Commelina Diffusa Research Articles

Diversity and Utilization of Commelinaceae in Central Laos

This investigation examines the diversity and utilization of Commelinaceae in three research areas in central Laos. It identifies a total of 17 species, including Amischotolype divaricata Duist., Callisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson, Callisia repens (Jacq.) L., Commelina benghalensis L., Commeilina diffusa Burm.f., Cyanotis arachnoidea C.B. Clarke, Cyanotis axillaris (L.) D. Don ex Sweet, Cyanotis cristata (L.) D. Don, Floscopa scandens Lour., Murdannia edulis (Stokes) Faden, Murdannia medica (Lour.) D.Y. Hong, Murdannia nudiflora (L.) Brenan, Murdannia spectabilis (Kurz) Faden, Pollia thyrsiflora (Blume) Steud., Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D.R. Hunt, Tradescantia spathacea Sw., and Tradescantia zebrina Bosse. There are ten species within this family that are utilized for food, medicine, ornamental purposes, or as animal feed. Floscopa scandens has the highest use value (UV) of 1.24, followed closely by Commelina diffusa with a UV of 1.22. Murdannia spectabilis has the lowest UV of 0.39 and is mostly utilized for ornamental purposes. Several species, including Commelina diffusa, Floscopa scandens, and Tradescantia zebrina, are utilized in traditional medicine to address musculoskeletal ailments, provide food, and alleviate obstetric/gynecological concerns. The informant agreement ratio (IAR) is 1.00 for musculoskeletal symptoms and nourishment and 0.9 for obstetric and gynecological symptoms. The plant species Commelina diffusa, Tradescantia zebrina, and Floscopa scandens demonstrate a fidelity level (%FL) of 100% in traditional medicinal use, with Floscopa scandens showing %FL of 63.64% for back pain treatment and 36.36% for postpartum recovery.

Invitro Antibacterial, Antioxidant and XRF Analysis of <i>Commelina Diffusa Burm.F. </i>Plant Extracts

Ethiopia has a long history of using medicinal herbs for treating both human and animal illnesses. Nonetheless, not enough research has been done on the antibacterial properties and possible bioactive components of the majority of medicinal plants. Therefore, this study deals with the evaluation of phytochemical, antimicrobial, antioxidant activities, phenol content and XRF analysis of <i>Commelina Diffusa Burm.F. </i>plant extracts. Mean values of the antimicrobial activity, MIC, antioxidant activities, phenol content and XRF analysis were reported as mean ± standard deviation. The chloroform leaf extracts of the plant gave the highest yield 23.4% followed by methanol 22.27%. The presence of several metabolite components, including alkaloids, diterpenes, flavonoids, glycosides, phenol, protein, saponin, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, tri-terpenoids and amino acids, has been shown by qualitative phytochemical analysis of plant parts. Significant antibacterial activity against the test bacterial strains was demonstrated by steam extracts of<i> Commelina Diffusa Burm.F. </i>Moreover, the methanolic extract of the plant demonstrated notable antioxidant activity. The highest value of phenolic content was obtained in <i>Commelina Diffusa Burm.F. </i>steam methanol extract followed by leaf extract while <i>Commelina Diffusa Burm.F. </i>root extract shows lower phenolic content. In this study, threaten elements were determined in the <i>Commelina Diffusa Burm.F. </i>plant part by using XRF spectroscopy. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of pharmacological potential of <i>Commelina Diffusa Burm.F. </i>and highlights the importance of further exploring its medicinal properties. The findings provide valuable insights into utilizing medicinal plants for disease treatment and support the development of natural therapeutic agents.

