Annickia chlorantha
Annickia chlorantha · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Annickia chlorantha is a versatile medicinal plant whose leaves, stems, and roots are utilized in various traditional preparations. Through the use of decoctions and aqueous extracts, such as Hepasor, this species provides significant therapeutic potential. The plant is rich in bioactive chemicals, including palmatine, 7,8-dihydro-8-hydroxypalmatine, acetogenins, and DL-tetrahydropalmatine. These compounds drive its potent antimicrobial and antimalarial activities, making it a valuable resource for combating malaria and various bacteria. Furthermore, its medicinal properties offer promising applications in the treatment of conditions like cutaneous leishmaniasis.
- Synonyms
- Enantia Chlorantha
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Annonaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Annickia chlorantha is a distinctive botanical species recognized by several different regional identifiers. Within various local contexts, it is frequently referred to by the common name African yellowwood. In other areas, the plant is also widely known as Moambé jaune. These overlapping names highlight the diverse linguistic landscape surrounding its cultivation and discovery. Understanding these common terms helps researchers and enthusiasts identify the tree more easily across different territories.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Annickia chlorantha is a botanical species that is frequently discussed in various scientific contexts. It is important to note that this plant is also widely recognized by its synonym, Enantia chlorantha. Researchers often use these two names interchangeably when documenting its ecological characteristics. Understanding this nomenclatural relationship is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies. Consequently, recognizing both terms ensures clarity when navigating taxonomic literature.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Annickia chlorantha is a remarkable botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Magnoliales, reflecting its evolutionary lineage. It specifically falls under the genus Annickia, which distinguishes its unique characteristics. Finally, this species is a prominent member of the Annonaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Annonaceae |
| Genus | Annickia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Annickia chlorantha is a botanical species found throughout various regions of the African continent. Its natural distribution spans across West Tropical Africa, encompassing nations such as Liberia and Nigeria. The plant also flourishes within the West-Central Tropical Africa zone, stretching into territories like Cabinda. Furthermore, its presence is well-documented in the lush landscapes of Cameroon and Congo. This widespread geographic range highlights the species' adaptability to the diverse tropical environments of the region.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Annickia chlorantha is a robust, self-supporting tree that serves as a significant feature in its natural habitat. This species typically reaches a substantial stature, with a maximum height often cited around 25 meters. However, under optimal conditions, the tree can grow even taller, potentially reaching up to 27.43 meters. Its strong growth form ensures it remains a stable and commanding presence within the forest canopy.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Annickia chlorantha is recognized for its significant medicinal potential, particularly regarding its therapeutic activities against various pathogens. Research indicates that this plant possesses notable antimalarial properties, with its extracts showing efficacy in managing parasite levels. Beyond its impact on malaria, the species also demonstrates robust antimicrobial activity, especially when utilizing its bark. Specifically, ethanolic extracts of the bark have proven effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including resistant strains. These combined biological activities highlight the plant's value as a promising source for future drug discovery and natural product development.
Compounds
Annickia chlorantha is a versatile medicinal plant from the Annonaceae family that is widely utilized in traditional African medicine for treating infectious diseases like malaria. Its complex phytochemical profile is characterized by the presence of bioactive acetogenins and saponins. Research has also identified significant isoquinoline alkaloids within the plant, specifically palmatine and its derivative, DL-tetrahydropalmatine. Furthermore, the plant contains palmitin, a compound that has demonstrated antibacterial activity comparable to certain reference antibiotics. These diverse chemical constituents contribute to the plant's wide range of pharmacological properties and potential anticancer applications.
Conditions
Annickia chlorantha is a multi-purpose medicinal plant used traditionally to treat malaria in various African regions. In Gabon, this species has been identified as a common plant used for the prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19-related symptoms. Its antimicrobial properties extend to the treatment of Candida albicans 10231, specifically through its bark extracts. Furthermore, the plant's protoberberine alkaloids can treat D-galactosamine-traumatized rats by mitigating biochemical and morphological changes. This therapeutic effect is particularly evident in the regeneration of D-galactosamine-traumatized rat liver, where the plant helps restore cell architecture and promote healing.
Preparations
Annickia chlorantha is prepared as Hepasor, a protoberberine alkaloid mixture used to promote liver regeneration and healing. The plant is also prepared as decoctions, which are traditionally utilized in the treatment of various forms of ulcers. Furthermore, Annickia chlorantha is prepared as bark to obtain specific protoberberine-type alkaloids for anti-ulcer research. Research also demonstrates that the plant is prepared as an aqueous extract, which has shown effectiveness in suppressing malaria infections in mice. These various forms, including both aqueous extract and aqueous extracts, serve different medicinal purposes in experimental and traditional contexts.
Parts used
Annickia chlorantha, also frequently referred to in scientific literature as Enantia chlorantha, is a multi-purpose medicinal plant belonging to the Annonaceae family. Various parts of the plant are utilized in traditional African medicine to treat infectious diseases, including malaria and bacterial infections. Research has demonstrated that the leaves contain bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal profile. Additionally, the stem and stem bark serve as significant sources for isolating potent alkaloids and acetogenins. The root and root bark also provide valuable chemical constituents, such as palmatine, which are used in pharmaceutical studies.