Brucea antidysenterica
Brucea antidysenterica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Brucea antidysenterica is a significant medicinal plant utilized for its diverse therapeutic potential in treating conditions such as cancer, dysentery, and asthma. Researchers frequently study various plant parts, including the leaf, stem, and seed, to uncover its potent biological properties. Through the preparation of 80% methanol leaf extracts and other crude extracts, the plant has demonstrated remarkable antibacterial, antimalarial, antioxidant, and antitumor activities. These pharmacological effects are largely attributed to key chemical constituents such as flavonoids, Bruceantinoside C, Bruceantin, and Compound 2. Consequently, this species remains a focal point in pharmacological research aimed at developing new treatments for complex diseases.
- Synonyms
- Lussa Antidysenterica · Trichilia Siderotricha · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Simaroubaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Synonyms
Brucea antidysenterica is a complex botanical species that has been cataloged under several different scientific names throughout history. Taxonomists have identified various synonyms for this plant, including the designations Brucea abyssinica and Brucea erythraeae. Its classification also encompasses specific variations, such as the noted Brucea antidysenterica var. crassivenia. Furthermore, the plant is recognized in botanical records by the names Brucea ferruginea and Brucea salutaris. Understanding these diverse synonyms is essential for maintaining accurate botanical records and ensuring clear communication in plant research.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Brucea antidysenterica is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Sapindales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Brucea, it exhibits unique characteristics shared by its closest relatives. Finally, it is categorized within the family Simaroubaceae, completing its detailed taxonomic profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus | Brucea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Brucea antidysenterica is a plant species with a significant presence across various regions of the African continent. Within East Tropical Africa, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its range also extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it is established in specific territories. Specifically, the plant is documented to thrive within the borders of Eritrea and Ethiopia. This widespread distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to the diverse environments found throughout these tropical regions.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Brucea antidysenterica is a self-supporting plant that takes the form of a tree. This species typically reaches a maximum height of around 7 meters as it matures. However, under certain optimal conditions, it can grow to a peak height of approximately 9.14 meters. These growth characteristics define its presence within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Brucea antidysenterica is a versatile medicinal plant recognized for its wide range of therapeutic properties. Research indicates that its extracts possess significant antibacterial and antioxidant activities, which support traditional uses in wound healing. Furthermore, the plant has demonstrated potent antimalarial effects by inhibiting parasitemia in experimental models. Studies focusing on its stem have also isolated quassinoid glycosides that exhibit notable cytotoxic qualities. Collectively, these findings highlight the plant's potential as a source for developing new antitumor agents.
Compounds
Brucea antidysenterica is a medicinal plant known for its diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites. Research has identified that this species contains valuable compounds such as bruceantin, which has shown significant potential in treating various cancers. Additionally, the plant contains bruceantinoside C, a cytotoxic quassinoid glycoside isolated from its stems. Phytochemical screening further reveals that the plant is rich in flavonoids and phenols. These combined chemical properties contribute to the plant's documented antifungal and antimicrobial activities.
Conditions
Brucea antidysenterica is an African medicinal plant traditionally utilized for the treatment of cancer and dysentery. Research has demonstrated that its isolated compounds, such as bruceanol G, exhibit significant cytotoxicity against the COLO-205 and KB neoplastic cell lines. Furthermore, the plant's leaf extracts have shown effective antifungal activity against Candida albicans. These diverse biological properties highlight its potential in addressing various human health concerns. The plant remains a significant subject of study for developing new therapeutic agents.
Preparations
Brucea antidysenterica is prepared as crude extracts to support its traditional use in treating various ailments. Researchers also utilize the plant as an 80% methanol leaf extract to study its medicinal properties. Specific investigations involve the use of an 80% methanolic crude extract, particularly when evaluating antidiarrhoeal activities. Additionally, the plant is prepared as a methanol (80%) leaf extract for fractionation into different solvent components. Finally, the aqueous fraction of 80% methanol leaf extract is specifically identified for its wound healing and antibacterial capabilities.
Parts used
Brucea antidysenterica is a versatile medicinal plant known for containing bioactive compounds in various anatomical structures. Research has demonstrated that the leaves are particularly effective for wound healing, antibacterial applications, and antifungal activities. The stem also serves as a significant source of medicinal properties, providing cytotoxic quassinoid glycosides that show potential in treating cancer cell lines. Additionally, the seeds of the plant have been studied for their significant antimalarial effects, although they require careful dosage consideration due to toxicity concerns. Collectively, these different plant parts highlight the therapeutic importance of B. antidysenterica in traditional and modern pharmacology.