Anti-hyperglycemic effect of Commelina diffusa extracts on diabetic mice model

This study aimed to investigate the blood glucose stabilising effect of extracts from Commelina diffusa Burm.f. on glucose tolerance test and diabetes test in white mice by streptozotocin. The diabetic mice were induced to hyperglycemia by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin in a single dose (170 mg/kg). Water extract, 96% ethanol extract, and 50% ethanol extract of C. diffusa were given orally for 7 days and the reference drug glibenclamide was given orally once on the 7th experimental day. The hypoglycemic effect was evaluated by quantifying fasting plasma glucose concentration and glucose tolerance test. The results of 96% ethanol extract of C. diffusa at two oral doses of 0.21 and 0.42 g/kg showed a more typical hypoglycemic effect than the water extract (0.36 and 0.72 g/kg) and 50% ethanol extract (0.49 and 0.98 g/kg) in both fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance tests. The hypoglycemic effect of 96% ethanol extract of C. diffusa was equivalent to glibenclamide at a dose of 5 mg/kg measured in fasting state and was weaker than glibenclamide in the glucose tolerance test.

Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effect on α-glucosidase and α-amylase Enzymes of Triterpenes Isolated from Commelina diffusa Burm.f.

Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effect on α-glucosidase and α-amylase Enzymes of Triterpenes Isolated from Commelina diffusa Burm.f.

Herbaceous angiosperms, pteridophytes and shrubs cocktail for rapid ground cover for soil and water bioengineering in the Caribbean

Among the Nature-based Solutions currently spreading worldwide, soil and water bioengineering techniques, are used to stabilize hill slopes, earth embankment, and riverbanks. They consist in the use of living plants, sometimes coupled with dead materials, to control erosion and restore ecosystems.These approaches remain to be adapted to Neotropics and particularly to the Caribbean Islands biodiversity hotspot. The success of soil and water bioengineering designs depends on the selection of suitable native plant species and considering the hydrodynamic and geotechnical processes. In the Caribbean, data are available concerning woody species but are still lacking for the other constitutive components of riparian plant communities. The objective of this study was to identify the riparian forest understory species best suited for use in SWBE at their establishment phase. In a three-month ex situ experiment, we measured the survival rate, biomass production and root growth of propagules (cuttings and bulbils) of eleven native Caribbean species (5 herbs, 4 pteridophytes, 2 shrubs) occurring naturally in a variety of riparian environments. All the herb and shrub species studied displayed growth vigour adequate for a successful inclusion in soil and water bioengineering techniques. Among herbs, Commelina diffusa, Hymenachne amplexicaulis and Sphagneticola trilobata performed the best. Gynerium sagittatum and Dieffenbachia seguine, despite their slower growth and root development, remain suitable. Regarding the two shrubs, Ludwigia octovalvis gave better results than Clidemia hirta. Among the pteridophytes, Adiantum latifolium, Thelypteris reticulata and particularly Lycopodium cernuum appeared poorly suited to soil and water bioengineering. Acrostichum danaeifolium was the best-performing pteridophyte. These first experimental results focusing on the propagation and establishment of native herbs, pteridophytes and shrubs, allowed to identify a diversity of species of interest as cuttings for soil and water bioengineering and practical clues for their use in the Neotropics.

Flowering phenology, floral biology, breeding system, and pollination in the andromonoecious Commelina diffusa (Commelinaceae)

Occurrence of male and bisexual flowers (andromonoecy) in a species is thought to be an adaptation to enhance reproductive success through increasing male function or by diverting resources otherwise used for the formation of pistils. Commelina diffusa Burm. f. is a pantropical, herbaceous, and andromonoecious species from the family Commelinaceae. A typical inflorescence comprises male and bisexual flowers enclosed within a spathe. Morphology of the different floral types, floral phenology, pollen viability, pollen production, and mating system were studied in this annual, bearing small fruits. Being nectarless, pollen is the only reward for the pollinators in this species. The number of fruits developing was found to influence the gender of the subsequent flowers within the spathe. The floral visitors, including members of Diptera and Hymenoptera, facilitate outcrossing and may mediate geitonogamous selfing as well. Delayed selfing takes place when floral organs intertwine as the flower fades. Andromonoecy in itself does not promote outcrossing, but it may be advantageous to present pollen in more flowers, thereby attracting and feeding more insects and potentially increase male function.

