Alstonia scholaris
Alstonia scholaris · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (22 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Alstonia scholaris is a versatile plant known for its significant medicinal properties, including anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiplasmodial activities. Utilizing extracts from the leaf and stem, researchers have identified key bioactive chemicals such as betulin, echitamine, lupeol, and ursolic acid. These compounds are particularly effective in addressing various conditions, including fungal infections like Candida albicans, infectious diseases, and malaria. Specialized preparations such as ASE, ASEA, and the capsule of alkaloids from the leaf of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. (CALAS) are utilized to harness these therapeutic benefits. Consequently, this species remains a vital subject of study in the development of natural treatments for diverse health challenges.
- Synonyms
- Alstonia Kurzii · Echites Scholaris · 5 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Distribution
- Northern America
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Alstonia scholaris is a versatile tree known by a wide variety of regional and descriptive names. It is frequently referred to as the Blackboard Tree, a title that highlights its historical significance in certain educational settings. In various parts of the world, you may also encounter it called Baltoji alstonija or Chatim. Many people simply identify the species as Common Alstonia to distinguish it from other flora. Additionally, it is widely recognized by its Vietnamese name, Cay Sua.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Alstonia scholaris is a complex species known to encompass several botanical synonyms within its taxonomic classification. It is scientifically recognized under various names, including Alstonia kurzii and Echites pala. The plant also features several distinct varieties, such as Alstonia scholaris var. avae and Alstonia scholaris var. blumei. Additionally, the variety known as Alstonia scholaris var. velutina is categorized under this same umbrella. Understanding these relationships is essential for accurate identification and botanical study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Alstonia scholaris belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse branch of the natural world. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its fundamental biological structure. The plant is further categorized into the order Gentianales, which helps scientists understand its evolutionary lineage. It is a proud member of the genus Alstonia, a group that shares specific morphological characteristics. Finally, this species is nested within the family Apocynaceae, highlighting its close botanical ties to other flowering plants.
| 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 scholaris exhibits a broad geographic range that spans across various Asian climates. Its distribution extends into temperate regions of China, including the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. Moving into tropical zones, the species is widely established throughout the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, it can be found thriving in the lush landscapes of Assam and Bangladesh. This wide-reaching presence highlights the plant's remarkable ability to adapt to diverse ecological settings.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Alstonia scholaris is a prominent tree species characterized by its robust and self-supporting growth form. This impressive plant can reach a significant stature in the wild, typically scaling heights of up to 30 meters. In certain optimal conditions, it has even been known to achieve a maximum height of 36 meters. Such substantial growth allows it to command a presence within its natural canopy.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Alstonia scholaris is a highly valued medicinal plant recognized for its diverse range of pharmacological activities. Scientific studies have confirmed its strong antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, with specific compounds like ursolic acid demonstrating the ability to combat Gram-positive bacteria. Beyond fighting infection, the plant exhibits significant antioxidant potential, which is often correlated with its various health-safeguarding benefits. It also possesses notable anthelmintic activity, making it effective in treating helminth infections in both human and veterinary contexts. Furthermore, Alstonia scholaris has shown promising antiplasmodial activity, highlighting its traditional and modern importance in the fight against malaria.
Compounds
Alstonia scholaris is a medicinal plant rich in diverse bioactive compounds that contribute to its wide range of therapeutic applications. Research indicates that the plant contains various monoterpene indole alkaloids, including vallesamine and picrinine, which have shown significant potential in treating kidney-related conditions like diabetic and membranous nephropathy. Additionally, the plant is characterized by the presence of triterpenoids such as betulin and lupeol, which exhibit notable anti-proliferative and antibacterial activities. Other important phytochemicals found within the species include echitamine, a compound noted for its potential as a pancreatic lipase inhibitor. Together, these various chemical constituents support the traditional use of Alstonia scholaris in managing complex diseases ranging from respiratory infections to cancer.
Conditions
Alstonia scholaris possesses significant medicinal properties, including the ability to treat fungi and specifically target Candida albicans through its bioactive compounds. This plant is historically utilized in various ethnopharmacies to treat infectious diseases, demonstrating broad antimicrobial efficacy. Research also highlights its potential in treating malaria, as it is frequently used in traditional medicine across Northeast India and Papua Island. Furthermore, studies have investigated its cytotoxic effects against human lung cancer cell lines, such as COR-L23 (large cell carcinoma). These diverse therapeutic applications underscore the plant's value in addressing various pathogenic and malignant conditions.
Preparations
Alstonia scholaris is prepared as ASE, which is a hydro-alcoholic extract from the bark used to study radioprotective efficacy. The plant is also prepared as ASEA and ASE, representing ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts respectively that demonstrate anti-psoriatic potential. Various alkaloids, specifically Alstoniaschines A-I, are obtained from the leaves of Alstonia scholaris. These leaf-derived substances are formulated as CALAS, a capsule of alkaloids used as an investigational botanical drug for respiratory conditions. Furthermore, Alstonia scholaris is prepared as chloroform:methanol fractions, which have shown potent anti-psoriatic activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Parts used
Alstonia scholaris is a highly significant medicinal plant recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties and rich chemical profile. Research indicates that the plant's leaves are a primary source of bioactive compounds, including various alkaloids and triterpenoids that exhibit anti-proliferative effects against lung cancer cells. Additionally, the leaves serve as a critical reservoir for monoterpene indole alkaloids, which are essential for treating respiratory diseases. Beyond the foliage, the stem and bark of the plant also play vital roles in therapeutic applications. For instance, the stem bark is utilized to synthesize antimicrobial zinc oxide nanoparticles and is a key source of echitamine, a potent inhibitor of pancreatic lipase.