Pleiocarpa mutica is a plant in the family Apocynaceae.

Pleiocarpa mutica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Pleiocarpa
Species:
P. mutica
Binomial name
Pleiocarpa mutica
Synonyms[2]
  • Hunteria pleiocarpa Hallier f.
  • Pleiocarpa bakueana A.Chev.
  • Pleiocarpa salicifolia Stapf
  • Pleiocarpa ternata A.Chev.
  • Pleiocarpa tricarpellata Stapf

Description

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Botanical illustration, 1910

Pleiocarpa mutica grows as a shrub or small tree up to 7.5 metres (25 ft) tall, with a stem diameter of up to 5 cm (2 in). Its fragrant flowers feature a white corolla. The fruit is yellow to bright orange with paired follicles, each up to 2 cm (1 in) long. Local medicinal uses include as a treatment for stomach-ache, kidney diseases, malaria, jaundice and as a laxative.[3]

Distribution and habitat

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Pleiocarpa mutica is native to an area of tropical Africa from Sierra Leone east to the Central African Republic.[2] The species is found in a variety of habitats from sea-level to 600 metres (2,000 ft) altitude.[3]

Phytochemistry

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The alkaloid kopsinine, which has in vitro anticholinergic activity, has been isolated from Pleiocarpa mutica.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).; IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group (2018). "Pleiocarpa mutica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T136110351A136110353. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T136110351A136110353.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Pleiocarpa mutica". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  3. ^ a b Medicinal Plants. PROTA. 2008. pp. 468–469. ISBN 978-9-05782-204-9.
  4. ^ Naaz, H.; Singh, S.; Pandey, V. P.; Singh, P.; Dwivedi, U. N. (2013). "Anti-cholinergic alkaloids as potential therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease: an in silico approach". Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics. 50 (2): 120–125. PMID 23720886.