Riparian Vegetation Assessment for Effective Management of Molawin River, Mt. Makiling, Philippines

Molawin River is experiencing water quality degradation over time. Efforts were made to help rehabilitate this river to maintain its ecology and biodiversity. The main objectives of this research are: to identify and document water filtering plants (riparian flora) both present in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the Molawin River and to pinpoint the sources and community perception that defies the idea of riparian flora species as potential water filtering plants in the Molawin River. Documentation of dense riparian flora present in the Molawin River was conducted in order to study its phytoremediation potential for water purification. A total of 107 morpho-species belonging to 94 genera from 56 families was recorded. The most common flora species was Commelina diffusa, Cyperus flabelliformis and Costus speciosus. A household survey and key informant interview were employed. The idea of riparian flora as a potential water purifying plants is facing four main challenges. First, there is a low conservation interest with the water resource, as this is not the primary source of water for them. Secondly, the presence of anthropogenic factors severely affecting the area. Thirdly, the high rate of encroachment of the invasive plants aggravates the conditions of the river. Finally, the lack of institutional support that can integrate riparian flora species in watershed management and rehabilitation planning.

Assessment of commelina species feed use in Konso Zone, Southern Ethiopia: Identification, seasonal characterization, and altitudinal distribution

Searching for low-cost, readily available non-conventional feeds is viewed as an alternate measure and solution in resolving feed-related difficulties. This study was conducted to investigate Commelina species feed use in Konso zone, Southern Ethiopia, by identifying available species and characterize seasonal and altitudinal distribution. The data were gathered through focus group discussions and interviews with 195 households drawn randomly from 15 villages. Five Commelina spp.; Commelina benghalensis, Commelina imberbis, Commelina diffusa, Commelina albescens, and Commelina africana were identified in the study area. C. diffusa was available year-round (88.71%) at low and mid altitudes, whereas all others show diminishing pattern with dry season. C. benghalensis, C. imberbis and C. diffusa were found in low and mid altitudes, whereas C. africana and C. albescence were found only in low altitude. Availability and distribution of commelina spp. in the study area shows variability with seasonal and altitudinal changes. The wider feed usage by livestock keepers across all the corners of the area, combined with the species’ proclivity to grow as friendly alley crops on farmland, suggests that the value of C. benghalensis and C. imberbis may extend beyond feed use. Agricultural experts must transfer intercropping trend of C. benghalensis, and C. imberbis with food crops to farmers who lack it. Nutritional quality of the species should be conducted to have a clear picture about feed value of the plants.

Inventory of Potential Weeds Under Stands of Immature Nutmeg Plants in Allang Country, West Leihitu District Central Maluku Regency

Weeds are plants whose presence is undesirable because it can reduce production. The composition and diversity of weeds also determines the structure of the planting area which will ultimately affect the ecological function. The presence of weeds can be found in all planting areas. This research was carried out in Negeri Allang, Central Maluku Regency in March 2022. This research aimed to inventory the types of weeds under nutmeg plantations. The data collection process in the field was carried out using the quadratic method with sample plots measuring 1 m x 1 m and placed under immature nutmeg plantations. Observation of weeds was carried out destructively, namely the types of weeds in the sample plots were removed to calculate the individual and the biomass of each type.The results of the study found 16 types of weeds in the nutmeg planting area of immature stages. Commelina diffusa (Burm). F. weed type SDR 17.79%. is the dominant weed in the nutmeg plantation area of immature stages.

Anti-diabetic Effect of Major Compounds from Commelina diffusa

Anti-diabetic Effect of Major Compounds from Commelina diffusa

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by indigenous knowledge holders to manage healthcare needs in children.

