Leptadenia pyrotechnicia (L. pyrotechnica) is a plant that grows well in the UAE. In this article, we will learn about the plant’s Medicinal uses, Phytochemicals, and growing conditions. We also provide a short introduction to the plant’s cultivation. Let’s move on to its Phytochemicals and grow it in our nursery!
Plantation in Abu Dhabi
The Leptadenia pyrotechnicia plantation in Abu Dhabi is a remarkable example of sustainable forest management. The area was once enclosed with an 8-foot-high deer-proof fence. Four covered shelters were built to provide drinking water for deer. In late 1978, a pair of gazelle was introduced to the plantation. Gazelle graze on local vegetation and drink water that contains 6000 to 8000 parts per million of salts.
The UAE is rich in halophytic and non-halophytic plants. These indigenous desert plants have important biological and economic values. They are also considered highly valuable biodiversity resources. Plants growing in the UAE may contain special phytochemicals due to their extreme climate and environmental conditions. This plantation is currently being developed to meet the needs of residents of the city and may be of great value to the UAE’s economy and ecology.
The UAE’s desert plants may contain important resistance and tolerance genes. They may be used in crop improvement and greening programs to combat desertification. As a result of this research, scientists will be able to identify new species and help conserve the emirate’s desert vegetation. Eventually, the UAE will have 830 plant species, including new and ancient ones. And thanks to the UAE’s global warming and dust pollution, this number is expected to continue to increase.
Medicinal uses
Leptadenia pyrotechnica is an evergreen, leafless shrub that grows in the deserts of northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its leafless stems and flowers have been used to treat smallpox, dermatitis, and kidney disease. The aerial parts are used as a diuretic and cough suppressant. Its roots are also used for medicinal purposes.
Leptadenia pyrotechnica is a rapidly growing, native plant with high biochemical and ethnobotanical value. Several studies have been conducted on the medicinal properties and ethnobotanical value of L. pyrotechnica, including its micropropagation. Several plant hormones are responsible for callus formation. Both the aerial and nodal parts were equally effective in inducing callus.
One of the best sources of information on medicinal plants of the semi-arid world is the SEPASAL database by Kew. Its Appendices B and C and Tables 4 and 5 contain baseline information on the plant. Each plant’s scientific and local name, how it grows, and the chemical compounds that it contains are provided. In contrast, little information is given about future sustainability.
Phytochemicals
Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Leptadenia hastata) is an evergreen shrub native to Africa. The shrub is known by several names, including Hagalhadjar and Hayla among the Kusume ethnic group. It is used as a herbal medicine, especially in treating hypertension and preventing skin infections. Its leaves are also used for the treatment of skin infections.
The chemical composition of this plant contains several groups of compounds. There are flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics, among others. The chemical composition of this shrub is incredibly diverse. Its constituents are distributed throughout many other plants, and the combination of these molecules may be responsible for its various biological activities. The purpose of this review is to describe the phytochemical composition of L. reticulata and to identify any chemical constituents present in it.
Several compounds in the plant have high antioxidant properties. Among these, phenylphenalenones and related compounds were isolated. Seven alkaloids were identified in the aerial part of the plant, and three were found only in the roots. The antioxidant activity of the plant extracts was evaluated using FRAP and DPPH assays. The researchers concluded that the compounds isolated from this plant are useful in preserving endangered species.
Growing conditions
Leptadenia pyrotechnique (Forsk.) Decne is a perennial shrub that grows in the arid deserts of Pakistan and India. It is an important component of the arid ecosystem as it produces fiber and forage. However, its growth rate and availability of water are not as good as those of some other plants that grow in similar conditions.
Leptadenia pyrotechnicum is used for medicinal purposes. It has a high ethnobotanical and biochemical value. Various studies have been done on the plant, including micropropagation and its use in a variety of applications. It has been found that plant hormones are responsible for callus formation. However, callus formation was not observed in explants of pods.
In a study conducted by Chaudhary et al., ethanolic extract of L. pyrotechnica was administered to Straptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 21 days. The ethanolic extract was found to be antidiabetic and to significantly reduce serum glucose and cholesterol. In addition, it reduced serum triglycerides.
EELP toxicity
A recent study determined the EELP toxicity of L. pyrotechnica in nursery plants. The primary metabolites in the plant are given in Table 2.
During a 21-day study, the aerial parts of L. pyrotechnica were administered to albino rats. The plants were also administered to three groups of Wister rats and the livers of all were studied. The results showed that the ethanolic extract significantly reduced serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol ratios. In addition, the methanolic extract promoted cholesterol removal through feces.
To identify the chemical responsible for the observed EELP toxicity in L. pyrotechnica, the authors isolated a triterpenoid compound from L. pyrotechnica using the heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation and hetero-COSY techniques. They evaluated the levels of expressed proteins at different plant stages, with the five-day hypocotyl being the most suitable. In addition, they assessed the transgenic plants using southern blotting and polymerase chain reaction to assess the levels of toxins in L. pyrotechnica.
Threatened endangered status
Leptadenia pyrotechnica Fossk., locally known as Marakh, is a plant with a very restricted range. Its small yellow edible flowers bloom from February to June. In spite of the restricted distribution, this plant has a long history of medicinal use. It is important for both agriculture and the environment. Its milky latex makes it a delicious food.
The trade in elephant bark has devastated its wild populations, which occur in low-density Afromontane forests. In 2006, the plant was included in CITES’ Appendix II, which lists species allowed for international trade and products made from them. This list requires that monitoring and reporting of trade of endangered species is conducted regularly. Fortunately, the plant’s market price has increased dramatically over the past several years.
In spite of the many benefits of cultivating this plant, the species remains endangered. The most common threat to its population is habitat destruction, but it is also subject to illegal extraction of wild plants. The extraction of Zamia furfuracea, for example, was estimated at 40 tonnes per month in the 1980s, as a means of satisfying the landscaping industry. Further, populations of Dioon edule are being cut down and decapitated for sale in Mexico City.
Image credits: By LRBurdak – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8451063