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Scientific
Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Tithonia
- Species: T. rotundifolia
Synonyms Tagetes
rotundifolia Mill. Tithonia
aristata Oersted Tithonia
speciosa (Hook.) Hook. ex Griseb. Tithonia
uniflora Desf. ex J.F.Gmel. Urbanisol
aristatus (Oerst.) Kuntze Urbanisol
heterophyllus (Griseb.) Kuntze Urbanisol
tagetiflora Kuntze Verbesina
szyszylowiczii (Kuntze) Hieron Species ID: NMP-254;wfo-0000032100;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 105388 Common
Names: Mexican sunflower Local
Names: Brazilgirassol mexicanomargarida-mexicana, Haitibelle Venus, Mexicoacahualacaute de flortzumzuum, Puerto Ricoescopeta Description Tithonia
rotundifolia
is characterized by:
- Growth Form: A fast-growing annual that
typically reaches 0.8 to 1.5 meters in height in cultivation, though it
can grow up to 4 meters in its native habitat.
- Leaves: Deltoid to lanceolate,
occasionally lobed, up to 38 cm long and 30 cm wide, with a grayish upper
surface and hairy underside.
- Flowers: Bright orange to red,
daisy-like blooms measuring 5 to 8 cm in diameter, appearing from
mid-summer to fall.
- Fruit: Brown achenes less than 1 cm
long, with two unequal deciduous wings.
Distribution
and Habitat Tithonia
rotundifolia
is native to:
- Regions: Nigeria, Mexico and Central
America.
It
thrives in:
- Habitats: Fields, woody areas, and
ruderal sites at altitudes below 1,000 meters.
The
species has been introduced to various tropical and subtropical regions
worldwide, including parts of Africa, where it is cultivated as an ornamental
plant. Medicinal
Properties Mexican sunflowers are medicinal. Various studies
have been carried out into the medicinal properties of this plant, and a
methanol extract of the dried leaves reduced pain levels and inhibited oedema
and granuloma, confirming the plants traditional use in the treatment of
painful inflammatory conditions. Tithonia rotundifolia, commonly known as the Mexican sunflower, is a flowering
plant from the Asteraceae family. While it is often cultivated for its
ornamental value, the plant is also known for its traditional and potential
medicinal properties. Various parts of the plant, including leaves, flowers,
and roots, are utilized in folk medicine for their therapeutic benefits.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects:
- Extracts from the plant are
traditionally used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and
swelling.
- Compounds like flavonoids and
saponins present in the plant contribute to its anti-inflammatory
activity.
- Antimicrobial Activity:
- The plant has been reported to
possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it useful in
treating skin infections and wounds.
- Phytochemicals such as
alkaloids and tannins in Tithonia rotundifolia are responsible for its
antimicrobial effects.
- Antioxidant Potential:
- Rich in phenolic compounds and
flavonoids, the plant exhibits significant antioxidant activity, which
can help protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of
chronic diseases.
- Antimalarial Properties:
- Traditional healers in some
regions use the plant for its potential antimalarial effects, often
through decoctions of leaves or flowers.
- Research indicates the
presence of bioactive compounds that may contribute to its efficacy
against malaria parasites.
- Analgesic (Pain-Relieving)
Properties:
- Extracts from the leaves or
flowers have been used in traditional medicine to alleviate pain.
- This is linked to the plant's
anti-inflammatory and bioactive phytochemicals.
- Wound Healing:
- Tithonia rotundifolia is used
for its wound-healing properties. The plant's antimicrobial and
anti-inflammatory effects help accelerate wound closure and prevent
infections.
- Hepatoprotective Effects:
- Some studies suggest that the
plant may have protective effects on the liver, potentially reducing
damage caused by toxins or oxidative stress.
- Antidiabetic Properties:
- Traditional uses of the plant
include managing blood sugar levels, with some studies indicating that
its extracts may help regulate glucose metabolism.
- Antipyretic (Fever-Reducing)
Effects:
- The plant is used in some
traditional medicines to reduce fever, often in the form of decoctions.
- Anthelmintic Activity:
- Tithonia rotundifolia is used
to expel intestinal worms and parasites, attributed to its bioactive
compounds.
- Immune System Support:
- Its rich antioxidant profile
and bioactive compounds can enhance immune response and protect against
infections.
Known
Toxicity There
are no widely reported toxic effects associated with T. rotundifolia.
However, as with all plants used for medicinal purposes, it is advisable to
consult knowledgeable practitioners before use. Additional
Information
- Ornamental Use: Due to its striking flowers, T.
rotundifolia is popular in gardens and landscapes, often used in
borders and as a background plant.
- Ecological Impact: The plant is known to attract
pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it beneficial for
pollinator gardens.
References - Wikipedia
contributors. (2023, November 2). Tithonia rotundifolia. In Wikipedia,
The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tithonia_rotundifolia
- Plants
of the World Online. (n.d.). Tithonia rotundifolia (Mill.) S.F.Blake.
Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:254724-2
- Oyewole,
I. O., Magaji, Z. J., & Awoyinka, O. A. (2007). Biochemical and
toxicological studies of aqueous extract of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) leaves
in wister albino rats. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 1(2), 30-33.
- NParks
Flora & Fauna Web. (n.d.). Tithonia rotundifolia. Retrieved from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/3/7/3748
External
links - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tithonia_rotundifolia
- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/mexican-sunflower-tithonia-rotundifolia/
- https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/3/7/3748
- https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/cabicompendium.120140
- https://www.zambiaflora.com/speciesdata/species.php?species_id=160470
- https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/169780-Tithonia-rotundifolia
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tithonia-rotundifolia/
- https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:254724-2
- https://greenpacks.org/mexican-sunflower/
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