Childhood diseases remain an increasing health problem in many developing countries and also associated with an enormous financial burden. In South Africa, many people still rely on traditional medicine for their primary healthcare. However, inadequate documentation of medicinal plants used to manage childhood diseases remain a prominent gap. Hence, the current study explored the importance of medicinal plants to treat and manage childhood diseases in the North West Province, South Africa. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted with 101 participants using semi-structured interviews (face-to-face). Ethnobotanical indices such as Frequency of citation (FC), Use-value (UV) and Informed Consensus Factor (ICF) were used for data analysis. A total of 61 plants from 34 families were recorded as medicine used for managing seven (7) categories of diseases resulting from 29 sub-categories. Skin-related and gastro-intestinal diseases were the most prevalent childhood health conditions encountered by the study participants. Based on their FC values that ranged from approximately 0.9-75%, the most popular medicinal plants used by the participants were Aptosinum elongatum (75.2%), Commelina diffusa (45.5%), Euphorbia prostrata (31.6%) and Bulbine frutescens (31.7%). In terms of the UV, A. elongatum (0.75), C. diffusa (0.45), E. prostrata (0.31), H. hemerocallidea (0.19) and E. elephantina (0.19) were the dominant plants used for treating and managing childhood diseases. Based on ICF, skin-related diseases dominated with the highest ICF value of 0.99. This category had 381 use-reports, comprising 34 plants (55.7% of total plants) used for childhood-related diseases. Particularly, B. frutescens and E. elephantina were the most-cited plants for the aforementioned category. Leaves (23%) and roots (23%) were the most frequently used plant parts. Decoctions and maceration were the main preparation methods, and the plant remedies were mainly administered orally (60%) and topically (39%). The current study revealed the continuous dependence on the plant for primary health care relating to childhood diseases in the study area. We generated a valuable inventory of medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge for child healthcare needs. However, investigating the biological efficacies, phytochemical profiles and the safety of these identified plants in relevant test systems remain essential in future research.

Aquaculture Wastewater Quality Improvement by Floating Raft of Native Aquatic Plants in An Giang Province, Vietnam

The development of aquaculture in An Giang province posed a risk of lowering the surface water quality of the Mekong River. This study assessed the pollution level of surface water affected by aquaculture areas in the province and the efficiency of the floating raft of native aquatic plants on aquaculture wastewater quality improvement. Water samples were analyzed for SS, COD, BOD5, N-NH4+, Total N, and Total P. The Water Quality Index was calculated according to the Vietnamese technical guidelines (VN_WQI). The quadrat method was applied to determine the density of aquatic plants. The result showed that surface water quality affected by aquaculture areas in An Giang province did not meet national standards, and the WQI ranged from heavy to good pollution. Experimental results showed that when using the treatment tank, including floating rafts of Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), Morning glory plants (Ipomoea aquatica), and Climbing dayflower (Commelina diffusa), the removal percentages of SS, COD, BOD5, N-NH4+, Total N, and Total P were 92.6%, 89.6%, 93.9%, 93.4%, 64.3%, and 94.6%, respectively, in the first three months of the farming season. The removal percentages of SS, COD, BOD5, N-NH4+, Total N, and Total P were 92.7%, 89.9%, 91.5%, 93.6%, 67.8%, and 94%, respectively, in the fourth month until fish harvest in the treatment tank. Therefore, floating rafts of native aquatic plants could absorb nutrients and quickly remove pollutants. The quality of aquaculture wastewater after treatment was significantly improved.

Observations on the feeding activities of the West African Manatee, Trichechus senegalensis Link, 1795 in a semi-wild environment

