Anisopus mannii
Anisopus mannii | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Gentianales |
Family: | Apocynaceae |
Genus: | Anisopus |
Species: | A. mannii
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Binomial name | |
Anisopus mannii | |
Synonyms | |
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Anisopus mannii is a
Etymology
The species' anti-
Description
Anisopus mannii possesses slightly green flowers in
Features are largely conserved among the species of the genus Anisopus (including A. mannii). Characteristics such as a deep green leaf color, with a yellow tinge (linked with aluminum accumulation) have been observed, in addition to maroon flowers with a greenish tinge. Differences in Anisopus flower color is one of the few indicators of distinction between the cream/white shaded flowers seen in some less related Marsdenia species.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to Africa, especially prominent in the central and western tropical regions. A. mannii spans the modern day countries of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, Gabon, the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, and Senegal.[4] Species in the genus Anisopus are generally found in closed rain forest environments.[3]
Chemical composition
Proton NMR, carbon NMR, and IR spectroscopic techniques have unveiled a series of bioactive compounds found in Anisopus mannii. A novel chemical structure, "anisopusine"— a 1,7-naphthyridine alkaloid — was extracted from the dichloromethane soluble extract of the plant's bark. Along with the novel molecule, [6]-gingerdione, [6]-dehydrogingerdione, 5α-hydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-3β-yl eicosanoate, and ferulic acid were isolated from the acetone extract of the species' bark.[5]
Traditional uses
In traditional medicine in Nigeria, various parts of the plant have been used to treat elevated blood sugar levels, piles (hemorrhoids), diarrhea, infectious diseases, warding off sexual impotence, treating wounds, and to promote lactation.[6][7]
In the southwest province of Cameroon, A. mannii, was utilized as a traditional fish poisoning agent. This fishing method is also employed using a variety of other bioactive plant species.[8]