Smilax kraussiana
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Smilax anceps Common Names: West African sarsaparilla, Two-edged
Greenbrier, Two-edged Sarsaparilla Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Monocots Order: Liliales Family: Smilacaceae Genus: Smilax Species: S. anceps Binomial Name: Smilax anceps Willd. Synonyms: Smilax herbacea Thunb., Smilax semiamplexicaulis Bojer, Smilax kraussiana Meisn., Smilax morsaniana Kunth, Smilax mossambicensis Garcke, Smilax goudotiana DC., Smilax telfaireana DC., Smilax cynodon Cordem. Morphological Description Smilax anceps,
commonly referred to as Two-edged Greenbrier or West African sarsaparilla, is a
robust, scrambling vine or shrub capable of reaching lengths of up to 5 meters.
Its tough, fibrous stems are characterized by numerous hooked prickles, which
serve as a natural defense mechanism, and pairs of coiled tendrils at the leaf
petiole bases that aid in climbing. The leaves are simple, alternate, and
exhibit a range of shapes from ovate to elliptic to nearly circular, measuring
4–14 cm in length and 3–10 cm in width, with a leathery texture that enhances
durability in harsh environments. Petioles are 0.5–2.5 cm long, thickened, and
channeled above, providing structural support. The inflorescences are axillary,
many-flowered globose umbels with peduncles approximately 3 cm long, bearing
unisexual flowers. These flowers have perianth segments that vary from
greenish-white to yellowish or brownish, each 3–5 mm long. The fruit is a
globose berry, 8–10 mm in diameter, transitioning from red to purplish-black
upon ripening, with a juicy pulp that offers a slightly sweet yet acidulous
taste, containing 1–3 seeds (Hyde et al., 2024). Distribution and Habitat Smilax anceps boasts
a wide distribution across Tropical and Southern Africa, as well as the western
Indian Ocean islands, including Réunion, Mauritius, Comoros, and Madagascar. It
thrives in diverse ecological niches, predominantly in moist woodlands,
thickets, and the transitional ecotones between forests and grasslands. This
species is highly adaptable, occurring at altitudes ranging from sea level up
to 2,400 meters. It prefers well-drained, loamy or sandy soils with moderate
moisture and can tolerate partial shade to full sun exposure, making it a
resilient component of its native ecosystems (Darbyshire et al., 2015). Ethnopharmacology The traditional use
of Smilax anceps in
African and Indian Ocean island communities highlights its significance in
ethnomedicine, particularly for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and
antimicrobial properties. Below are key ethnopharmacological applications
supported by available studies: · Anti-inflammatory Effects: In West African traditional medicine,
decoctions of the roots and leaves are used to alleviate inflammatory
conditions such as rheumatism and joint pain. A study on related Smilax species, like Smilax china, demonstrated that aqueous extracts
significantly reduced inflammation in animal models, with a 35% reduction in
paw edema induced by carrageenan, attributed to flavonoids and phenolic
compounds (Shu et al., 2006). Similar compounds are likely present in S. anceps, supporting its traditional use. · Antioxidant Activity: Herbal teas made from the roots and aerial
parts are consumed in Mauritius and Madagascar for their purported antioxidant
benefits, believed to combat oxidative stress-related ailments. Research
on Smilax glabra identified
phenolic-enriched extracts with strong DPPH radical scavenging capacity (IC₅₀
12.5 μg/mL), suggesting that S. anceps may share comparable phytochemical profiles (Lu et al.,
2014). · Antimicrobial Properties: In Southern Africa, leaf infusions are
applied to treat skin infections and wounds. While specific studies on S. anceps are limited, the genus Smilax is known for antibacterial activity
against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, with ethanol extracts showing a minimum inhibitory concentration
(MIC) of 250 μg/mL in related species (Morais et al., 2014). · General Health Tonic: Across its range, S. anceps is used as a tonic to boost vitality and
treat fatigue, often prepared as a decoction or infusion, aligning with the
broader ethnobotanical use of Smilax species as blood purifiers and detoxifiers (Van Wyk, 2011). These traditional uses
are yet to be fully validated for S. anceps through comprehensive pharmacological studies, but parallels
with other Smilax species suggest a
rich potential for bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and
tannins. ⚠ Toxicity Profile: No well-documented toxicity is associated
with Smilax anceps in
ethnobotanical or scientific literature. However, its hooked prickles pose a
physical hazard, potentially causing skin irritation or injury during handling.
Caution is advised when harvesting or processing the plant. Additionally,
excessive consumption of Smilax species has been linked to mild gastrointestinal discomfort
in rare cases, though specific data for S. anceps is lacking (Van Wyk & Gericke, 2000). Additional Uses · Ornamental Cultivation: Smilax anceps is valued in horticulture for its vigorous growth and
attractive foliage, making it suitable for trellises or as a natural screen in
gardens. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils with pH 5.5–7.0 and partial
shade (Hyde et al., 2024). · Ecological Role: The plant provides habitat and food for
local wildlife, with its berries consumed by birds and small mammals, aiding
seed dispersal across its range (Darbyshire et al., 2015). · Craft and Construction: In some regions, the tough, flexible stems
are used for weaving baskets or as binding material, showcasing its utility
beyond medicinal applications (Van Wyk, 2011). References
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| Compounds of Smilax kraussiana | |
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