Cyanotis axillaris (Commelinaceae) Baghanulla, Spreading Dayflower

Cyanotis axillaris, commonly known as the spreading dayflower or Baghanulla, is a creeping annual herb native to South and Southeast Asia, now found across tropical regions from India to Australia. It is a member of the Commelinaceae family, which also includes the well-known spiderworts and wandering Jews. Often overlooked as a common weed in rice paddies and damp meadows, this unassuming plant has been a part of traditional life for generations, valued both as a nutritious famine food and as a medicinal remedy. Its seeds have been used like a cereal in times of scarcity, and the whole plant is applied externally to treat abdominal swelling. Modern science is beginning to explore its potential, revealing a plant rich in bioactive compounds with promising antibacterial and antimalarial properties.

1. Taxonomic Insights

Species: Cyanotis axillaris (L.) D.Don ex Sweet

Family: Commelinaceae

The Commelinaceae family, commonly known as the spiderwort or dayflower family, is a group of monocotyledonous flowering plants. The family is characterised by its succulent, jointed stems and its flowers, which are often short-lived, opening for only a few hours. The genus Cyanotis comprises about 50 species of creeping or ascending herbs, mostly found in the Old World tropics. C. axillaris is a prolific weed in its native range, often found in open, disturbed areas and agricultural fields.

Taxonomic Note: The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus as Commelina axillaris. It has been reclassified several times and has a number of synonyms, including Amischophacelus axillaris, Tradescantia axillaris, and Tonningia axillaris . The genus name Cyanotis is derived from the Greek words kyanos (dark blue) and otis (ear), possibly referring to the colour or shape of the flower parts. The specific epithet axillaris refers to the flowers, which grow from the axils (the angle between the leaf and stem) of the plant . This small, creeping herb can grow up to 70 cm long, with succulent, branching stems that root at the nodes. It has sessile, lanceolate leaves and produces small, beautiful violet-blue or purple flowers that are short-lived . The fruit is a small capsule containing brown, pitted seeds .

Related Herbs from the Same Family:

· Commelina benghalensis (Bengal Dayflower): A common weed with a similar creeping habit, known for its edible leaves and its use in traditional medicine for wound healing and as a laxative.

· Tradescantia spathacea (Moses-in-the-Cradle): A popular ornamental plant with striking purple and green leaves, known for its traditional use in treating skin conditions and respiratory ailments.

· Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew): A widely cultivated houseplant, sometimes used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.

· Murdannia nudiflora (Naked-flower Murdannia): Another creeping weed from the same family, used in traditional medicine for its cooling and diuretic properties.

2. Common Names

Scientific Name: Cyanotis axillaris | English: Spreading Dayflower, Baghanulla (India) | Hindi: Not widely recorded | Bengali: Not widely recorded | Tagalog: Alikbangon | Bisaya: Sabilau | Thai: Phakplap-na (Bangkok), Ya-phophot-lek (Prachin Buri), Kinkungluang (Chiang Mai)

3. Medicinal Uses

Primary Actions: Antibacterial, Antimalarial

Secondary Actions: Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory (traditional)

Medicinal Parts:

The whole plant is the primary part used medicinally.

· Whole Plant: The plant is used externally in traditional medicine to treat ascites and tympanites (abdominal swelling and bloating) . Modern research has identified a novel flavone glycoside from the plant with significant antibacterial activity and a unique compound with antimalarial properties .

4. Phytochemicals Specific to the Plant and Their Action

The phytochemistry of Cyanotis axillaris is an area of active research, with several unique and promising compounds identified in recent years.

· Novel Flavone Glycoside: A new compound, identified as 5,7,4'-trihydroxyflavone-8-α-L-rhamnopyranoside-4'-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl, has been isolated from the methanolic extract of the plant . This flavone glycoside is a unique molecule and is responsible for the plant's potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Salmonella Typhimurium .

· Spiroaxillarone A: This compound represents a new type of spirobisnaphthalene with a previously unknown molecular skeleton . It was isolated from C. axillaris and demonstrates significant antimalarial activity against resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum .

· Other Phytoconstituents: Phytochemical screening of the ethanol extract has also revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, quinones, saponins, and carbohydrates . A total of 30 bioactive compounds have been identified through GC-MS analysis .

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical Uses Covering the Medicinal Uses

Ascites and Tympanites (Abdominal Swelling)

Formulation: External application of the whole plant.

Preparation and Use: The most well-documented traditional use of Cyanotis axillaris is for the treatment of ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity) and tympanites (abdominal distension due to gas). In traditional medicine, the whole plant is used externally for this purpose .

Reasoning: This traditional use requires modern scientific validation. However, the plant's diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, likely due to its flavonoid and other bioactive components, may contribute to its effectiveness in reducing fluid retention and swelling.

Famine Food and Forage

Formulation: Seeds and whole plant.

Preparation and Use: The seeds of C. axillaris have been used as a famine food, eaten like a cereal or gruel in times of scarcity . The seeds are nutritious, containing approximately 60% starch and 15% protein . The whole plant is also a good forage for livestock .

Reasoning: The high starch and protein content of the seeds provides a valuable source of nutrition when other food sources are scarce.

6. Healing Recipes, Decoctions, and Preparations

External Application for Abdominal Swelling

Purpose: To provide relief from abdominal distension and fluid retention (traditional use).

Preparation and Use:

1. Take a quantity of fresh Cyanotis axillaris plants.

2. Wash and crush them to form a paste.

3. Apply the paste externally over the swollen abdomen.

Note: This is a traditional remedy and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Ascites and tympanites can be symptoms of serious underlying medical conditions.

