 Gen info
- Woodfordia is a genus of flowering plant in the family Lythraceae.
Botany
• Fire Flame Bush is a spreading, deciduous shrub, small in size but very conspicuous on dry, rocky hillsides. It is up to 3 m tall with spreading stems. Leaves nearly stalkless, 4-11 x 2-4 cm, ovate-lanceshaped or lance-shaped, subleathery, whitish velvety woolly and finely orangish- or black-dotted beneath. Flowers are crimson, slightly zygomorphic, in 2-16-flowered in leaf-axils cymes; flower-stalks to 1 cm long. Calyx tube 1-1.5 cm long, tubular; sepals 6, short, more or less triangular, alternating with small callous appendages. Petals are 6, red, 3-4 mm long, lanceshaped-tapering. Stamens are 12, inserted near the bottom of the calyx tube, 0.5-1.5 cm long, prominently protruding out. Ovary is 4-6 mm long, oblong, 2-celled; ovules many; style 0.7-1.5 cm long. Capsules are 0.6-1 x 0.25-0.4 cm, ellipsoid, included in the calyx. Seeds numerous, trigonous-ovoid. (2)
Distribution
- Native to the Philippines. (1)
- Also native to Assam, Bangladesh, China South-Central, China Southeast, Comoros, East Himalaya, India, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Madagascar, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam, West Himalaya. (1)
 Constituents
- Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of leaves showed presence of alkaloids, phenols, tannins, and flavonoids. (8)
- Phytochemicals isolated from the plant include tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinone, glycosides, and polyphenols. (9)
- Study of Woodfordia fruticosa essential oil of leaves yielded main components of sesquiterpenes (ß-caryophyllene, γ-curcumene, germacrene-D, ß-selinene, elemol) and monoterpenoids (α-pinene, 2,6-dimethyl 1,3,5,7 octatetraene). (see study below) (13)
- Ethanolic extract of flowers yielded phenolic (65.62 mg/g), flavonoid (62.82 mg/g), and ascorbic acid (52.46 mg/g) in high amounts; and ß-carotene (62.92 µg/mg) and lycopene (60.42 µg/mg) in lower amounts.
(see study below) (15)
- Phytochemical evaluation of 70% ethanol extract from Wf flowers identified anti-SmltD active flavonoids: kaempferol 3-O-(6′′-galloyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), astragalin (2), and juglalin (3). (see study below) (28)
- Preliminary screening of flowers revealed the presence of carbohydrates, tannins and glycosides in major quantities, phenols in moderate quantities, and anthraquinones and flavonoids in minor quantities. (32)
Properties
- Studies have suggest antioxidant, antidepressant. antidiabetic, wound healing, antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, probiotic, neutraceutical, α-glucosidase inhibitory, tyrosinase inhibitory, abortifacient, antifertility, hepatoprotective, antipsoriatic, gastroprotective, anti-ulcer, immunostimulatory, antihyperlipidemic, anticonvulsant, anticancer, SmltD inhibitory, antifungal properties.
Parts used
Leaves, flowers, bark.
 Uses
Edibility
- Flowers are reportedly edible.
Folkloric
- No reported folkloric medicinal use in the Philippines.
- Used for treatment of colds, toothache, dysentery, wounds, rheumatic pains, fever, urinary tract infections, inflammation, for menstrual problems and as antifertility. (10)
- In India, a much used medicinal plant in the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicines. Flowers are used in preparation of Ayurvedic fermented drugs called 'Aristhas' and 'Asavas'.
- In India and Nepal, leaves used for treatment of ulcers, rheumatism, fever, hemoptysis, and as disinfectant. (8) Decoction of Dhawi leaves in combination with sugar and dried ginger used for treatment of fever. (13)
- In India, traditionally used by tribals of Chhattisgarh for wound healing. (11)
- Fresh flowers used to stop bleeding in emergency cuts; dried flowers used to heal wounds. Dried powdered flowers used for otorrhoea. Flower based preparations also used by women for leucorrhea and dysmenorrhea. (13)
 - Used as astringent to treat dysentery and sprue, bowel complaints, dysuria, and hematuria.
