Annona crassiflora
Annona crassiflora · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Annona crassiflora is a notable botanical species currently being investigated for its diverse pharmacological potential. Scientific studies have focused on utilizing various plant parts, including the roots, seeds, root bark, and root wood, to derive bioactive compounds. Through the use of ethanolic and methanolic extracts, researchers have identified significant anticholinesterase, antiproliferative, and bactericidal activities. These preparations have shown measurable effects against specific tumor cell lines, larvae, and the bacterium Escherichia coli. Consequently, this plant represents a promising source for developing new therapeutic agents in various medical applications.
- Synonyms
- Annona Macrocarpa · Annona Rodriguesii
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Annonaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root · Seed
Classification
Common Names
Annona crassiflora is a versatile species known by a diverse array of local names across its natural habitat. Depending on the region, it is frequently referred to as Araticum-bruto or Araticum-de-boia. It also carries the distinct designations of Araticum-de-cortiça and Araticum-do-campo. Furthermore, many people simply identify this plant as Araticum-do-Cerrado to highlight its environmental connection. These various common names reflect the deep cultural and regional significance of the plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Annona crassiflora is a botanical species that is frequently identified by several different scientific names in various literatures. Due to taxonomic shifts, the plant is widely recognized by the synonyms Annona macrocarpa and Annona rodriguesii. These overlapping designations often lead to confusion for researchers attempting to categorize the species accurately. Understanding these nomenclatural relationships is essential for maintaining consistency in botanical studies. Consequently, recognizing these synonyms ensures that all discussions regarding Annona crassiflora remain scientifically cohesive.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Annona crassiflora is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the diverse kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is categorized under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Magnoliales, reflecting its evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Annona, it showcases specific morphological traits unique to its group. Finally, this plant is classified under the family Annonaceae, completing its detailed taxonomic profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Annonaceae |
| Genus | Annona |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Annona crassiflora is a plant species widely distributed across the vast landscapes of South America. It maintains a significant presence within Brazil, where it thrives across several distinct geographical regions. The species can be found throughout the North, Northeast, and South of the country. Furthermore, its range extends into the Southeast and West-Central territories of Brazil. This widespread occurrence highlights the plant's adaptability to various Brazilian environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Annona crassiflora is a self-supporting tree that plays a distinct role in its native ecosystem. While it can reach a maximum height of 15 meters, many specimens typically grow to about 6 meters. This versatile growth form allows the species to establish a sturdy presence within its habitat. Through these varying dimensions, the plant demonstrates its ability to adapt to different environmental conditions.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Annona crassiflora has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential through its diverse biological activities. Research indicates that its seed extracts possess potent antiproliferative properties, showing remarkable effectiveness against several human cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the plant exhibits anticholinesterase activity, which suggests its utility in developing new pharmacological treatments. In addition to these roles, ethanolic extracts of the species have proven to be a potent bactericide against various bacterial pathogens. These combined findings highlight the importance of the plant's metabolites in exploring alternative medical therapies.
Compounds
Conditions
Annona crassiflora demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its ability to treat various pathogens and cancer cell lines. The ethanolic extract of this plant serves as a potent bactericide against Escherichia coli. Furthermore, its seed extracts exhibit strong antiproliferative activities against the HT-29 and K-562 human cancer cell lines. This plant also effectively treats the NCI-470 lung and NCI/ADR tumor cell lines by inhibiting their growth. These diverse biological activities highlight the plant's utility in addressing both bacterial infections and specific types of cancer.
Preparations
Annona crassiflora is prepared as an ethanolic extract (EE) which exhibits potent bactericidal properties against various bacteria. This plant is also prepared as a methanolic extract of its leaves to investigate its anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive potential. Research indicates that Annona crassiflora is prepared as root bark and root wood to obtain ethanolic extracts with significant larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti. Additionally, Annona crassiflora is prepared as seed extracts that demonstrate high antiproliferative activity against several human cancer cell lines. These diverse preparations highlight the medicinal versatility of the species in both antimicrobial and pharmacological applications.
Parts used
Annona crassiflora serves as a significant subject of pharmacological research due to the potent biological activities found within its various components. Studies have demonstrated that extracts derived from the root bark and root wood of this plant exhibit remarkable larvicidal effectiveness against Aedes aegypti larvae. Furthermore, the plant's seeds have been identified as highly bioactive, showing significant antiproliferative properties against several human cancer cell lines. Chemical analysis of these seed samples reveals high concentrations of valuable compounds such as caffeic acid, sinapic acid, and rutin. Ultimately, the diverse medicinal potential of both the roots and seeds of Annona crassiflora offers promising avenues for the development of new natural drugs and therapies.