Aglaia odorata
What's the taxonomical classification of Aglaia odorata?
Aglaiya odorata belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida, it is situated in the subclass Magnoliidae, following the biological hierarchy through the order Sapindales. The plant is a member of the family Meliaceae, which falls under the genus Aglaiya, and is specifically identified by its species name, odorata.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Aglaia |
| Species | odorata |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Aglaia odorata has an evergreen, woody structure characterized by opposite, elliptical leaves that measure approximately 5 to 15 centimeters in length and possess a smooth, leathery texture. The foliage typically exhibits a deep green color on the upper surface with a slightly paler underside. Small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers emerge in axillary clusters from the stems. These blossoms are relatively inconspicuous but produce a potent scent that distinguishes the species. The plant often develops a dense, spreading habit as it matures into a small tree or large shrub.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically spanning across countries like China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It thrives primarily in moist, lowland environments such as coastal areas and riverbanks where humidity is high. Within its natural range, the species is commonly found in secondary forests and shaded undergrowth. Some populations have been introduced to other tropical zones due to its popularity in ornamental gardening. This widespread distribution is supported by its ability to adapt to various warm, humid climates.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-draining, fertile soil and consistent moisture to thrive in temperate to subtropical climates.
It prefers locations that receive partial shade to protect its delicate foliage from intense midday sun. Regular watering is essential, though the roots should never sit in stagnant water to avoid rot. Maintaining a moderate temperature range will encourage the development of its highly fragrant, small yellow flowers.
Pruning the shrub in early spring helps promote bushier growth and more abundant blooming.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant utilizes its leaves for medicinal purposes, specifically to treat various ailments through traditional applications. The leaves are often dried and prepared as a decoction or tea to help alleviate digestive issues and reduce inflammation. Some practitioners also use the leaf extracts to manage skin conditions or to soothe respiratory discomfort. These botanical properties make the foliage a vital component in regional herbal remedies. By processing the leaves carefully, people can harness their therapeutic potential for holistic wellness.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", extracts from the leaves of Aglaia odorata Lour. (ELA) are used for their properties of improving blood circulation. This medicinal plant is widely used in the treatment of dizziness, traumatic injuries and bruises. In research involving a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model, ELA was shown to reduce the cerebral infarction area and reverse damage of the cortex and hippocampus. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ELA protects oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced PC12 cells by reducing the number of apoptotic cells. The protective effect of ELA potentially works by suppressing the p53/Puma-mediated mitochondrial caspase-9/3 apoptosis pathway.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaf
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Aglaia odorata, is utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine to clear heat, detoxify the body, and resolve phlegm. Historically, its fragrant flowers have been harvested to create aromatic teas and medicinal infusions used to treat respiratory ailments. Practitioners often prescribe the plant to address issues related to damp-heat in the lungs and to alleviate swelling. Beyond its medicinal roles, the intense scent of the blossoms has been valued in various cultures for its refreshing and calming properties. These traditional applications reflect a long-standing reliance on the plant's chemical constituents for holistic wellness.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Aglaia odorata Lour. is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant possessing properties of improving blood circulation. This plant is widely used in the treatment of dizziness, traumatic injuries and bruises. The study investigated the cerebral protection effect of extracts from the leaves of Aglaia odorata Lour. (ELA). In vivo experiments showed that ELA exerted a significant protective effect on the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ELA showed a significant protective effect on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced PC12 cells. The research suggests that ELA potentially exerts a neuroprotective effect by suppressing the p53/Puma-mediated mitochondrial caspase-9/3 apoptosis pathway.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Aglaia odorata?
This plant has demonstrated significant pharmacological potential through its anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 activity, anti-inflammatory effects, antifungal properties, antitumor activity, and cytotoxic activity. Research indicates that bioactive compounds within the species can inhibit the replication of specific viral pathogens and reduce inflammatory responses in biological systems. Additionally, its ability to combat fungal infections makes it a subject of interest for developing new antimicrobial agents. The plant also exhibits potent cytotoxic activity that contributes to its observed antitumor properties against various cancer cell lines. These diverse biological actions highlight the therapeutic value of Aglaias odorata in medicinal chemistry.
