Aglaia foveolata
Aglaia foveolata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Aglaia foveolata is a botanical species that has become a subject of interest due to its unique chemical profile. Research has identified the presence of the bioactive compound silvestrol within this plant. Studies specifically focus on the chemical properties found in the fruit and the stem. Scientific investigations often utilize a CHCl(3)-soluble extract of the stem bark to isolate these essential constituents. Understanding these components provides valuable insight into the potential medicinal applications of the species.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Stem
Classification
Taxonomy
Aglaia foveolata is a distinctive species that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its place among diverse botanical life. The plant is further categorized into the order Sapindales, which helps scientists understand its evolutionary lineage. It specifically falls under the family Meliaceae, a group known for its unique structural characteristics. Finally, this species is a proud member of the genus Aglaia, defining its specific botanical identity.
| 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 foveolata is a specialized plant species with a distinct geographical footprint across the tropical regions of Asia. Its presence is most notably recorded throughout the Malesia botanical region, where it thrives in diverse habitats. Specifically, the species can be found growing within the lush landscapes of Borneo. It also maintains a significant distribution across Malaya, contributing to the local biodiversity. Furthermore, its range extends to the island of Sumatera, highlighting its importance within these tropical ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Aglaia foveolata is a distinctive tree species characterized by its sturdy and self-supporting growth form. This plant reaches impressive proportions in the wild, with its stature typically extending to a maximum height of 17 meters. However, under certain conditions, the species can grow even larger, potentially reaching a height of up to 22 meters. Such significant scale allows it to establish a prominent presence within its natural ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Aglaia foveolata is a plant indigenous to Borneo that serves as a rich source of bioactive cyclopenta[b]benzofurans. Most notably, the species contains silvestrol, a compound known for its ability to induce autophagy and apoptosis in human melanoma cells. Research has further identified several minor analogues within the plant, including the compound episilvestrol. Additionally, large-scale collections of the plant's stem bark have revealed the presence of 2'''-episilvestrol. These diverse chemical constituents highlight the significant pharmacological potential found within the various parts of Aglaia foveolata.
Conditions
Aglaia foveolata provides bioactive compounds that are used to treat NF-κB (p65) inhibition assays. The plant's constituents demonstrate the ability to treat cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells. Furthermore, derivatives such as silvestrol isolated from the plant effectively treat human melanoma cells by inducing autophagy and apoptosis. These compounds also show promise in the treatment of human cancer cells derived from solid tumors. Through these mechanisms, the plant serves as a vital source for developing potent cytotoxic agents against various cancer cell lines.
Preparations
Aglaia foveolata is prepared as a CHCl(3)-soluble extract derived specifically from its stem bark. This extraction process was utilized to facilitate the isolation of various chemical constituents from a large-scale re-collection of the species. Through this method, researchers successfully identified several minor analogues of silvestrol alongside various triterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The resulting CHCl(3)-soluble extract serves as the essential medium for characterizing these specific bioactive compounds. Consequently, the preparation of the stem bark extract is the foundational step for evaluating the cytotoxicity and inhibitory properties of the plant's metabolites.
Parts used
Aglaia foveolata is a plant species indigenous to Southeast Asia that serves as a vital source of bioactive compounds. Researchers have successfully isolated the potent compound silvestrol from the fruits and twigs of this species. Additionally, the stem bark of the plant has proven to be a rich source for discovering various chemical constituents. Through the study of its stem, scientists have identified several new silvestrol analogues and unique triterpenes. These various parts of Aglaia foveolata continue to provide essential material for developing new treatments in cancer research.