Culinary Uses of Cyanotis axillaris (Spreading Dayflower)

Cyanotis axillaris is primarily valued as a food source during famines.

1. Seeds as a Cereal

Preparation and Use: The seeds are laborious to collect in sufficient quantity for a meal, but they are considered very nutritious. They can be ground into a flour and used to make a type of gruel or porridge . This is a traditional use in times of food scarcity.

7. In-Depth Phytochemical Profile and Clinical Significance of Cyanotis axillaris

Introduction

Cyanotis axillaris represents a fascinating case of a plant whose traditional use as a food and external remedy is now being complemented by the discovery of novel and potent bioactive compounds. Often dismissed as a humble weed, it is emerging as a source of unique chemical entities, including a novel flavone glycoside with broad-spectrum antibacterial action and a compound with a previously unknown skeleton that shows promise as an antimalarial agent. This places C. axillaris at the forefront of the search for new drugs to combat antimicrobial resistance and malaria.

1. Antibacterial Action: The Novel Flavone Glycoside

Key Compound: 5,7,4'-trihydroxyflavone-8-α-L-rhamnopyranoside-4'-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl .

Quantitative Profile: This compound has been isolated and characterised from the methanolic extract of the plant .

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

· Antibacterial: The isolated flavone glycoside has shown significant antibacterial efficacy against a panel of pathogenic bacteria, including the Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and the Gram-negative Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Salmonella Typhimurium . This indicates a broad-spectrum antibacterial potential, which is crucial in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria. The discovery of a novel antibacterial compound from a common weed highlights the untapped potential of such plants in the search for new antibiotics.

2. Antimalarial Activity: Spiroaxillarone A

Key Compound: Spiroaxillarone A .

Quantitative Profile: A unique compound isolated from Cyanotis axillaris, representing a new class of spirobisnaphthalenes .

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

· Antimalarial: Spiroaxillarone A has demonstrated significant antimalarial activity against resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the most dangerous form of malaria . This is a critical finding, as resistance to existing antimalarial drugs is a growing global health threat. The novel structure of this compound may offer a new avenue for the development of effective antimalarial therapies.

An Integrated View of Healing in Cyanotis axillaris

· For Bacterial and Parasitic Infections: The modern rediscovery of its antibacterial and antimalarial compounds is a powerful testament to the potential of this overlooked plant. It suggests that C. axillaris may have therapeutic value beyond its traditional use for abdominal swelling.

· For Digestive and Systemic Issues: Its use as a famine food and its external application for ascites highlight its ethnobotanical importance as a resource for nutrition and symptomatic relief in traditional communities.

Toxicological Profile and Quality Control

Safety Profile: There is currently no established toxicological profile for Cyanotis axillaris based on the available scientific literature. It is considered a food source in some regions, suggesting a low level of acute toxicity when consumed in moderation. However, comprehensive safety data, particularly for medicinal extracts, are lacking. As with any plant, it should be used with caution and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

Quality Control Parameters: The identification of unique compounds like the novel flavone glycoside and spiroaxillarone A provides a strong basis for the standardisation of extracts from C. axillaris. These compounds can serve as chemical markers to ensure the consistency and potency of herbal products derived from this plant.

Conclusion: Cyanotis axillaris is a remarkable example of a plant that defies its humble status as a weed. From its role as a nutritious famine food to its promising medicinal compounds, it is an undervalued resource with significant potential. The discovery of spiroaxillarone A, a novel antimalarial compound, and a unique flavone glycoside with antibacterial activity, represents a major step forward in the search for new treatments for global health challenges. Cyanotis axillaris stands as a testament to the importance of exploring overlooked flora for their hidden therapeutic treasures, representing a vital link between folk tradition and modern drug discovery.

Disclaimer:

Cyanotis axillaris is generally considered a food plant in some regions, but comprehensive safety data, particularly for concentrated medicinal extracts, are still emerging. Pregnant or nursing women should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using this plant for medicinal purposes. This information is for educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study

· Plant Resources of South-East Asia (PROSEA) No. 10: Cereals - for taxonomic, distribution, and traditional use details .

· Journal of Organic Letters (2019) - for the discovery of Spiroaxillarone A .

· Chemistry & Biodiversity (2023) - for the isolation and characterisation of a novel flavone glycoside .

· Journal of Advanced Scientific Research (2024) - for a survey of medicinal weeds and GC-MS profiling of C. axillaris .

· Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh (University of Chittagong) - for traditional use in Bangladesh .

9. Further Study: Plants That Might Interest You Due to Similar Medicinal Properties

1. Artemisia annua (Sweet Wormwood)

· Species: Artemisia annua | Family: Asteraceae

· Similarities: This plant is the source of artemisinin, the most effective antimalarial drug available. Like Cyanotis axillaris, it has been used in traditional medicine and its active compounds have been pivotal in the fight against malaria.

2. Cinchona spp. (Quinine Bark)

· Species: Cinchona officinalis | Family: Rubiaceae

· Similarities: The bark of this tree is the historical source of quinine, another key antimalarial drug. Its discovery parallels the potential of C. axillaris for the same purpose.

3. Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil / Tulsi)

· Species: Ocimum tenuiflorum | Family: Lamiaceae

· Similarities: A highly revered medicinal plant in India with broad-spectrum antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Like C. axillaris, its extracts are being studied for their potential against various pathogens.

4. Andrographis paniculata (King of Bitters)

· Species: Andrographis paniculata | Family: Acanthaceae

· Similarities: A plant known for its potent antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in traditional medicine for infections and shares a profile of broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with C. axillaris.

-x-xEnd-x-x