Phaulopsis falcisepala
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Phaulopsis falcisepala Common Names: Phaulopsis, Sickle-sepal phaulopsis Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Angiosperms Class: Eudicots Order: Lamiales Family: Acanthaceae Genus: Phaulopsis Species: P. falcisepala Binomial Name: Phaulopsis falcisepala C.B.Clarke Synonyms: Phaulopsis ciliata (Willd.) Hepper, Phaulopsis barteri T.Anderson ex Hook.f. Morphological Description Phaulopsis falcisepala is a perennial herbaceous plant within the Acanthaceae
family, commonly found sprawling across the ground in tropical environments. It
is characterized by: · Stem: Prostrate to ascending, quadrangular, often rooting at
nodes, reaching lengths of 30–100 cm, with a slightly hairy texture · Leaves: Opposite, ovate to lanceolate (2–8 cm long, 1–4 cm wide),
with serrated margins and a glossy green surface, emitting a mild odor when
crushed · Flowers: Small, tubular, white to pale purple, arranged in dense
axillary or terminal spikes (2–5 cm long), with sickle-shaped sepals giving the
species its name · Fruit: Capsule, ovoid (4–6 mm long), dehiscing explosively to
disperse small, dark seeds The plant’s vibrant
flowers and lush foliage make it a notable groundcover in its native habitats
(Burkill, 1985). Distribution and Habitat Phaulopsis falcisepala is predominantly distributed across tropical West and
Central Africa, with records from Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, and the
Democratic Republic of Congo. It thrives in diverse ecological niches,
including: · Open Woodlands: Found in savanna regions with moderate
tree cover · Forest Edges: Common along the margins of tropical rainforests · Grasslands: Grows in moist grassy areas, often near streams or seasonal
wetlands It prefers well-drained,
loamy or sandy soils with a pH of 5.5–7.0, thriving in areas with annual
rainfall of 1,000–2,000 mm and temperatures between 20–35°C. The plant
tolerates partial shade but flourishes under full sunlight, often forming dense
mats that stabilize soil (Fongod et al., 2013). Ethnopharmacology Phaulopsis falcisepala is a medicinal plant traditionally used in various parts of
tropical Africa for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and
wound-healing properties. The leaves and roots are commonly used in decoctions
or poultices to treat skin infections, sores, wounds, and inflammatory
conditions. It is also employed in the management of fevers, respiratory
ailments, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and dysentery.
Phytochemical studies indicate the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins,
and tannins, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. While
traditional use supports a range of medicinal benefits, scientific studies on
Phaulopsis falcisepala remain limited, and further research is needed to fully
explore its pharmacological potential and ensure its safety in clinical use. · Antioxidant: In Nigeria, leaf infusions treat skin conditions and fever.
Methanol extracts exhibit DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 0.8 mg/mL),
linked to phenolic content (29.27 mg/g GAE), though less potent than ascorbic
acid (Adesegun et al., 2009). · Anti-inflammatory: Used in Ghana for rheumatism and swelling,
ethanolic whole-plant extracts reduced paw edema in rats by 35% at 200 mg/kg,
attributed to flavonoids and triterpenoids (Usman et al., 2020). · Wound Healing: In Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria, powdered leaves are applied to
cuts and sores. Traditional use aligns with its antimicrobial potential
against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 250 μg/mL) (Abiodun et al., 2018). · Anticancer: In Cameroon, decoctions treat tumors. Isolated lupeol and
stigmasterol from the plant reduced NSCLC cell viability by 40% in vitro at 50
μM, supporting ethnomedicinal claims (Oladipupo et al., 2022). · Antipyretic: Leaf teas in Senegal reduce fever, with anecdotal reports
suggesting efficacy, though lacking controlled studies. ⚠ Toxicity Profile: No acute toxicity (LD₅₀ > 2,000 mg/kg) was
observed in rats with leaf extracts, indicating relative safety at traditional
doses. However, prolonged use or high doses may cause unspecified side effects
due to limited toxicological data. Pregnant women should avoid use due to
unstudied abortifacient risks (Oladipupo et al., 2021). Phytochemistry The therapeutic
potential of Phaulopsis falcisepala is attributed to its diverse phytochemical constituents: · Triterpenoids: Lupeol (0.1–0.3% dry weight), linked to anticancer and
anti-inflammatory effects · Sterols: β-sitosterol and stigmasterol (0.05–0.15%), contributing to
antimicrobial activity · Phenolics: Feruloyltyramine and flavonoids (0.5–1%), responsible for
antioxidant properties · Alkaloids: Piperine and piperanine, detected via GNPS analysis,
potentially aiding wound healing Additional Uses · Ecological: Acts as a groundcover, preventing soil erosion in disturbed
areas · Cultural: Used in Nigerian rituals for its supposed protective
properties · Agricultural: Leaves occasionally used as fodder in rural communities References
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| Compounds of Phaulopsis falcisepala | |
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