Health benefits of Spiny Orange

Strychnos spinosa is a type of plant in the Loganiaceae R. Br. ex Mart. (Logania family). It is also called the Spiny orange, Spiny-seeded monkey orange or green monkey orange. The plant comes from dry and mostly dry parts of Africa. Countries like Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Mali, Chad, Uganda, Niger, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mozambique are part of its original range. It can also be found in Saudi Arabia and Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula. Some common names for the plants are Bitter-apple, Marmalade orange, Bitter orange, Bigarade orange, Trifoliate orange, Sour orange, Seville orange, Laraha orange, Bergamot orange, Canavaril orange, Wild orange, Forbidden fruit, Seville sour orange, Seville bitter orange, Bitter orange tree, and Curacao orange.

The Greek word “strychnon,” which means dangerous plant, is where the genus name “Strychnos” comes from. It may come from the Greek word “strychnos,” which means “nightshade” or “snake.” The name “spinosa” comes from the Latin word “spinosus,” which means “thorny” or “spiny.” It refers to the plant’s spines or thorns, which can be found on its stalks or stems. The tree makes a famous fruit that is often picked from the wild and used in the area. It also gives a variety of medicines, a bug repellent, and things that can be used in the area. When the forest is cleared for farming, the plant is often left to grow. It is an old crop from Africa that comes from wild plants that have deadly fruits. Over time, many different grown races with tasty fruits have been created. It is grown in West Africa, Madagascar, and South Florida for its edible fruit, and it has been brought to Israel to test as a possible new industrial crop.

Spiny Orange Facts

Plant Description

Spiny orange is a small to medium-sized, deciduous, thorny shrub or small tree with a round crown and a thick, thorny canopy. It often has more than one stem. The tree usually grows between 8 and 20 feet (2.4 to 6 meters) tall and 6 to 15 feet (1.8 to 4.5 meters) wide. Some types and well-grown plants, on the other hand, can grow up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) tall or more. The plant grows in open woods, bush savannah, galleried forest, bush savannah, riverine fringes, sand forest, coastal bush, scrublands, and sometimes galleried forest. The plant likes to grow in slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0) soil that drains well. It can grow in a variety of soils, like sandy, loamy, or clay. But it’s important to make sure the land drains well so it doesn’t get flooded. The popular name for these fruits comes from the spikes or spines that cover them.

Appropriate growing environment of Spiny orange

Spiny Orange is a deciduous shrub native to East Asia. It is commonly grown for its ornamental qualities and its hardy nature. Here are the appropriate growing conditions for Spiny Orange:

• Climate: Spiny Orange grows well in temperatures that range from cool to hot. It can live in temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F) during the winter. It can also live through hot weather, but it likes it cooler.
• Sunlight: Spiny Orange needs to be in full sun to grow well. It should be planted in a spot where it can get at least 6–8 hours of direct sunshine per day.
• Soil: The plant does best in slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0) soil that drains well. It can grow in a variety of soils, like sandy, loamy, or clay. But it’s important to make sure the land drains well so it doesn’t get flooded.
• Watering: Spiny Orange can survive in dry conditions once it is established, but it needs to be watered often while it is getting started. Water the plant fully, but not too often. Between watering, let the soil dry out a little bit. Root rot can happen if you water too much.
• Fertilizer: Most of the time, Spiny Orange doesn’t need to be fertilized very often. You can, however, use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the spring to help plants grow well. Follow the guidelines on the bag of fertilizer for how much to use.
• Pruning: Remove any dead, broken, or crossed branches from a Spiny Orange in late winter or early spring. This will keep the plant’s shape and help it grow new leaves.
• Pests and diseases: Most pests and diseases don’t bother Spiny Orange. It can, however, sometimes get aphids, scale insects, or fungal diseases. Check the plant often for signs of pests or diseases and, if necessary, use insecticidal soap or fungicides to get rid of them.

Root

When it is young, the spiny orange tree grows a taproot system. The taproot grows straight down from the base of the tree and is the main thing that holds the tree in place. It also makes it easier for the tree to get water and nutrients from the lower layers of soil. As the tree grows older, the taproot may be replaced over time by a larger network of branching roots. A spiny orange tree’s lateral roots grow out from the taproot and go in a horizontal direction in the dirt. They spread out in different directions, usually in the top few feet of soil, so they can look for water and food in a bigger area. These lateral roots are usually smaller than the taproot, but they form a thick network that helps the tree stay stable and get the most out of its resources.