- In the Malay peninsula, plant powder is spread on mother's abdomne, and a drink given at time of childbirth. In Indonesia, charred and pulverized fruit-bearing twigs made into astringent powder and sprinkled on wounds and on the navel cord of newborn babies. Flower, leaves, and fruits used as astringent to treat dysentery and sprue, rheumatism, dysuria and hematuria, as diuretic against rheumatism (Perry, 1980). (21)
- In Sri Lanka, teaspoon of paste prepared from dried ground flowers with bee honey give three times daily for stomach pains. (35)
Others
- Tanning: The 27% tannin in the bark used for tanning of crust leathers. Leaves and flowers used for production of tan-extract used for fine tanning of soft leather. (7)
- Dye: In India, red dye from flowers used extensively for dyeing. (see study below: 20)
Studies
• Anti-Depressive / Antihyperglycemic / Antioxidant / Leaves: Study evaluated the antioxidant, antidepressant, antidiabetic potentials of methanol extract and fractions of W. fruticosa leaves. Methanol extract and ethyl acetate fractions showed highest phenolic content and maximal antioxidant activity in DPP)H radical scavenging and ferric reducing power assays. The n-hexane fraction showed maximum flavonoid content and significant potent α-amylase inhibitory profiile comparable to acarbose standard. In animal models of depression, the ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions demonstrated doe-dependent antideppresant-like effect. In computational analysis, isolated flavonoid compounds from leaves exhibited potent binding affinity against several key therapeutic targets of diabetes and depressive disorders included α-amylase, serotonin transporter, dopamine transporter, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase with varying pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiles. Results suggest potential as dietary supplements for mitigation of hyperglycemia, cellular toxicity, and depressive disorders. (5)
• Antioxidant / Antithrombotic / Antimicrobial / Anti-Inflammatory/ Analgesic / Anti-Diarrheal / Leaf and Bark: Study evaluated the pharmacological properties of methanolic extract of leaves and barks of W. fruticosa. All extracts showed promising antioxidant properties by DPPH free radical scavenging assay with IC50s of 6.11 - 20.79 µg/mL. The aqueous fraction of leaves and ME of bark exhibited notable in vitro thrombolytic activity at 41.24% and 44.90% respectively. Chloroform fraction of leaves and aqueous fraction of bark showed 43.16% and 45.37% inhibition of RBC hemolysis, respectively. Both extracts showed significant (p<0.001) central and peripheral analgesic responses at both 200 and 400 mg/kbw doses. The bark extract (p<0.001) and leaf extract (p<0.05) showed statistically significant antidiarrheal activity. In vivo acute toxicity evaluation showed both extracts with LD50s (median lethal dose) greater than 5000 mg/kbw, suggesting safety. (6)
• Antibacterial / Flowers: Study evaluated the antibacterial activity of crude methanol extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flower using agar well diffusion method. The ME exhibited antibacterial activity, more active against Gram(-) than Gram(+) bacteria, and most active against Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes. (10)
• Wound Healing / Flowers: Study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of various extracts of Woodfordia fruticosa against a diverse ranges of Gram(+) and Gram(-) bacteria and pathogenic fungi, in doses of 250 and 500 mg/kbw in rats, using excision, incision, and dead space wound healing models. The ethanol extract showed potent wound healing activity, evidenced by increase wound contraction and breaking strength in a dose-dependent manner. There was significant and dose dependent decrease in epithelization period and scar area. Hydroxyproline, hexuronic acid, and hexosamine contents from the extracellular matrix of healing correlated with the healing pattern. During early wound healing phase, there was upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNFα, IL-6, and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Results showed low MIC (minimum inhibitory conctration) values, with inhibition of growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and Candida albicans in concentration of 2.5 µg/disc. Results showed antimicrobial activity and strong wound healing potential of W. fruticosa flowers. (11)
