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]
| 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.
| |
The roots of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta contain a major alkaloid called cryptolepine.
The roots are also used as a yellow dye.[2]
Description
editCryptolepis 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
editDistributed 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
editThe alkaloid cryptolepine has been isolated from root of the plant and so are two isomers of crytolepine, neocryptolepine and Isocryptolepine.[5]
Uses
editRoots 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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