Aglaia crassinervia

Aglaia crassinervia · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Aglaia crassinervia is a botanical species that has garnered scientific interest due to its diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites. Investigations into the plant's bark have specifically focused on the CHCl3-soluble partition derived from methanol extracts. Research has identified key chemical constituents within these preparations, including rocaglaol, 3-epi-cabraleadihydroxylactone, beta-sitosterol, and cabraleadiol. These compounds have demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity when tested against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Consequently, the study of this species provides critical insights into the potential medicinal applications of its unique chemical profile.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Chisocheton Sumatranus · Aglaia Cinerea · 1 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Meliaceae
Distribution
Not available
Plant Parts
Not available

Classification

Synonyms

Aglaia crassinervia is a botanical species that has been associated with several different scientific names throughout its taxonomic history. Due to various classification shifts, it is recognized as having the synonym Aglaia cinerea. Research also identifies the plant under the synonym Aglaia pyricarpa in certain contexts. Furthermore, the species is linked to the name Chisocheton sumatranus within botanical literature. Understanding these overlapping designations is essential for maintaining accurate records of the plant's identity.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Aglaia crassinervia is a distinctive botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Sapindales, reflecting its evolutionary lineage. It specifically falls under the family Meliaceae, which helps botanists understand its biological characteristics. Ultimately, this species is identified by its placement within the genus Aglaia.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Sapindales
Family Meliaceae
Genus Aglaia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Aglaia crassinervia is a plant species with a wide distribution across various tropical regions of Asia. It is prominently found throughout the Indo-China region, spanning countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The species also extends its reach to the Nicobar Islands, showcasing its adaptability to different island environments. Furthermore, its presence is noted within the Malesia region, specifically inhabiting the island of Borneo. This diverse range highlights the significant ecological footprint the plant maintains across Southeast Asian landscapes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Aglaia crassinervia is a self-supporting plant that adopts a distinct tree growth form. It is capable of reaching a maximum height of 20 meters as it matures. This structural stability allows the species to thrive within its natural habitat.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Aglaia crassinervia has demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity through the isolation of various bioactive constituents from its bark. Researchers utilized activity-guided fractionation to identify several new glabretal-type triterpenoids alongside known compounds like rocaglaol. Notably, rocaglaol exhibited potent in vitro cytotoxicity against multiple cancer cell lines, including LNCaP and MCF-7, with efficacy comparable to established drugs like paclitaxel. This compound functions by inducing apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway and triggering G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. These findings suggest that the chemical profile of Aglaia crassinervia holds substantial promise for the development of new anticancer therapies.

Compounds

Aglaia crassinervia is a plant species from Indonesia that serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds. Chemical analysis of its bark has identified several key constituents, including the known triterpenoids 3-epi-cabraleahydroxylactone and cabraleadiol. The plant also contains significant amounts of phytosterols, specifically beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol. Notably, it contains rocaglaol, a cyclopenta[b]benzofuran that exhibits potent anticancer properties. This specific compound has demonstrated the ability to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in various cancer cell lines.

Conditions

Aglaia crassinervia serves as the source of rocaglaol, a cytotoxic compound that demonstrates significant therapeutic potential against various cancer cell lines. This plant derivative effectively treats LNCaP cells by inducing apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway and causing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, the extracts from Aglaia crassinervia exhibit potent in vitro cytotoxic activity against Lu1 cells. The plant's derived compounds also successfully treat MCF-7 cells with high efficacy. Together, these findings highlight the ability of Aglaia crassinervia to combat these specific cellular targets.

Preparations

Aglaia crassinervia is utilized as the source of bark for chemical investigation. This bark serves as the primary material for creating a methanol extract. From this methanol extract, a specific CHCl(3)-soluble partition is prepared. The fractionation of this particular partition facilitates the isolation of various cytotoxic constituents. Consequently, the bark of Aglaia crassinervia undergoes these specific preparation steps to yield bioactive compounds.

Parts used