• Cytotoxicity / Anti-Inflammatory / Analgesic / Flowers: In cytotoxicity study, methanol extract of flowers caused 73% mortality of Brine shrimp larvae after 24 h at concentration of 1000 µg/mL. In anti-inflammatory study, the extract showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in paw volume in different models of paw edema. The ME also inhibited formation of granuloma in cotton pellet-induced granuloma and reduced the frequency of formaldehyde-induced paw licking. Results showed weak cytotoxic and potent anti-inflammatory compounds and justifies its traditional use for inflammatory conditions. (12)
• Antibacterial / Essential Oil / Anti-Inflammatory / Analgesic / Flowers: Study evaluated Woodfordia fruticosa essential oil of leaves obtained by hydrodistillation. Main components of EO of leaves are sesquiterpenes (ß-caryophyllene, γ-curcumene, germacrene-D, ß-selinene, elemol) and monoterpenoids (α-pinene, 2,6-dimethyl 1,3,5,7 octatetraene). The EO was active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis. The n-hexane extract was most active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. (13)
• Polyphenol-Rich Extract as Nutraceutical Ingredient: Woodfordia fruticosa extract (WfE) rich in polyphenols (218.52 mg GAE/g extract) with appreciable DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 0.243 mg/mL) and dose-dependent probiotic growth stimulatory property was evaluated for functional attributes, phytochemicals, and stimulation of probiotic bacterial growth. The WfE showed high antioxidant ability by FRAP (202.42 µM Trolox equivalents/g) and ORAC assay (291.702 mM Trolox equivalents/g). WfE also showed tyrosinase (IC50 17.5 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (!C50- 54.94 µg/mL) inhibitory activity. Polyphenol characterization revealed gallic acid as major component, with quercetin, ellagic acid, and cyanidin 3-glucoside. Results suggest potential for WfE as functional food ingredient in the preparation of synbiotic formulations or functional foods. (14)
• Anti-Inflammatory / Antioxidant / Antimicrobial / Flowers: Study evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of W. fruticosa flowers. Extract showed antimicrobial proficiency against S. aureus, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, S. typhimurium, and Candida albicans, with zones of inhibition comparable to streptomycin and amphotericin. Extract showed significantly higher (p<0.05) anti-inflammatory activity in albumin denaturation assay (43.56-85.59%) and HRBC membrane stabilization assay (43.62-87.69%). The extract showed significantly (p<0.05) higher DPPH scavenging activity. Results suggest flowers can be a great source of phenols for use in the manufacture of value-added food products. (see constituents above) (15)
• Antifertility / Abortifacient / Dried Flowers: Study evaluated the antifertility activity of dried flowers extracts of W. fruticosa in female albino rats. Results revealed the alcoholic extract has significant abortifacient activity, while the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts showed moderate activity. Successive alcoholic extract showed promising abortifacient activity at 100 mg/kbw. (16)
• Hepatoprotective / Carbon Tetrachloride Toxicity / Flowers: Study evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of various extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl alcohol, aqueous) of W. fruticosa flowers against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity. The aqueous extract was most potent among the four extracts studied, evidenced by restoration of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and triglycerides. Restoration of microsomal aniline hydroxylase and amidopyrine-N-demethylase activities indicated improvement in functional status of the endoplasmic reticulum. Restoration of lipid peroxidation and glutathione contents suggested antioxidant property of the extract. Light microscopy of liver tissue confirmed reversal of damage induced by the hepatotoxin. The extract showed no sign of toxicity up to oral dose of 2 g/kg in mice. (17)
• Antipsoriatic Activity / Flowers: Study evaluated the antipsoriatic activity of ethanolic extract of W. fruticosa flowers (EEWF) using a novel invivo screening model in Swiss albino mice. Psoriasis was induced with a mixture of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and formaldehyde topically applied for 7 days on dorsum surface of the skin. Psoriasis severity index (PSI) was evaluated by phenotypic (redness, erythema, and scales) and histologic features (epidermal thickness). Ointment formulations of EEWF 0.05% and 0.1% were applied for 3 weeks. The 0.05% and 0.1% (w/w) ointments exhibited dose-dependent beneficial effects in CFA and formaldehyde induced psoriasis. Results suggest potent antipsoriatic activity and use for psoriasis treatment. (18)
