Artocarpus chama
Artocarpus chama · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Artocarpus chama is a botanical species known for containing significant bioactive compounds such as artocarpin, artochamin C, and artonin E. Researchers have focused on its leaves and roots to explore the diverse therapeutic potential of the plant. These specific parts are studied for their notable antioxidant activity and ability to combat oxidative stress. Furthermore, the plant exhibits promising pharmacological properties, including anxiolytic and sedative effects. This makes Artocarpus chama a subject of great interest in the search for natural calming agents.
- Synonyms
- Urostigma Chrysopthalmum · Artocarpus Chaplasha · 2 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Moraceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Root
Classification
Synonyms
Artocarpus chama is a botanical species that is known by several different names within scientific literature. It is frequently identified by its synonym Artocarpus chaplasha, a designation that appears across various taxonomic records. Furthermore, the plant is linked to the names Saccus chaplasha and Ficus chrysopthalma, highlighting the complexities of its classification. Some historical or regional contexts may even refer to it as Urostigma chrysopthalmum. Understanding these various synonyms is essential for researchers studying the diverse nomenclature associated with this specific plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Artocarpus chama belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, showcasing the diverse biological complexity of the natural world. Within this kingdom, the species is categorized under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Rosales, a group that highlights its evolutionary connections. As a member of the genus Artocarpus, it shares a close lineage with several other notable tropical species. Ultimately, this plant is classified within the family Moraceae, placing it among its many distinctive relatives.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Artocarpus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Artocarpus chama exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across multiple regions of Asia. In the temperate zones of Asia, this species can be found specifically within various parts of China, including the South-Central regions. Its tropical distribution is equally significant, stretching across the Indian Subcontinent to include Bangladesh and the state of Assam. Furthermore, the plant thrives within the unique ecological niche of the East Himalaya. This widespread presence highlights the adaptable nature of the species across varying Asian climates.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Artocarpus chama is a self-supporting tree that serves as a significant feature in its natural habitat. This robust species can reach a maximum height of 37.5 meters as it matures. Its impressive growth form allows it to stand tall and dominate the surrounding landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Artocarpus chama serves as a rich source of various isoprenylated flavones, particularly within its root system. Scientific investigations have successfully isolated several key compounds from the plant, including artocarpin, artochamin C, and artonin E. Among these, artonin E demonstrates significant cytotoxicity against several cancer cell lines, such as ovarian and breast adenocarcinoma. Similarly, artochamin C shows potent inhibitory activity against melanoma and other specific carcinoma types. While artocarpin displays a broader range of inhibitory effects, its impact is generally considered weaker than that of the other identified compounds.
Conditions
Artocarpus chama contains bioactive compounds that demonstrate significant therapeutic potential against various cancer cell lines. Specifically, the plant's extracts show an ability to treat 1A9 ovarian cancer cells through strong cytotoxicity. It also exhibits effectiveness in treating HCT-8 ileocecal tumor cells. Furthermore, the plant's principles are capable of treating A549 lung carcinoma. Finally, the medicinal properties of Artocarpus chama extend to the treatment of KB epidermoid carcinoma of the nasopharynx and its drug-resistant variant, KB-VIN.
Preparations
Parts used
Artocarpus chama is a versatile fruit-bearing plant that possesses significant medicinal potential through its various anatomical components. Research into the plant's leaves has revealed that methanolic extracts contain bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant, anxiolytic, and antidepressant properties. Furthermore, the leaves serve as a promising source for developing neuropharmacological treatments due to their favorable pharmacokinetic profiles. Beyond the foliage, the roots of the species are equally important, as they yield unique isoprenylated flavones such as artochamins A-E. These root-derived constituents have demonstrated notable cytotoxic activity against several cancer cell lines, highlighting the plant's diverse therapeutic utility.