Beilschmiedia mannii
Beilschmiedia mannii · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Beilschmiedia mannii is a distinctive botanical species recognized for its unique biological properties. This plant produces specialized fruit that serves as the primary source for scientific investigation. Researchers have focused on obtaining a dichloromethane extract to isolate its specific chemical constituents. This particular preparation allows for a deeper understanding of the bioactive compounds contained within the specimen. Such studies are essential for exploring the potential medicinal or industrial applications of the species.
- Synonyms
- Oreodaphne Mannii · Afrodaphne Mannii · 4 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Fruit
Classification
Synonyms
Beilschmiedia mannii is a botanical species known to be associated with several different scientific names throughout history. Researchers have identified various synonyms for this plant, including the names Afrodaphne mannii and Beilschmiedia stapfiana. It has also been documented under the designation Oreodaphne mannii in certain taxonomic records. Furthermore, the species is linked to the names Tylostemon kamerunensis and Tylostemon longipes. Understanding these multiple nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate botanical classification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Beilschmiedia mannii is a distinctive botanical species belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It falls into the order Laurales, a group that showcases significant evolutionary traits. As a member of the family Lauraceae, it shares characteristics with many other aromatic woody plants. Ultimately, this species is identified by its specific genus, Beilschmiedia.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Laurales |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Genus | Beilschmiedia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Beilschmiedia mannii is a notable botanical species primarily distributed throughout the lush landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Its natural range spans several key nations, including Ghana and Guinea, where it plays a vital role in the local ecosystem. The plant can also be found thriving within the borders of the Ivory Coast and Liberia. Furthermore, its presence extends significantly into the diverse habitats of Nigeria. Together, these locations define the core geographic footprint of this important African species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Beilschmiedia mannii is a self-supporting species characterized by its distinct tree growth form. This plant typically reaches a maximum height of 15 meters in many environments. However, under certain conditions, it can grow significantly larger, reaching up to 30.48 meters. Its structural stability allows it to thrive as a prominent feature within its native ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Beilschmiedia mannii possesses significant cancer chemopreventive properties derived from its fruit extracts. Through bioactivity-guided fractionation, researchers identified specific $\gamma$-pyrones, such as desmethoxydihydromethysticin and beilschmiediapyrone, that contribute to this therapeutic potential. These isolated compounds demonstrate efficacy by inducing quinone reductase activity and inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B in various cell lines. Specifically, the identified pyrones showed potent activity in doubling quinone reductase levels and suppressing inflammatory pathways. These findings highlight the plant's promising role in cancer chemoprevention research.
Preparations
Beilschmiedia mannii is prepared as a dichloromethane extract from its fruits to investigate its therapeutic potential. This specific extract was selected for screening due to its demonstrated cancer chemopreventive properties. Through bioactivity-guided fractionation of the dichloromethane extract, researchers successfully isolated several important compounds. These include two $\gamma$-pyrones, namely desmethoxydihydromethysticin and the new congener beilschmiediapyrone, along with five known alkamides. The preparation of the plant in this manner allowed for the evaluation of its ability to induce quinone reductase and inhibit nuclear factor-kappa B.
Parts used
Beilschmiedia mannii is a notable plant species found within the diet of chimpanzees in Taï National Park. Research focusing on its biological properties has specifically identified the fruit of this plant as a key source of medicinal potential. Through the use of dichloromethane extracts, scientists have isolated unique compounds such as desmethoxydihydromethysticin and beilschmiediapyrone from the fruit. These specific elements have demonstrated significant cancer chemopreventive properties by inducing quinone reductase and inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B. Such findings are particularly meaningful given that local populations already incorporate this plant into their traditional cooking practices.