The presence of the West African manatee, Trichechus senegalensis in a semi-wild holding facility in Little Stream Farm, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, presented an opportunity to study directly, aspects of their biology, which hitherto were little known. This study was conducted to identify their plant food preferences and feeding behaviour as a reflection of what may approximate their activities in the wild. The selected plants were weighed (wet weight in kg) with spring balance in batches of 3kg per plant species and offered in batches to the manatee for a specified period (initially for 24 hours, then 4 hours and 10 hours). Of the 15 plant species presented, Emilia sonchifolia, Commelina diffusa, Nymphaea sp., Panicum laxum, Eleusine indica and Rhynchosia sp. had high preference levels while the quantity of Chromolaena sp. consumption was minimal. Bambusa sp., Heliotropium indicum, Ludwigia abyssinica and Hyptis lanceolata were ignored by the animal on repeated presentations. Studies on day-time and night-time feeding showed little difference in quantities of food consumed. However, the maximum consumption of 7kg was observed at daytime feeding on day 4 of the 14 days trial. The result showed that in the event of West African manatee rescue and fostering in temporary holding facilities, these plants’ checklists may come in handy as food materials. They may also come for important considerations as plants whose natural growth and propagation should be encouraged in areas designated for West African manatee conservation.

Phytochemistry and Larval Toxicity of Ipomea asarifolia, Commelina diffusa, Acalypha ciliata and Eleusine indica against Artemia salina

Phytochemistry and Larval Toxicity of Ipomea asarifolia, Commelina diffusa, Acalypha ciliata and Eleusine indica against Artemia salina

Commelina diffusa Burm. F., new host of Meloidogyne sp. in Cuba

Commelina diffusa Burm. F., new host of Meloidogyne sp. in Cuba

Utilization of Aur-Aur Grass as A Natural Hand Sanitizer in Order To Prevent The Spread of The Covid-19 Virus

Indonesia is currently amid a Covid-19 virus pandemic. One of the efforts that can be done to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus is to wash your hands with soap, or you can use a hand sanitizer. However, hand sanitizers are mostly made of chemicals, many people feel side effects including dry skin, dermatitis, and irritation. This research aims to make hand sanitizer products made from natural ingredients, namely from extracts of aur-aur grass (Commelina diffusa Burm F.). Phytochemical tests showed that aur-aur grass contained 5,188.73 ppm flavonoid compounds, 8,673.60 ppm total phenol (tannin), and 466.30 ppm alkaloids. The manufacture of hand sanitizers was carried out in four variations with each sample having aur-aur extract levels of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Of the existing hand sanitizer products, all of them have a pH of ±5 and get good responses from satisfaction values ​​above 80%. Hand sanitizer products also can inhibit bacterial growth. The increase in extract levels in the hand sanitizer is directly proportional to the ability to inhibit bacteria, as shown by sample D which has an average inhibition zone of 9.77 mm.

Environmental and Management Factors That Influence <i>Commelina</i> Species in Selected Agro-Ecological Zones in Western Kenya

Commelina species are plant resources full of promise as future food and feed that thrive in diverse ecosystems. They are medicinal plants, leafy vegetables, forage for ruminants, feed for cricket insects, crop protection, and fuel. However, information regarding factors driving Commelina in agro-ecological zones in Western Kenya is lacking. Therefore, we investigated the diversity of Commelina species, the composition of associated weed species as well as environmental and management factors affecting their diversity and distribution based on 22 variables from 12 production sites. In the survey, 115 species belonging to 30 families were recorded of which 11 Commelina species were identified. Among Commelina species, Commelina diffusa and Commelina benghalensis var. benghalensis (non-hybrid variant) had higher relative density. Multiple linear regressions revealed that the environment (exchangeable sodium percentage, magnesium, soil pH, and total nitrogen) and management (agriculture system type) variables exert a stronger effect on the diversity of Commelina species. Detrended Correspondence Analysis detected different ecological conditions for Commelina species and the composition of associated weed species. The forward selection based on Canonical Correspondence Analysis indicated that the distribution of Commelina species responded significantly to soil pH, available phosphorous, total nitrogen, fertility, and crop spacing. Partitioning variation showed the great importance to the environment than management (10.57% versus 5.97%). The low shared variance (environment × management) was -0.4%, indicating that the two factors have a more individualistic than interactive nature. However, the 83.86% that remained unexplained was attributed to stochastic variation or unmeasured variables. This study suggests that the identified five important variables affecting the distribution of Commelina species will certainly contribute to the prioritization of ecological aspects leading to the growth condition of Commelina species.