Roots are very important to the life of a Spiny Orange plant in many ways. They keep the plant firmly in the ground and give it support and security. The plant can’t grow or develop without water and nutrients from the dirt, which the roots take up. They also store carbs and other nutrients so the plant can use them when it needs to.

Stem

The main branch of a spiny orange tree is called the trunk. It is straight and made of wood. It is the center of the tree’s structure above ground. As the tree gets older, its bark gets rougher and the trunk gets bigger. The trunk sends out horizontal branches, which grow from the main plant. The branches are secondary stems that give the tree’s leaves and flowers more support. They also help the tree get water and nutrients to all of its parts. There are nodes all along the stem and branches. These are where the leaves, flowers, and side branches connect. There is a bud at each node that could turn into a new plant or flower.

Internodes are the parts of a tree that are not a node. These parts of the stem that are longer than the rest make room for growth and lengthening. This lets the tree grow taller and bigger overall. The thorns or spines on the stem of the spiny orange are something that makes it stand out. These sharp structures grow from the stem and branches and protect the plant from animals and other dangers. There are vascular bundles in the stem. These are special fibers that move water, nutrients, and sugars all over the tree. The roots send water and minerals up through tubes called xylem, while the leaves send sugars and other organic molecules to other parts of the tree through tubes called phloem.

Bark

The bark is rough and has small ridges. Especially in older trees, it may look a little rough. Depending on how old the tree is, the bark will be a different color. Younger trees usually have smoother, lighter-colored bark that is light grey or greyish brown. As the tree gets older, its bark gets rougher and darker, going from dark grey to brownish-gray. The bark isn’t very thick, but it can get thicker as the tree gets older.

Small, raised bumps called lenticels cover the bark. Lenticels are holes that let gases move back and forth between the inside of the tree and the outside air. They look like tiny, corky spots on the bark, and younger twigs may show them off more. The thorny stems of the Spiny orange tree are one of the things that make it stand out. The thorns are stems or stipules that have been changed and stick out of the bark. These spines can be different sizes and densities, but in general they are sharp and stiff and help the tree protect itself.

Leaves

The leaves are small and shaped like an ellipse. They have a shape that is either ovate or oblong-elliptical, which means that they are long and thin and end in a point. Most of the time, the leaves are between 4 and 8 centimeters long. The leaf feels like leather and is hard and shiny. The tops of the leaves are smooth and shiny, while the bottoms may be a little bit paler and look matte. Along the stems, the leaves are arranged in pairs. This means that each leaf comes out of the stem in a different order, with each leaf slightly higher than the one below it.

Leaves are dark green and show a lustrous appearance. The shade of green can be a little different based on things like how much light the tree gets and how healthy it is overall. Most of the time, the ends of the leaves are smooth and whole, which means they don’t have any cuts or lobes. The ends are smooth and rounded all the way around. The leaves have large veins that run along the length of the leaf. From the midrib, these veins spread out and can be seen on both the top and bottom of the leaf. When the leaves are broken or crushed, they give off a scent that is similar to that of citrus foods.

Flower

The flowers are small, with a width of about 2 to 3 centimeters. They look like stars and have five flowers that spread out from the center. The Spiny orange’s leaves are white or a creamy white color. Most of the time, they are long or oval, with slightly rounded ends, and they meet in a symmetrical way. The flowers have a strong smell that is both sweet and lemony. The smell is similar to that of other citrus flowers, and it can be very nice and enticing.

There are many stamens around the center pistil of the flower. The stamens are long and thin, and at the end of each one is a yellow anther that holds pollen. The pistil is the part of the flower that makes seeds. The pistil of the Spiny orange is in the middle of the flower and is made up of a single long structure with a round stigma at the top. When a flower is fertilized, the pollen sticks to the stigma. Most of the time, the Spiny orange has flowers in the spring. The exact time can change based on the weather and how the plants are growing. Like other citrus trees, the Spiny orange depends on pollinators, like bees and other insects, to move pollen from one flower to the next and help the plant grow fruit. These insects are drawn to the flowers by their scent and nectar.

