Artocarpus lacucha
Artocarpus lacucha · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Artocarpus lacucha is a versatile plant known for its significant therapeutic potential across various medicinal applications. Research indicates that its extracts, including crude aqueous, methanolic, and latex preparations, exhibit powerful antioxidant, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective activities. The plant contains key bioactive chemicals such as oxyresveratrol and puag-haad, which contribute to its complex pharmacological profile. Specifically, the root has demonstrated efficacy in treating conditions like taeniasis and supporting wound healing and analgesic needs. Furthermore, its antiglycation properties highlight its importance in modern natural medicine studies.
- Synonyms
- Prainea Rumphiana · Artocarpus Yunnanensis · 4 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Moraceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Synonyms
Artocarpus lacucha is a botanical species that has been subject to various taxonomic reclassifications over time. Throughout historical studies, it has been identified by several synonyms, including the names Artocarpus cumingianus var. stenophyllus and Artocarpus ficifolius. The plant is also frequently associated with the names Artocarpus lakoocha and Artocarpus yunnanensis in different scientific contexts. Furthermore, some records link this species to the designation Prainea rumphiana. Understanding these diverse nomenclatural relationships is essential for maintaining accurate botanical documentation.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Artocarpus lacucha is a fascinating biological specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Rosales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to other diverse species. As a member of the Moraceae family, it shares important botanical traits with its close relatives. Ultimately, this species is identified by its unique placement within the genus Artocarpus.
| 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 lacucha is a versatile species with a wide geographical presence across various Asian climates. It thrives within the temperate regions of China, including the South-Central provinces. Furthermore, the plant is deeply established throughout the tropical landscapes of the Indian Subcontinent. Its range extends specifically through Assam, Bangladesh, and the East Himalaya. This extensive distribution underscores the plant's ability to adapt to diverse ecological niches across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Artocarpus lacucha is a self-supporting tree that serves as a sturdy addition to any landscape. This botanical species typically maintains a manageable growth form, reaching a maximum height of 15 meters. Its structural stability and controlled stature make it a distinctive feature in its natural environment.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Artocarpus lacucha is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse range of significant pharmacological activities. Research indicates that this species possesses potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making it useful for combating oxidative stress and microbial threats. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates promising antiglycation effects, which suggests potential applications in the development of anti-aging cosmetics. Its therapeutic profile is further enhanced by its hepatoprotective capabilities, providing essential support for liver health. Finally, the presence of immunostimulant agents in the plant highlights its ability to bolster the body's natural immune responses.
Compounds
Artocarpus lacucha is a traditional Thai medicinal plant that serves as a significant natural source of the major compound oxyresveratrol. Found abundantly within the heartwood of the species, this potent stilbenoid has demonstrated remarkable biological activities in various scientific studies. Research highlights its ability to inhibit the replication of both herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus, even against certain drug-resistant strains. Furthermore, the compound exhibits pro-oxidant activity that can induce DNA damage in the presence of copper ions, a mechanism potentially linked to its anticancer properties. These diverse therapeutic findings underscore the pharmacological importance of the phytochemicals derived from this plant.
Conditions
Artocarpus lacucha exhibits significant medicinal potential by acting as an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Its bioactive compounds, such as oxyresveratrol, also provide potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Furthermore, the plant is utilized in various commercial products to support anti-aging effects. Clinical studies have specifically demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of taeniasis through the use of wood extracts. Together, these diverse pharmacological activities highlight the plant's multifaceted therapeutic value.
Preparations
Artocarpus lacucha is prepared as a crude aqueous extract for the treatment of taeniasis. This plant is also prepared as various extracts that have demonstrated the ability to inhibit HIV replication in vitro. Researchers have utilized the latex of the plant to study the conformational stability of its novel heme-peroxidase. Additionally, the plant is prepared as methanolic extracts to investigate its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-adipogenic activities. Finally, Artocarpus lacucha is prepared as oxyresveratrol, a major purified compound used to evaluate therapeutic efficacy against herpes simplex virus.
Parts used
Artocarpus lacucha contains valuable medicinal properties that can be extracted directly from its root system. Researchers have successfully isolated two unique stilbene derivatives, known as lakoochins A and B, from these plant roots. These specific compounds have demonstrated significant antimycobacterial activity in various laboratory tests. Furthermore, the study revealed that these derivatives possess notable cytotoxic effects against certain breast and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines. This discovery highlights the pharmacological potential inherent in the root components of this species.