Antidesma puncticulatum
Antidesma puncticulatum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Antidesma puncticulatum is a botanical species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to the diverse bioactive properties found within its fruit. Various preparations, including water extracts, methanol extracts (MME), methanol-water extracts (MRW), and supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extracts, have been studied for their therapeutic potential. These preparations are rich in essential chemicals such as cyanidin, flavonoids, vanillic acid, and caffeic acid. Extensive research demonstrates that the plant exhibits potent antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities. Specifically, these components show effectiveness against pathogens like Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, while also mitigating oxidative stress and managing PGE2 levels.
- Synonyms
- Antidesma Bunius Var. Thwaitesianum · Antidesma Thwaitesianum
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Phyllanthaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Antidesma puncticulatum is a plant species widely recognized in local regions by its common name, มะเม่า. This plant is deeply integrated into the cultural and botanical landscape of its native habitat. Many people value it for its distinctive characteristics and its presence in traditional environments. Understanding its common identity helps connect scientific classification with everyday local knowledge. As a result, learning about มะเม่า provides a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of nature and human language.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Antidesma puncticulatum is a plant species that is frequently identified through various botanical synonyms in scientific literature. It is recognized by taxonomists as being synonymous with Antidesma thwaitesianum. Furthermore, the plant is also classified under the name Antidesma bunius var. thwaitesianum in certain botanical records. These overlapping names reflect the complex evolutionary relationships and historical classifications found within the genus. Understanding these nomenclatural links is essential for accurate identification and study within the field of botany.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Antidesma puncticulatum is a fascinating species that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Malpighiales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. It falls under the family Phyllanthaceae, which helps botanists understand its structural characteristics. Finally, its placement within the genus Antidesma defines its unique identity among related botanical relatives.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Phyllanthaceae |
| Genus | Antidesma |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Antidesma puncticulatum is a plant species widely distributed across the tropical regions of Asia. Its presence is prominently noted throughout the Indian Subcontinent, including the island of Sri Lanka. The species also extends its reach into the Indo-China peninsula, covering diverse territories such as Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Additionally, it can be found inhabiting the Andaman Islands, highlighting its broad ecological range. This widespread distribution underscores the plant's ability to thrive within various tropical environments across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Antidesma puncticulatum grows in a distinctive shrub form that allows it to thrive in its natural habitat. This plant is entirely self-supporting, maintaining its structure without the need for external assistance.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Antidesma puncticulatum is a notable indigenous Thai fruit that possesses several significant biological properties. Research indicates that this plant exhibits strong antioxidant activity, which is closely linked to its rich phenolic and flavonoid content. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates effective antimicrobial and antibacterial capabilities, making it a subject of interest for natural preservation and medicine. Studies also highlight its potential antidiabetic effects, particularly through the inhibition of enzymes like α-glucosidase and α-amylase. These diverse health-promoting characteristics suggest that the fruit could be highly valuable in both functional diets and pharmaceutical applications.
Compounds
Antidesma puncticulatum is a plant species that possesses a diverse profile of beneficial polyphenolic compounds. Specifically, the plant contains several key bioactive substances, including cyanidin and vanillic acid. It also serves as a rich source of caffeic acid and ferulic acid. Furthermore, the presence of protocatechuic acid contributes to its complex chemical makeup. These specific components are essential for understanding the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant.
Conditions
Antidesma puncticulatum exhibits significant biological activity by treating the bacterium Bacillus subtilis through its antimicrobial properties. The plant extract also serves to treat inflammation by reducing the levels of nitric oxide (NO) within cells. It effectively treats stress-induced signaling by lowering the phosphorylation levels of JNKs. Furthermore, the extract treats the pro-inflammatory cascade by decreasing COX-2 expression. These combined actions ultimately allow the plant to treat the production of the pro-inflammatory mediator PGE2.
Preparations
Antidesma puncticulatum is prepared as a water extract, which has been noted for its high total phenolic content and strong antioxidant power. The plant is also processed as a macerated marc extract (MME), a method that demonstrates antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis. Additionally, the plant is prepared as a residue after maceration water extract (MRW), which exhibits potent antioxidative capabilities. For more advanced extraction, it is prepared as an SC-CO2 extract using supercritical carbon dioxide to achieve higher yields of phenolic compounds. Finally, the plant is prepared as an ethanol extract through conventional solvent methods to study its bioactive constituents.
Parts used
Antidesma puncticulatum is a lesser-known Thai plant species that produces edible fruit of significant interest. This fruit is among several indigenous varieties studied to explore their specific phenolic and flavonoid contents. Researchers utilized methanolic crude extracts to investigate the potential biofunctional properties of these natural products. By analyzing these extracts, the study aimed to uncover how such fruits might contribute to antioxidant and antidiabetic management. Ultimately, the findings suggest that the fruit of plants like Antidesma puncticulatum could play a role in future pharmaceutical or dietary applications.