Cryptolepis sanguinolenta
| Cryptolepis sanguinolenta | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Cryptolepis |
| Species: | C. sanguinolenta
|
| Binomial name | |
| Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schltr.
| |
Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. An extract from the root is traditionally used in West Africa for malaria.[1]
The roots of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta contain a major alkaloid called cryptolepine.
The roots are also used as a yellow dye.[2]
Description
[edit]Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is a woody climbing shrub with slender branches that can grow up to 8 cm long. It exudes a yellowish to orange latex that turns red upon exposure.[3] The leaves are opposite, simple and petiolate; the petiole can reach 15 mm long. Leaflets are ovate to elliptical in shape, up to 10 cm long and 6 cm wide, margin entire, and the apex is acuminate while base tends to be cuneate to rounded.[3] Flowers are arranged in axillary panicles and the corolla is tube-like and yellow.[3]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]Distributed in West and Central Africa from Senegal eastwards to the Central African Republic and southwards to Uganda and Angola.[4] Found in savannas and in montane, dry and gallery forests.
Chemistry
[edit]The alkaloid cryptolepine has been isolated from root of the plant and so are two isomers of crytolepine, neocryptolepine and Isocryptolepine.[5]
Uses
[edit]Roots of the plant are traded as a source of yellow dye for leather and textiles.[3]
In Benin, the latex is used as an antiseptic and in Ghana root extracts are used in treating respiratory infections and malaria.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ Ansah, C (2002). "The Popular Herbal Antimalarial, Extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, is Potently Cytotoxic". Toxicological Sciences. 70 (2): 245–251. doi:10.1093/toxsci/70.2.245. PMID 12441369.
- ^ Dalziel, J.M. (1926). "African Leather Dyes". Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information. 6. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: 230–231. JSTOR 4118651.
- ^ a b c d Jansen, P. C. M.; Cardon, D., eds. (2005). Dyes and tannins. Plant resources of tropical Africa. Wageningen: PROTA. pp. 66–67. ISBN 978-90-5782-160-8.
- ^ "Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schltr. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
- ^ a b Willcox, Merlin; Bodeker, Gerard; Rasanavo, Philippe, eds. (2004). Traditional medicinal plants and malaria. Traditional herbal medicines for modern times. Boca Raton: CRC Press. pp. 151–154. ISBN 978-0-415-30112-1. OCLC 54371703.
External links
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