Annona purpurea
Annona purpurea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Annona purpurea is a botanical species that has garnered scientific interest due to its diverse pharmacological potential. Recent studies have focused on the methanol extract of its stems to evaluate specific biological activities. Research indicates that these extracts exhibit significant cytotoxic effects against KB cells and possess notable antiprotozoal properties against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Chemical analyses of the plant's seeds, leaves, and stems have identified key bioactive compounds, including beta-sitosterol, glaziovine, purpurediolin, and quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside. Understanding these chemical constituents provides critical insight into the medicinal value of this plant.
- Synonyms
- Annona Prestoei · Annona Manirote · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Annonaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Annona purpurea is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional names across different parts of the world. In Panama, it is frequently referred to as Anona rosada, while it is commonly called Bullock's Heart in other locales. The species also carries the moniker Cashima, reflecting its widespread cultural presence. Some regions identify it as Coeur de Boeuf, a name that highlights its unique characteristics. Finally, in Trinidad and Tobago, it is recognized as both Custard Apple and Manirote.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Annona purpurea is a botanical species that is frequently identified by various scientific names in different taxonomic studies. Within the literature, it is recognized as having several synonyms that reflect its complex classification history. For instance, this plant is often referred to as Annona involucrata in certain botanical records. Additionally, it has been documented under the names Annona manirote and Annona prestoei. Understanding these nomenclatural relationships is essential for researchers seeking to accurately identify the species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Annona purpurea is a fascinating member of the kingdom Plantae that showcases the intricate complexity of botanical classification. Belonging to the class Equisetopsida, this species is deeply rooted in the evolutionary lineage of flowering plants. It falls under the order Magnoliales, a group known for its ancient and significant evolutionary history. Within this order, the plant is specifically categorized under the family Annonaceae. Finally, it resides within the genus Annona, highlighting its close relationship to other notable tropical species.
| 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 purpurea exhibits a broad geographical range that spans across multiple significant regions. In Northern America, the species is widely distributed throughout various parts of Mexico, including the Central, Gulf, Southeast, and Southwest territories. Its presence also extends into the Caribbean, where it can be found in Trinidad and Tobago. This wide distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive in diverse environments across both the northern and southern continents. Such a vast footprint underscores the ecological adaptability of this particular species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Annona purpurea is a self-supporting tree that maintains a sturdy and upright growth form. This species typically reaches a moderate stature, generally topping out at a maximum height of 12 meters. However, in many environments, it may stay more compact with a maximum height of only 8 meters. These characteristics define its structural presence within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Annona purpurea demonstrates significant pharmacological potential through its diverse biological activities. Research indicates that this plant species possesses notable antiprotozoal properties, specifically showing effectiveness against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Furthermore, the plant exhibits potent cytotoxic activity, even ranking as the most cytotoxic against KB cells in certain screenings. This toxicity is further supported by the isolation of novel acetogenins, such as purpurediolin and purpurenin, from its seeds. These findings highlight the importance of Annona purpurea as a rich source of bioactive compounds for medicinal study.
Compounds
Annona purpurea is a plant species characterized by a complex profile of bioactive secondary metabolites. Chemical analysis of its leaves has revealed the presence of several important alkaloids, including glaucine, lirinidine, and N-methylasimilobine. In addition to these nitrogenous compounds, the plant also contains the proaporphine glaziovine. Beyond its alkaloid content, researchers have identified the steroid beta-sitosterol within its methanol extracts. Together, these diverse constituents contribute to the plant's significant pharmacological properties, particularly regarding antiplatelet aggregation activity.
Conditions
Annona purpurea demonstrates significant biological activity by treating KB cells through high cytotoxic effects. The plant also shows effectiveness in treating Trypanosoma brucei brucei, with IC50 values recorded below 10 microg/ml. Furthermore, Annona purpurea contains constituents that treat antiplatelet aggregation by inhibiting various clotting mechanisms. This inhibitory effect extends to treating arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation through specific isolated alkaloids. Finally, the plant's compounds are capable of treating collagen-induced platelet aggregation, highlighting its diverse medicinal potential.
Preparations
Annona purpurea is prepared as a MeOH extract of stems to facilitate chemical investigation. This specific extraction process allowed researchers to isolate three new alkaloids named promucosine, romucosine F, and romucosine G. In addition to these novel compounds, the stem extract yielded 28 previously known substances. The structural identities of the new alkaloids were subsequently confirmed through spectral data and chemical evidence. This method of preparation serves as a crucial step in identifying the complex phytochemical profile of the plant.
Parts used
Annona purpurea serves as a rich botanical source for a diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites. Research indicates that the seeds of this species contain unique cytotoxic acetogenins, such as purpurediolin and purpuracenin, which show promise against human tumor cell lines. Furthermore, the leaves are a significant source of 7-dehydroaporphine alkaloids that demonstrate notable antiplatelet activity. Studies on the stems have also successfully isolated numerous new and known alkaloids through methanol extraction. Collectively, these findings highlight how different parts of the plant contribute distinct chemical profiles to its medicinal potential.