Aquilaria filaria
Aquilaria filaria · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Aquilaria filaria is a botanical species that has gained scientific interest due to its diverse biochemical profile. Recent investigations into its methanol (MeOH) extracts have revealed significant biological potential. Specifically, these preparations have demonstrated notable antiproliferative activities when tested against various tumor cell lines. A key chemical constituent identified in these studies is 2-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)chromone. This compound serves as a primary focus for understanding the plant's therapeutic implications in oncology.
- Synonyms
- Pittosporum Filarium · Aquilaria Tomentosa · 2 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Thymelaeaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Temperate
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Aquilaria filaria is a remarkable species widely recognized by its common name, Agarwood. In many regions, it is also highly esteemed and referred to as 絲沉香. This plant is prized globally for the aromatic resin it produces, which holds significant cultural and economic value. Whether known by its English or Chinese designation, the species remains a cornerstone of the fragrance industry. Understanding these diverse names helps enthusiasts identify this precious botanical treasure across different languages.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Aquilaria filaria is a botanical species that has been subject to various taxonomic classifications throughout its history. Due to shifting scientific perspectives, it is closely associated with several recognized synonyms, including Aquilaria acuminata. Researchers have also linked the plant to Aquilaria tomentosa, reflecting the complexities of plant identification. Furthermore, historical records connect this species to the names Gyrinopsis acuminata and Pittosporum filarium. Understanding these relationships is essential for maintaining accurate botanical records and ensuring proper scientific communication.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Aquilaria filaria is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae that belongs to the diverse order Malvales. Within this botanical classification, the species is categorized under the class Equisetopsida. It holds a specific place within the family Thymelaeaceae, showcasing unique biological traits common to its relatives. Furthermore, the plant is a primary representative of its namesake genus, Aquilaria. Understanding these hierarchical relationships provides essential insight into the evolutionary history of this important species.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Thymelaeaceae |
| Genus | Aquilaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Aquilaria filaria is a significant species with a broad geographical presence across the tropical regions of Asia. Its natural distribution extends through the Malesian floristic region, encompassing diverse habitats within the Philippines. Furthermore, the plant can be found throughout the Maluku Islands, adding to its regional ecological importance. The range also reaches into Papuasia, where it is established within the landscapes of New Guinea. This wide-reaching footprint highlights the species' adaptability across various tropical island ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Aquilaria filaria is a self-supporting tree that maintains a sturdy presence within its ecosystem. This species typically reaches a maximum height of 14 meters as it grows. Its distinct growth form allows it to establish itself firmly in the landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Aquilaria filaria has demonstrated significant biological potential through the isolation of various phenylethylchromones from its agarwood extracts. Research indicates that these specific compounds possess notable antiproliferative activity against several human tumor cell lines. Specifically, the compound 4',7-dimethoxy-6-hydroxychromone showed a broad spectrum of effectiveness across all tested cells. Furthermore, certain derivatives were found to be selectively inhibitory against multidrug-resistant cell lines, offering a promising avenue for cancer research. This study highlights the plant's therapeutic importance by identifying natural agents capable of suppressing tumor promotion.
Compounds
Conditions
Aquilaria filaria provides phenylethylchromones that demonstrate significant potential in treating various tumor cell lines. Specifically, certain isolated compounds from the plant exhibit broad-spectrum antiproliferative activity against several human tumor cell lines. The extracts also show effectiveness in treating multidrug-resistant cell lines, with specific derivatives providing selective inhibition. Furthermore, these compounds successfully treat tumor promotion by suppressing activity mediated by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced activation of the Epstein-Barr virus early antigen. Through these diverse mechanisms, the plant components address complex oncogenic processes and resistant cellular models.
Preparations
Aquilaria filaria is prepared as MeOH extracts to facilitate the isolation of specific chemical compounds. These methanol extracts of agarwood yielded a new chromone alongside ten known phenylethyl chromones. Researchers utilized these extracts to evaluate various compounds for their antiproliferative and antitumor promoting activities. Through this preparation method, specific substances like 4',7-dimethoxy-6-hydroxychromone were identified for their broad-spectrum effects. The use of MeOH extracts proved essential in discovering the selective inhibitory properties of these derivatives against tumor cell lines.