.Krause) Danser
- Tapinanthus dodoneifolius (DC.) Danser
- Viscum micranthum (Linn.) Kuntze
Species
ID: NMP-204;wfo-0000367115 Common
Names
- Yoruba: Afomo, Awuruse
- Igbo: Uchu
- Hausa: Kauchi, Kauchin
kauye
Basic
Description Loranthus
micranthus is a
hemiparasitic plant commonly referred to as African mistletoe. Key
characteristics include:
- Growth Habit: Aerial parasite that attaches
to host trees via haustoria.
- Leaves: Evergreen, leathery, and
opposite in arrangement. Leaves are elliptical to ovate, measuring 2–8 cm
in length.
- Stems: Greenish to brown, often
branched, with a somewhat woody texture.
- Flowers:
- Appearance: Small, tubular, and grouped
in inflorescences.
- Color: Varies from yellowish-green
to red.
- Blooming
Season:
Generally blooms during the dry season.
- Fruits:
- Type: Berries that are fleshy and
spherical.
- Color: White to pale pink when ripe.
- Seed
Dispersal:
Primarily by birds that feed on the berries.
Distribution
and Habitat
- Geographical Range: Widely distributed across
tropical Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and parts of East
Africa.
- Habitat:
- Host
Trees:
Parasitizes a variety of host plants such as citrus, cocoa, kola, and
ornamental trees.
- Environment: Found in forests, savannas,
and agricultural lands where suitable host trees are present.
- Ecology:
- Parasitism: Extracts water and nutrients
from the host, potentially affecting the host's health.
- Adaptation: Capable of photosynthesis
due to its green leaves, supplementing its energy needs.
Medicinal
Properties Loranthus
micranthus has a
rich history in African traditional medicine:
- Antihypertensive Effects:
- Use: Treatment of high blood
pressure.
- Mechanism: May involve vasodilation and
diuretic effects.
- Antidiabetic Properties:
- Use: Management of diabetes
mellitus.
- Studies: Animal studies suggest it
may lower blood glucose levels.
- Anticancer Activity:
- Use: Employed in folklore
remedies for cancer treatment.
- Compounds: Contains lectins and
viscotoxins that may inhibit tumor growth.
- Immunomodulatory Effects:
- Use: Boosts the immune system.
- Evidence: Potential to enhance immune
cell activity.
- Antimicrobial Activity:
- Use: Treats infections caused by
bacteria and fungi.
- Applications: Topical treatments for skin
infections and wounds.
- Antioxidant Properties:
- Components: Rich in flavonoids and
phenolic compounds.
- Benefit: Protects against oxidative
stress and free radical damage.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects:
- Use: Alleviates symptoms of
inflammation and pain.
- Conditions: Used for arthritis,
rheumatism, and general body aches.
Known
Toxicity
- General Safety:
- Traditionally
considered safe when used appropriately.
- Potential Side Effects:
- Gastrointestinal
Issues:
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if consumed in large quantities.
- Allergic
Reactions:
Rare cases of hypersensitivity.
- Contraindications:
- Pregnancy
and Breastfeeding:
Use with caution due to insufficient safety data.
- Autoimmune
Diseases:
May stimulate immune activity, potentially exacerbating conditions like
lupus or multiple sclerosis.
- Interactions:
- Medications: Possible interactions with
antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs.
- Toxicological Studies:
- Suggest
that high doses can be toxic; thus, adherence to traditional dosing is
advised.
Additional
Information
- Cultural Significance:
- Used
in various rituals and considered a sacred plant in some cultures.
- Economic Importance:
- Harvested
for medicinal purposes and sold in local markets.
- Agricultural Impact:
- Negative
Effects:
Heavy infestation can lead to reduced crop yields and tree vitality.
- Management: Control measures include
pruning infected branches and monitoring spread.
- Research Opportunities:
- Pharmacological
Potential:
Ongoing studies to isolate and characterize bioactive compounds.
- Conservation
Efforts:
Sustainable harvesting practices are necessary to prevent
overexploitation.
References - Burkill, H. M. (1985). The Useful
Plants of West Tropical Africa (Vol. 1, pp. 343-345). Royal Botanic
Gardens, Kew.
- Iwu, M. M. (1993). Handbook of
African Medicinal Plants (pp. 183-185). CRC Press.
- Osadebe, P. O., & Ukwueze, S. E.
(2004). A comparative study of the phytochemical and antimicrobial properties
of the Eastern Nigerian species of African mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus)
sourced from different host trees. Journal of Biological Research and
Biotechnology, 2(1), 18-23.
- Obatomi, D. K., Bikomo, E. O., &
Temple, V. J. (1994). Anti-diabetic properties of the African mistletoe in
streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology,
43(1), 13-17.
- Olagunju, J. A., Adeneye, A. A.,
Fagboun, O. E., Bisuga, N. A., Ketiku, A. O., Benebo, A. S., ... & Adeleke,
A. G. (2006). Nephroprotective activities of the aqueous extract of Loranthus
micranthus Linn. in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Journal
of Ethnopharmacology, 105(2), 279-285.
- Ajali, U., & Chukwurah, B. K. C.
(2004). Antimicrobial activity of Loranthus micranthus sourced from five
different host trees. Journal of Biological Research and Biotechnology,
2(1), 61-65.
- Gill, L. S. (1992). Ethnomedicinal
Uses of Plants in Nigeria (pp. 58-60). University of Benin Press.
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