According to a study published by "Antiviral research", Aglaia odorata inhibited plaque formation of HSV-1 by more than 50% at 100microg/ml in a plaque reduction assay. This plant was effective against both thymidine kinase-deficient HSV-1 and phosphonoacetate-resistant HSV-1 strains. In studies involving cutaneous HSV-1 infection in mice, the extract of Aglaia odorata was significantly effective in limiting the development of skin lesions (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between acyclovir and this plant extract in the delay of the development of skin lesions. No toxicity of this plant extract was observed in treated mice.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 activity
- anti-inflammatory
- antifungal
- antitumor activity
- cytotoxic activity
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of medicinal compounds including phenolic and bisamide derivatives, odoratanone A (15), rocaglol, cerebrosides (14), and dammarane triterpenoids. These bioactive constituents contribute to the complex chemical profile that characterizes the species. The presence of specific bisamide derivatives and phenolic compounds often suggests potential pharmacological activities. Additionally, the inclusion of triterpenoids and cerebrosides adds to the plant's multifaceted biological significance. Such chemical diversity makes Aglaia odorata a subject of interest for pharmaceutical research.
According to a study published by "Natural product research", 15 known compounds and 3 new compounds, including 2 bisamide derivatives (1 and 2) and 1 lignin (3), were isolated from Aglaia odorata. Three of these compounds displayed excellent inhibitory activities on α-glucosidase with IC50 values ranging from 54.48 to 240.88 μM, which outperformed the positive control acarborse with an IC50 of 590.94 μM. Additionally, compounds 3, 13, and 15 presented moderate inhibitory activities against butyrylcholinesterase. Compound 17 also exhibited potent PTP1B inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 179.45 μM.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Phenolic and bisamide derivatives
- odoratanone A (15)
- rocaglaol
- cerebrosides (14)
- dammarane triterpenoids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating colorectal cancer and herpes simplex virus type 1 infection due to its diverse bioactive compounds. Researchers have investigated its phytochemical properties to determine how specific extracts might inhibit the growth of malignant tumor cells in the colon. Additionally, the plant exhibits significant antiviral activities that can help manage the symptoms and spread of oral herpes outbreaks. These medicinal applications are supported by studies focusing on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Further clinical exploration remains necessary to fully understand its therapeutic potential for these specific ailments.
According to a study published by "Bioorganic chemistry", Aglaia odorata was used to isolate eight rocaglaol derivatives with cytotoxic activity involving IC50 values ranging from 0.013 to 5.82 uM. A series of 44 derivatives were found to exhibit significant cytotoxic activity with IC50 values lower than 1 uM against tumor cell lines such as HEL, MDA-MB-231, and HCT116. Specifically, four derivatives including 14, 20, 22j, and 22r showed the best activity against HCT116 cells with an IC50 value of 70 nM. Compound 22r was identified as a potential candidate for developing novel anti-colorectal cancer agents. This compound induces apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest while inhibiting Wnt/beta-catenin and MAPK signaling pathways.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- colorectal cancer
- herpes simplex virus type 1 infection
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is commonly prepared as a decoction or an infusion of its leaves and bark to treat various ailments in traditional medicine. These liquid extracts are often used to alleviate digestive issues and reduce inflammation within the body. Some practitioners also utilize the crushed plant material as a topical poultice to soothe skin irritations. The aromatic properties of the leaves are sometimes captured in steam inhalations to clear respiratory passages. These diverse methods allow different chemical constituents of the plant to be utilized effectively for healing.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
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What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and potential digestive upset when ingested. Contact with the leaves or flowers often leads to contact dermatitis, characterized by redness and itching on the skin. Individuals with sensitive constitutions may experience more severe allergic responses such as rashes or swelling. If consumed accidentally, the plant may trigger nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting. Careful handling and avoidance of ingestion are necessary to prevent these adverse health effects.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Aglaia odorata?
This plant pairs most effectively with aromatic herbs such as jasmine, honeysuckle, and rose to enhance its natural sweet, apricot-like scent.
When used in culinary or perfumery contexts, its delicate floral notes benefit from the grounding presence of sandalwood or vanilla. You can also combine it with citrusy herbs like lemon verbena to brighten the overall olfactory profile. These combinations create a layered sensory experience that highlights the subtle fruity undertones of the blossoms.
Using such complementary botanicals prevents the fragrance from becoming one-dimensional.