Alstonia macrophylla
Alstonia macrophylla · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Alstonia macrophylla is a versatile botanical species known for its significant therapeutic potential in traditional and modern medicine. Scientific investigations have focused on its leaves, stems, and roots, particularly through the use of methanol extracts. These preparations are rich in bioactive secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, saponins, sterols, and tannins. Due to these chemical constituents, the plant demonstrates potent antimicrobial, anticancer, antimalarial, and antiprotozoal activities. Specifically, its extracts have shown efficacy against various bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
- Synonyms
- Alstonia Subsessilis · Alstonia Macrophylla Var. Glabra · 9 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Root
Classification
Common Names
Alstonia macrophylla is a remarkable botanical species known by a diverse array of regional and common names. In various parts of the world, it is frequently referred to as the Deviltree, a name that highlights its striking presence. Local communities also recognize this plant through unique identifiers such as Batino and Champek Phnom. Furthermore, the species is widely known by the Vietnamese names Cây So Tua and Cây So Tua. These overlapping designations illustrate the deep cultural and linguistic connections surrounding this versatile plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Alstonia macrophylla is a taxonomically complex species that encompasses several recognized synonyms within its botanical classification. Scientific literature identifies Alstonia acuminata and Alstonia batino as alternative names for this plant. Furthermore, the species has been historically referred to as Alstonia brassii and Alstonia glabriflora in various studies. The classification also includes the specific variety known as Alstonia macrophylla var. acuminata. Understanding these various nomenclatural connections is essential for accurate botanical identification and research.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Alstonia macrophylla belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a significant part of the botanical world. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the order Gentianales. This specific plant is a member of the Alstonia genus, which helps botanists identify its unique characteristics. Furthermore, it is nested within the family Apocynaceae, a group known for its distinct floral structures. Understanding these biological relationships provides essential insight into the evolutionary lineage of this species.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Alstonia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Alstonia macrophylla exhibits a diverse geographical presence that spans across various climatic zones in Asia. In temperate regions, the species is well-established throughout China, specifically within its South-Central and Southeast territories. Its reach extends significantly into tropical landscapes as well, flourishing across the Indian Subcontinent. Within these warm climates, the plant is commonly found in Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. This widespread distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to both temperate and tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Alstonia macrophylla is a distinctive tree characterized by its strong, self-supporting growth form. This species typically reaches a minimum height of 3 meters, though it often establishes itself more robustly at 7 meters. As it matures, the tree can continue to ascend until it reaches a maximum height of approximately 30 meters. Its structural stability allows it to stand prominently within its natural habitat. This impressive vertical reach makes it a notable feature of the forest canopy.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Alstonia macrophylla is a medicinal plant species recognized for its diverse and potent pharmacological properties. Scientific research highlights its promising antimicrobial and anticancer activities, which stem from its rich concentration of bioactive alkaloids. Furthermore, the plant has demonstrated significant antimalarial potential, particularly in studies involving methanol extracts used by indigenous tribes. Beyond these uses, Alstonia macrophylla also exhibits notable antiprotozoal activity against pathogens such as Trypanosoma brucei brucei. These varied biological functions underscore the plant's importance in both traditional medicine and modern pharmacological exploration.
Compounds
Alstonia macrophylla is a plant of significant medicinal interest due to its complex phytochemical profile. Detailed studies of its extracts reveal that the plant contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and saponins. Furthermore, the presence of tannins and sterols contributes to its diverse chemical makeup. Research involving the fractionation of its extracts has specifically identified the presence of beta-sitosterol. These combined chemical constituents are thought to drive the plant's notable antimicrobial properties.
Conditions
Alstonia macrophylla exhibits significant cytotoxic activity against the human lung cancer cell lines COR-L23 and MOR-P. The methanol extracts of its root bark demonstrate this effectiveness in treating both large cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Additionally, the plant possesses potent antimicrobial properties capable of treating various pathogens. Specifically, its extracts are effective against the bacteria Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. The plant also shows activity against the dermatophyte Microsporum gypseum.
Preparations
Alstonia macrophylla is prepared as methanol extracts of root barks to assess cytotoxic activity against human lung cancer cell lines. This species is also prepared as a leaf extract, which has been utilized to obtain various new indole alkaloids. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as methanol extracts for the study of antimicrobial and antimalarial properties in medicinal plants. These different preparation methods allow researchers to isolate specific compounds like alkaloids and flavonoids from various parts of the plant. Through these diverse preparations, Alstonia macrophylla serves as a significant source for both pharmacological and phytochemical investigations.
Parts used
Alstonia macrophylla is a versatile plant species that contains a variety of bioactive compounds within its different anatomical structures. Scientific research has identified numerous indole alkaloids specifically within the leaf extracts of this plant. Furthermore, the stem bark has been studied for its phytochemical properties, although it often shows different levels of activity compared to other parts. The root bark also plays a significant role, as it has demonstrated notable cytotoxic activity against certain human lung cancer cell lines. By examining the leaves, stems, and roots, researchers can better understand the diverse medicinal potential of this entire organism.