Fruits

The fruits are small, with a width of about 2 to 4 centimeters. Most of the time, they are round or slightly oval. The thin, smooth, and tough skin of the fruit is also called the rind or peel. It looks shiny and is usually green when it is young. As it ripens, it turns a bright orange color. The peel is usually smooth, but it may have small bumps or wrinkles. On the skin of the fruit, there may be tiny oil glands or pores that look like tiny dots or dimples. These oil glands store fragrant oils that help give citrus its distinctive smell.

The Spiny orange fruit is green when it is young, but as it ripens, it turns a bright orange color. The change in color shows that the fruit is mature and ready to eat. The meat is juicy, acidic, and tastes sour. It tastes like a mix of lemon and lime, with a unique citrus flavor. When the fruit is peeled or cut open, it gives off a lemon scent that is both fresh and calming. Like other citrus fruits, the fruit is made up of several pieces. The pulp inside these pieces is juicy and has small, oval-shaped seeds. The amount of seeds in a fruit can vary, and some fruits may not have any at all.

Seeds

Most seeds are small and oval in shape. They are flat and have a smooth surface, making them look like small ellipses. The seeds can be different sizes, but they are usually between 5 and 8 millimeters long. The seeds range in color from light brown to dark brown, depending on how ripe they are.

Health benefits of Spiny orange

Spiny orange, also known as bitter orange or Seville orange, is a citrus fruit that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is native to Southeast Asia but is now cultivated in many parts of the world. Here is some of the health benefits associated with spiny orange:

1. Digestive Health

Synephrine, which is found in spiny orange, has been shown to make the digestive system work better. It can help stomach work better, get rid of constipation, and ease the pain of indigestion.

2. Weight Loss

People also think that the synephrine in spiny orange has thermo genic qualities, which means that it can speed up the metabolism and help burn fat. Because of this, it is used as a natural ingredient in supplements and other goods that help people lose weight.

3. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Spiny orange has anti-inflammatory flavonoids and antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E. Inflammation is linked to many long-term diseases, like heart disease, arthritis, and some types of cancer. These compounds can help lower inflammation in the body.

4. Immune System Support

Spiny orange has a lot of vitamin C, which is important for a good immune system, just like other citrus fruits. Vitamin C helps the body make more white blood cells, which are very important for fighting off diseases and infections.

5. Cardiovascular Health

Compounds in spiny orange, like hesperidin and naringin, may be good for your heart, according to some studies. They can help lower cholesterol; improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure, all of which are good for the health of the heart.

6. Antimicrobial Properties

The essential oils in the spiny orange kill bacteria and other germs. Because of these qualities, it can be used to fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which can help avoid infections and improve overall health.

7. Skin Health

The vitamin C and other antioxidants in spiny orange can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. They can also help the body make collagen, which helps the face look healthy and young.

8. Mood and Stress Relief

Aromatherapy often uses the smell of spiny orange essential oil to help people feel less stressed and anxious and to help them relax. People think it has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps improve mood and general health.

9. Antioxidant Protection

Vitamin C, flavonoids, and beta-carotene are all antioxidants that are found in large amounts in spiny orange. These antioxidants stop dangerous free radicals from doing damage. This protects cells from oxidative stress and lowers the risk of getting chronic diseases.

10. Anti-diabetic Properties

Some of the chemicals in spiny orange, like naringin, may help control blood sugar and make insulin work better. This can be helpful for people who already have diabetes or are at risk of getting it.

11. Respiratory Health

The expectorant qualities of spiny orange essential oil help loosen mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tract. This makes it easier to cough up mucus and phlegm, which can help with breathing problems like bronchitis and asthma.

12. Liver Health

Some of the chemicals in spiny orange, like naringenin and hesperidin, have qualities that protect the liver from damage and help it do its job.

13. Anti-cancer Potential

Studies have shown that flavonoids and limonoids, which are found in spiny orange, can help fight cancer. They might stop cancer cells from growing and lower the risk of some kinds of cancer.