• Gastroprotective in Ethanol-Induced Ulcers / Ellagic Acid / Flowers: Study evaluated the anti-ulcer activity of aqueous extracts of W. fruticosa flowers in ethanol-induced ulcer model in Wistar albino rats. Omeprazole was used as control. HPTLC and PPLC confirmed presence of ellagic acid in three samples tested. The aqueous extract of W. fruticosa showed significant reduction in total titrable acidity (TTA) at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. Gastroprotection was indicated by lower ulcer index. The 200 mg/kg dose of the aqueous extract showed lower index and higher % of protection, better than protection afforded by omeprazole (10 mg/kg). Chromatographic profiling and anti-ulcer study characterized ellagic acid as an important biomarker for flowers of Wf and a possible contributor to the gastroprotective effect. (19)
• Extraction of Natural Dye / Flowers: As a dye-yielded plant, Woodfordia fruticosa is exploited in the perfume, leather and textile industry, and is believed to be superior for woolen and silk fabrics. Study reports on the extraction of natural dye from Wf and its application in textiles. Three types of fabrics and three different types of yarns were used to observed the dye strength. Cotton Jute mix showed dark yellowish brown color with Myrobalan, dark blackish brown color with Ferrous Sulphate, Camel color with Stannous Chloride, and yellowish brown with Potassium dichromate. (20)
• Immunostimulatory / Flowers: Study evaluated the effect of ethanol extract of W. fruticosa flowers on non-specific immune responses in mice. Results showed significant increase in release of myelo-
peroxidase, nitric oxide lysosomal enzyme, and superoxide from macrophages, along with significant increase in phagocytic index in carbon clearance test, indicating stimulatory effect on macrophages. Extract also
demonstrated a 60% increase in bone marrow cell proliferation and protection against cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression suggesting stimulation of bone marrow activity. The increase in mediators released from macrophages and phagocytic index in carbon clearance test suggest release of cytokines from macrophages and stimulation of the reticulo-endothelial system. Proliferation of bone marrow cells indicates possible release of colony stimulating factors, which further stimulates the immune system through generation of immune cells. (22)
• Wound Healing / Ointment formulation / Flowers: Study evaluated the wound healing effect of Dhataki Pushpa (W. fruticosa flowers) ointment (W. fruticosa) on an excised wound model in Wistar rats. Six Wistar rats were given Dhataki Pushpa ointment, six on betadine. Results showed progressive wound contraction. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the wound healing activity of both ointments (p<0.ooo1). Tannins and alcohol may have helped speed the wound contraction and healing. Reduced wound contraction indicated wound healing superiority of Dhataki ointment over betadine. (23)
• Antihyperlipidemic / Flowers: Study evaluated the effect of methanolic flower extract of W. fruticosa in lowering lipid parameters in Swiss albino mice fed a high cholesterol diet. Administration of MEWF extract in cholesterol fed mice showed a significant decrease (p<0.001) in the concentrations of serum TC, LDL, VLDL, TGs, as well as TC:HDL-c ration compared to cholesterol fed control mice Results suggest lipid-lowering effects with potential as a natural product for prevention of hyperlipidemia. (24)
• Anticonvulsant / Flowers: Study evaluated the anti-seizure activities of ethanolic extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers in mouse models with convulsions. Oral doses of 100 and 200 mg/kbw were given to albino mice, coupled with phenytoin. Results showed considerable anti-epileptic activity in both MES (maxium electroshock) and PTZ (phenylenetetrazol)-induced seizure models. The MES model eliminated tonic hind limb extension phase, whereas PTZ-model showed significant increase in seizure latency period. Results suggest the significant anti-epileptic effect. (25)