Antioxidant, Analgesic and CNS Depressant Activities of Commelina diffusa Burm. f.

Commelina diffusa Burm. f. is a member of Commelinaceae family, which is widely grown in crop land and treated as a weed. This plant has several important medicinal properties which have not been studied extensively. In this study, the crude powder of C. diffusa whole plant was extracted with 95% ethanol and different solvent fractions (n-hexane, chloroform and methanol) were prepared from the crude extract by solvent-solvent partitioning. All these plant samples were subjected to bioassays for evaluating the antioxidant, central analgesic, peripheral analgesic and CNS depressant activities. The crude extract and its methanol soluble fraction showed mild free DPPH scavenging property with IC50 values of 98.49- and 84.77-μg/ml, respectively as compared to the standard ascorbic acid (IC50 = 2.67 μg/ml). In the analgesic activity test, the n-hexane fraction of C. diffusa at doses of 200- and 400-mg/kg body weight exhibited significant (p<0.05) central analgesic activity (tail flick test) in mice. Similarly, all the test samples showed statistically significant (p<0.05) reduction in abdominal writhing induced by acetic acid. C. diffusa showed significant CNS depressant activity which was measured by ‘open field test’ and ‘hole cross test’. Considering the potential bioactivities, the plant materials can be further studied elaborately to explore the activities of the purified compounds to aid in future drug development. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 20(2): 159-166, 2021 (December)

Coffee crop weeds: refuge and food source for pests’ natural enemies

Weeds in coffee crops have diverse ecosystem services, such as sheltering and feeding natural enemies of pest insects. This study aimed to identify the potential of coffee weeds as food and refuge for natural enemies in shaded and sun coffee crops. Weeds were sampled in a 100 m transect installed in each type of coffee crop. Malaise traps and sweep-nets were both used to capture insects every 15 days for five months. After identifying the dominant weeds, observations and a direct recollection of insects were carried out at three different hours during three days. Faunistic analyses were performed, as well as the Bray and Curtis similarity analysis and the Student's t test. Emilia sonchifolia, Acmella oppositifolia, Bidens pilosa were predominant in the free exposure sun plantation coffee crops and Commelina diffusa, Salvia palifolia, Stachytarpheta cayennensis in under shade coffee crops. High insect activity was found between 11:30 am-12:00 pm. In these weeds, we found about 15 families, the most important were Formicidae, Braconidae, and Coccinellidae. We concluded that the shaded coffee crops exhibited a natural enemy community similar to that of the sun. Through this exploratory study, we verified that weeds harbor a diversity of natural enemies important to the coffee agroecosystems.

Nutritional Evaluation and Phytochemical Screening of Commelina diffusa: An Underutilized Wild Edible Plant of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is blessed with hundreds of wild edible species which are capable of improving healthy dietary patterns of human being. Though, Commelina diffusa (Girapala) is an important wild edible species, its nutritional properties are still unexplored. This study was carried out to determine the proximate composition, microelements and to assess phytochemicals in C. diffusa. Phytochemicals were tested in both qualitative and quantitative manner and in qualitative assessment it has been used different organic solvents including hexane, ethanol, chloroform and water. The proximate nutritional composition including, ash, moisture, crude protein, crude fat and crude fiber were determined using AOAC standards. Microelements were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric method. Ca was the most abundant mineral element followed by Fe > Cu > Zn which have shown higher values than most of the prominent leafy vegetables in Sri Lanka. Moisture and ash contents were 89.78% and 7.03% of fresh weight, respectively. The corresponding values for crude fat, crude fiber and crude protein were 0.01%, 3.52% and 3.10% respectively in dry weight basis. The result of quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds namely, flavonoids (3.37%), alkaloids (5.55%), saponins (2.82%), phenols (7.27%), steroids (0.28%) and tannins (2.94%). In concluding, the results indicate that the tender shoots of C. diffusa contain an appreciable amount of bioactive compounds and microelements.