14. Cognitive Function

Spiny orange may be good for brain health because it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Flavonoids in spiny orange have been shown to have the ability to improve brain function, boost memory, and lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

15. Anti-allergic Effects

Compounds in spiny orange, like hesperidin and nobiletin, can help with allergies. They may help relieve allergic responses and symptoms by stopping the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.

16. Wound Healing

Applying spiny orange essential oil directly to a cut has been done for a long time to help it heal. Its antimicrobial qualities help keep infections from happening, and its antioxidants help tissues heal and grow back.

17. Eye Health

Spiny orange has vitamins C and A as well as antioxidants such as beta-carotene and lutein. These chemicals help keep the eyes healthy and protect against age-related problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.

18. Bone Health

Minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are found in spiny orange, are important for good bones and teeth. Getting enough of these nutrients helps keep bones strong and prevents diseases like osteoporosis.

19. Anti-aging Effects

Spiny orange has a lot of antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress and free radical damage, which are both signs of aging. Regularly eating spiny orange can help your face look younger and give you more energy.

20. Blood Pressure Regulation

Some studies show that the chemicals in spiny orange, such as hesperidin, may help control blood pressure. As part of a healthy diet, eating spiny orange may help keep blood pressure in a healthy level.

21. Respiratory Infections

Spiny orange has antimicrobial properties that can help fight against bacterial, viral, and fungal respiratory illnesses. It might help with things like a cough, a stuffy nose, or a sore throat.

22. Anti-anxiety and Calming Effects

In aromatherapy, the essential oil of spiny orange is often used to help people calm down, rest, and feel less anxious. It can help relieve the symptoms of worry and make you feel better.

23. Energy Boost

Spiny orange gives you natural energy because it is full of vitamins, minerals, and carbs. Spiny orange is a good way to get more energy and fight fatigue.

24. Oral Health

It is thought that the antibacterial properties in the peel of a spiny orange can help fight oral bacteria, reduce bad breath, and improve general oral hygiene.

25. Antidepressant Effects

Researchers have found that the smell of spiny orange essential oil can help lift your mood and ease the symptoms of sadness. It makes people feel good and improves their happiness.

Traditional uses and benefits of Spiny Orange

• They have been used to treat stomach problems, malaria, fever, and bugs in the intestines.
• They are also used as a laxative, to treat problems with the uterus, and to heal sore eyes.
• People with earaches put juice from the fruit and roots in their ears.
• Roots, leaves, and bark are used to treat problems with the male parts.
• Roots or green foods that make you feel sick are used to treat snakebites.
• The roots are made into a decoction that can be taken by mouth to treat colds or drunk with milk to treat dropsy.
• The roots alone can make you feel sick and can also be used to treat fever and red eyes.
• The Tiv people of Nigeria use the plant alone or with extracts from other plants to treat snakebites, venereal diseases, increase the flow of breast milk in nursing moms, and increase physical strength.
• Some people use root infusions to treat snakebites.

Different uses of Spiny orange

Spiny orange is a plant species found in various parts of Africa. It has several uses across different domains. Here are some of the notable uses of Strychnos spinosa:

• Food and Beverages: Spiny orange has fruits that can be eaten and are used in some African dishes. The ripe fruits can be eaten raw or used to make drinks, jams, or jellies. In some places, the fruit pulp is used to make boozy drinks by fermenting it.
• Cultural and Ritual Uses: Spiny orange is important to the culture of some African groups. In rites and ceremonies, the plant is sometimes used as a sign of fertility, protection, or cleansing.
• Wildlife and Ecology: Spiny orange is important to the environment because it provides food for animals. Different animals, like birds, monkeys, and other mammals, eat the fruits. This helps the seeds spread and helps the plant reproduce and stay alive.
• Ornamental Plant: Spiny orange is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant in parks and landscapes because it looks nice. It has a dense canopy of shiny leaves and thorny branches.
• Natural Dye: The tannins in the bark of Spiny orange can be used to make natural dyes. It makes a yellowish-brown color, and in some traditional ways, the bark is boiled to get the dye, which is then used to color cloth, leather, or basketry.
• Timber: Wood from the Strychnos spinosa tree is known for being tough and long-lasting. Local people will sometimes use it to make small tools, dishes, or furniture.
• Insect Repellent: The leaves and bark of Spiny orange have chemicals that keep insects away. In some places, the plant is used as a natural way to keep mosquitoes and other insects away by burning the leaves or rubbing crushed leaves directly on the face.
• Erosion Control: Spiny orange has deep roots that help keep the earth stable and stop erosion in places where land degradation or erosion is common. Planting Strychnos spinosa in these places can help protect the land.
• Traditional Crafts: Spiny orange’s thorny branches are used in traditional crafts in some countries. They are often used to make complex patterns and give structure to baskets when they are woven.
• Livestock Feed: In dry areas, the leaves of the Spiny orange plant can be used to feed animals. Goats and camels feed on it, and it gives them nutrients when there isn’t much else to eat during the dry season.
• Natural Pesticide: Some bugs can be killed by extracts of Spiny orange that kill insects. They can be used as a natural pesticide to get rid of pests in farming or to keep bugs from getting into stored grains.
• Traditional Fibers: Spiny orange has a flexible inner bark that can be used to make fibers. You can spin these fibers and use them to make ropes, twine, mats, and other things that are weaved.
• Soil Amendment: Spiny orange leaves and dead twigs can be used to make natural mulch or compost. When they are mixed into the soil, they add organic matter, improve the structure of the soil, and make it easier for nutrients to stay in the soil.
• Traditional Crafts: Traditional crafts use parts of Spiny orange like the thorny twigs or dried fruits. They can be used to make decorations, jewelry, or art pieces that stand out.
• Erosion Control and Landscaping: Spiny orange can be used to stop erosion on slopes or mountains because it grows in a dense mat and have sharp thorns. It can be grown as a barrier or used in landscaping to make natural boundaries or hedges.
• Ritual and Cultural Symbolism: In some cultures, Spiny orange is used in ceremonies and rituals. It can be used in ceremonies, rituals, or spiritual practices to represent safety, purification, or a link with the natural world.

Side effects of Spiny orange

While Strychnos spinosa has various traditional uses, it’s important to note that like any other medicinal plant, it may have potential side effects. Here are some possible side effects associated with the use of Strychnos spinosa:

• Toxicity: Some of the chemical ingredients in Spiny orange, like alkaloids, can be harmful if you eat too much of them. These chemicals may stimulate the central nervous system and can be dangerous if too much of them are taken in.
• Allergic Reactions: Some people may have an allergy to Spiny orange or one of its parts. Symptoms of allergic responses can vary in how bad they are and include things like a rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing. It’s important to be careful and stop using if you have any allergic responses.
• Interactions with Medications: Spiny orange may combine with some prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. These interactions can change how well or safely the drugs work. If you are taking any medicines, you should talk to a doctor or nurse before using Strychnos spinosa.
• Digestive Disturbances: Spiny orange or its extracts may cause stomach problems like sickness, vomiting, or diarrhea in some people. These symptoms are usually mild and short-lived, but people who are sensitive may experience them.
• Central Nervous System Effects: Spiny orange contains alkaloids, which can stimulate the central nervous system if used too much or in the wrong way. This can lead to signs like restlessness, anxiety, tremors, muscle spasms, or convulsions. Seizures can happen if it gets bad enough.
• Cardiovascular Effects: The chemicals in Spiny orange may affect the heart and blood vessels. If you take too much of the plant or its extracts, your heart rate could go up, your blood pressure could go up, or your beating could become irregular.
• Muscle Rigidity: The alkaloids in Spiny orange can make muscles stiff and cause them to twitch. This can lead to stiff muscles, cramps, or muscles that contract on their own.
• Respiratory Distress: Alkaloids from Spiny orange can affect the respiratory system if too many or too high amounts are taken. This can cause trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or respiratory distress.
• Neurological Symptoms: Alkaloids in Spiny orange can affect the central nervous system and cause signs like tremors, jerky movements, heightened reflexes, or even seizures.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: When exposed to Spiny orange, some people may have hypersensitivity responses, which can show up as rashes, itching, swelling, or allergic reactions.

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=505393#null

https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=35855

https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.51909

https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/SYHSP

http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2598152

https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Strychnos+spinosa

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strychnos_spinosa

https://pza.sanbi.org/strychnos-spinosa

https://apps.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Strychnos_spinosa.PDF

https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=STSP8

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