• Antimicrobial / Anti-Inflammatory / Nanoemulsion / Flowers: Study reports on the synthesis of nanoemulsion (oil in water) with varying concentrations of W. fruticosa flower extract (1% - 10% w/v). An insignificant difference (p>0.0w5) was observed in average droplet size. at varied pH ranges, WFNE3 showed significantly higher stability (p<0.05). The WFNE3 showed significantly higher (p<0.05) zone of inhibition against gram-negative bacteria, significant (p<0.05) higher inhibition of protein denaturation. Results suggest potential for the WFNE3 nanoemulsion for scaling up to industrial level formulation of varied types of functional foods. (26)
• Anticancer / Dried Leaves: Study evaluated the cytotoxic potential of methanolic extract of dried leaves of Woodfordia fruticosa and Salacia chinensis against human breast (MDA-MB-231) and pancreatic (PANC-1) cancers in vitro using MTT-based assay. Results showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity against the breast and pancreatic cancers with IC50s of 1245 µg/ml and 230.5 µg/ml respectively. Results suggest presence of cytotoxic phytochemicals and further purification studies were suggested. (27)
• SmltD Inhibitory / Flavonoids / Flowers: SmltD is an ATP-dependent ligase that catalyzes the condensation of UDP-MurNAc-L-Ala and L-Glu to form UDP-MurNAc-L-Ala-L-Glu, in the newly discovered peptidoglycan biosynthesis pathway of Gram-negative multiple-drug-resistant pathogen, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Phytochemical evaluation of 70% ethanol extract from Wf flowers identified anti-SmltD active flavonoids: kaempferol 3-O-(6′′-galloyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), astragalin (2), and juglalin (3). Of them, compound 1 showed the most potent kaempferol 3-O-(6′′-galloyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), astragalin (2), and juglalin (3). inhibitory activity. An enzyme steady-state kinetic study revealed compound 1 exerted competitive inhibition with respect to ATP. (28)
• Neuroprotective / Flowers: Study evaluated Wf flower extract for neuroprotective and antioxidant effects. Using IMR-32 by MNTT assay showed Wf's ability to protect neurons from Lipopolysaccharide-induced neurotoxicity in neuronal cells. Maximum cytotoxic effect was found in the MTT stabilization, better at high-end concentrations than at lower concentrations. (29)
• Induction of Apoptosis by Nf-kB Mediation / Hepatocellular Carcinoma / Flowers: Study evaluated the anticancer efficacy and apoptosis induction potential of the most active fraction of alcoholic fraction of flowers. Results showed the ethyl acetate fraction of methanolic extract of Wf flowers were rich in polyphenols such as flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. The EA fraction showed profound toxicity on HepG2 cells by MTT assay. Induction of apoptosis was confirmed by AO/EtBr double staining. Fraction downregulated expression of Nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-kB) and upregulated the expression of tumor suppressor gene p53 and cell cycle regulatory gene p21 compared to GAPDH gene as control. Study suggests the EA fraction could be an active source of polyphenolic compounds with potent anticancer activity. (30)
• Antifungal / Leaves: Study evaluated the antifungal effect of Wf and Punica granatum (Pg) on Candida species. Results showed the chloroform fractions of W. fruticosa leaves showed superior antifungal effect compared to P. granatum peel. (31)
• Antihyperglycemic / Flowers: An ethanolic extract of Wf flowers (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly reduced fasting blood glucose level and increased insulin level after 21 days of treatment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Extract also significantly increased catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase activities and reduced lipid peroxidation. Glycolytic enzymes showed significant increase, along with significant decrease in levels of gluconeogenic enzymes in treated diabetic rats. There was favorable effect on histopathological changes of pancreatic ß-cells in STZ-induced rats. Results suggest Wf possess hypoglycemic effect via regulation of glucose homeostasis and antioxidant efficacy in STZ-induced diabetic rats. (33)
• Gastroprotective / Toxicity Safety Study / Flowers: A hydroalcoholic extract of Wf flowers was evaluated for invivo efficacy in gastric ulcer models in rats. The extract showed efficacy at 31.25-62.5 mg/kg in gastric ulcer models. Extract was safe by oral route up to 2000 mg/kg in a single dose and NOAEL of 800 mg/kg in 28 days repeat study. (34)
Availability
- Wild-crafted.
- Capsules, powders, Ayurvedic products in the cybermarket. |
