Anthoshorea roxburghii
Anthoshorea roxburghii · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Anthoshorea roxburghii is a notable plant species that has garnered scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic potential. Research focusing on the flower reveals that its various extracts, including water and ethyl acetate preparations, possess significant biological properties. These extracts are rich in key bioactive compounds such as cinnamic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and various flavonoids. Because of this chemical profile, the plant demonstrates promising antioxidant and anticancer activities. Consequently, studying these specific components offers valuable insights into the plant's medicinal applications.
- Synonyms
- Vatica Laccifera · Shorea Harmandii · 9 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Dipterocarpaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Flower
Classification
Common Names
Anthoshorea roxburghii is a distinctive botanical species known by a variety of different names across various regions. In many English-speaking contexts, it is frequently referred to by the common name White Meranti. Local dialects and regional traditions also offer several unique identifiers, such as jalla and talura. Some enthusiasts and researchers may even recognize it as the taloora lactree. Finally, in Thailand, this beautiful plant is widely identified by its local name, พะยอม.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Anthoshorea roxburghii is a species known to be associated with several botanical synonyms within scientific literature. It has been previously identified under the name Anthoshorea harmandii in various taxonomic records. Furthermore, this plant shares a complex history with the genus Shorea, including classifications such as Shorea attopoensis and Shorea floribunda. The species is also linked to Shorea cochinchinensis, as well as its specific variety, Shorea cochinchinensis var. saigonensis. Understanding these diverse nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Anthoshorea roxburghii is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. This species is categorized within the class Equisetopsida and belongs to the order Malvales. Further classification places it within the specific genus Anthoshorea. Finally, it is a recognized part of the Dipterocarpaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Dipterocarpaceae |
| Genus | Anthoshorea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Anthoshorea roxburghii is a notable botanical species primarily distributed throughout the tropical regions of Asia. Its presence is firmly established across the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the borders of India. Furthermore, the plant extends its range into the Indo-China peninsula, flourishing in the diverse landscapes of Cambodia and Laos. It is also commonly found throughout the territories of Myanmar and Thailand. This widespread distribution highlights the species' ability to thrive in various tropical environments across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Biological Activities
Anthoshorea roxburghii, also known as Shorea roxburghii, has demonstrated significant pharmacological potential through its dual antioxidant and anticancer activities. Recent studies focusing on the plant's flowers have revealed a rich profile of phytochemicals, including high levels of phenolics and flavonoids. Research indicates that water and ethyl acetate extracts possess strong antioxidant properties, effectively utilizing FRAP and DPPH scavenging capabilities. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate extract shows remarkable anticancer efficacy by inhibiting several gastrointestinal cancer cell lines while maintaining lower toxicity toward normal cells. These findings suggest that the natural compounds found within the plant could serve as a foundation for developing safer and more effective cancer therapeutics.
Compounds
Anthoshorea roxburghii serves as a promising source of natural bioactive compounds for medicinal research. Recent metabolic profiling has identified that this plant contains several key phytochemicals, including cinnamic acid and its various derivatives. Specifically, the presence of coumaric acid and ferulic acid within the plant extracts plays a significant role in its biological activity. These specific substances have shown a positive association with reduced cell viability in gastrointestinal cancer models. Consequently, the identification of these compounds highlights the potential of the plant in developing safer anticancer therapeutic agents.
Conditions
Anthoshorea roxburghii exhibits significant anticancer potential against various gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) cell lines. Specifically, the plant extracts demonstrate strong inhibitory activity toward AGS cells. Research also shows that it effectively treats HepG2 cell lines by inducing apoptosis and reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, the plant has been shown to treat KKU-213B cells with measurable inhibitory effects. These findings collectively highlight its therapeutic capability in addressing gastrointestinal cancer.
Preparations
Anthoshorea roxburghii is prepared as various extracts to investigate its phytochemical, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Specifically, the plant is prepared as a water extract, which demonstrates the strongest reducing power and DPPH scavenging activity. It is also prepared as an ethyl acetate extract, a form that contains the highest levels of phenolic and flavonoid contents. This ethyl acetate preparation shows significant inhibitory activity against several gastrointestinal cancer cell lines. Through these different extraction methods, the potential of the plant as a source for safer anticancer agents is evaluated.
Parts used
Anthoshorea roxburghii contains the flower as a significant part used in medicinal research. Recent studies have focused on extracting bioactive compounds from these floral components to address gastrointestinal cancer. By analyzing various extracts, researchers identified high levels of phenolic and flavonoid contents that contribute to therapeutic potential. These phytochemicals demonstrate a strong ability to induce apoptosis and reduce cell viability in specific cancer cell lines. Ultimately, the medicinal properties found within the flower offer a promising avenue for developing safer anticancer treatments.