Brucea javanica
What's the taxonomical classification of Brucea javanica?
Brucea javanica belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed under the order Sapindales. The plant is further categorized into the family Simaroubaceae, within which it falls under the genus Brucea. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is completed by the species name javanica.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus | Brucea |
| Species | javanica |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Brucea javanica has an erect, woody shrub habit characterized by simple, alternate, lanceolate leaves that measure approximately 10 to 25 centimeters in length and possess entire margins. The leaf blades are typically dark green with an acute apex and a slightly cordate base. Small, inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers are produced in axillary clusters or panicles. These flowers transition into distinctive, elongated, capsule-like fruits that turn from green to a reddish-brown color upon maturity. Inside these capsules, small, smooth, dark seeds are contained which are dispersed once the fruit dehisces.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically spanning across countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of southern China. It is primarily found in lowland areas where the climate remains warm and humid throughout the year. Within these territories, the species often inhabits secondary forests, scrublands, and disturbed sites near riverbanks. Its range is closely tied to the monsoon patterns that define the seasonal moisture levels of these equatorial environments. This specific distribution patterns suggest a preference for well-drained soils found in these lowland tropical ecosystems.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Brucea javanica is cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates by planting seeds in well-draining, sandy loam soil under full sunlight or partial shade.
Growers must ensure the soil maintains consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged to prevent root rot. Because it thrives in warm environments, the species requires protection from frost and cold temperatures during its growth cycle. Regular fertilization with organic compost helps support the development of its characteristic medicinal properties.
Proper spacing during planting is also essential to allow for adequate air circulation and healthy canopy expansion.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Brucea javanica is utilized medicinally through its aerial parts, fruit, leaf, root, and seed. The aerial parts serve as a primary source for various bioactive compounds used in traditional treatments. Within these structures, the leaves are often processed to address inflammatory conditions and skin ailments. The bitter fruit and seeds are frequently extracted to combat parasitic infections or digestive issues. Additionally, the root provides potent medicinal properties that contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic profile.
According to a study published by "Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry", the seeds and aerial parts of Brucea javanica are used medicinally. To date, 153 compounds have been reported from these specific parts of the plant. The seeds have been used as traditional herbal medicine in China because of multifaceted activities. Quassinoids serve as the main constituents of this species. Extracts of the plant and isolated compounds, especially quassinoids, exhibit various biological properties including antitumoer and antimalarial effects.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial parts
- fruit
- leaf
- root
- seed
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Brucea javanica, is utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a potent bitter herb to treat various internal ailments and parasitic infections. Historically, practitioners have employed its dried fruits and seeds to address conditions such as amoebic dysentery and intestinal worms. The plant's intense bitterness is believed to clear heat and resolve dampness within the digestive system. Beyond its role in gastrointestinal health, it has been used in various regional folk medicines to manage skin conditions and inflammation. This historical reliance on the species highlights its long-standing importance in treating infectious diseases through natural compounds.
According to a study published by "Journal of pharmaceuatl and biomedical analysis", Bruceine D is a quassinoid derived from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Brucea javanica. This plant provides Bruceine D, which has demonstrated notable anticancer properties against a range of malignant conditions such as lung, liver, leukemia, and pancreatic cancers. Through the PharmMapper database, researchers identified 58 potential targets of Bruceine D. By using GeneCards, they pinpointed 14 intersecting targets relevant to cervical cancer. The study suggests that Bruceine D acts as a promising therapeutic agent for further investigation and clinical validation.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Brucea javanica?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-parasitic, anti-malarial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its chemical constituents, particularly complex limonoids, play a crucial role in inhibiting the growth of various malignant cell lines. Research also highlights its effectiveness in combating parasitic infections and malaria-causing organisms. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates significant potential in reducing inflammation within biological systems. These multifaceted medicinal capabilities make Brucea javanica a subject of intense pharmacological interest.
According to a study published by "Scientific reports", the anti-cancer herb medicine Yadanzi, also known as Brucea javanica, was selected for a mechanistic study. A total of 7,119 ingredient-target interactions were identified for thirteen active ingredients within the plant. Approximately 29.5% of these interactions were estimated to possess a better binding affinity than the corresponding marketing drug-target interactions. Bioinformatics analyses suggest that the plant's activity against non-small cell lung cancers may involve the simultaneous manipulation of multiple proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway and the phosphorylation process of anti-apoptosis.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-cancer
- anti-parasitic
- anti-malarial
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-tumor
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several distinct medicinal compounds including Bruceine A, Bruceine B, Bruceine C, Bruceanin, and Bruceanin B. These specific bioactive substances are classified as complex limonoids found within the plant's chemical profile. Researchers study these molecules to understand their potential pharmacological activities and therapeutic applications. The presence of these varied alkaloids and limonoids contributes to the overall medicinal potency of the species. Systematic analysis of these individual components helps clarify how the plant interacts with biological systems.
According to a study published by "Veterinary parasitology", fifteen C-20 quassinoids were isolated from the fruits of Brucea javanica. Among these, Bruceine A, bruceantinol, bruceine C, brusatol, and bruceine B demonstrated strong antitrypanoisomal activities with IC50 values ranging from 2.9-17.8nM. These values compare well to diminazen aceturate with an IC50 of 8.8nM and suramin with an IC50 of 43.2nM. In contrast, dehydrobruceine A, dehydrobruceine B, and dehydrobrusatol were 2100, 900, and 1200 times less active than bruceine A, bruceine B, and brusatol, respectively. The study suggests that a diosphenol moiety in ring A and the nature of the C-15 side chain are important for activity against T. evansi.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Bruceine A
- Bruceine B
- Bruceine C
- Bruceine D
- Bruceanin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating cancer, parasitic infections, inflammation, malaria, and dysentery. Its medicinal properties are frequently utilized to combat various types of internal infections and cellular abnormalities. Practitioners often rely on its bioactive compounds to reduce systemic inflammation within the body. Additionally, it serves as a traditional remedy for managing symptoms associated with malaria and intestinal issues like dysentery. The plant's ability to target parasites makes it a significant resource in herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Natural product research", Brucea javanica is a traditional medicinal plant widely used in Southeast Asia to treat ailments such as cancer, diabetes, and fever. While previous phytochemical studies focused on its fruits, stems, and roots, identifying quassinoids as the major chemical class, limited information exists on its leaf composition. This study aimed to profile the leaf metabolome of B. javanica, emphasizing flavonoid constituents. Fourteen flavonoids were annotated, including flavone-7-O-glycosides, flavonolignans, flavone monomers, and isoflavones. Ten are reported for the first time in the Brucea genus. Additionally, two new hydnocarpin-type flavonolignan isomers, (+)-bruceacarpin (8) and (+)-hydnocarpin (9), were isolated and structurally confirmed.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cancer
- malaria
- parasitic infections
- inflammation
- dysentery
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create diverse medicinal herbal preparations including Brucea javanica extract, aqueous extracts, methanol-extract, and oil. The aqueous extracts are typically produced by boiling the plant material in water to isolate water-soluble compounds. Researchers often utilize methanol-extract methods to target specific bioactive alkaloids and glycosides found within the seeds or leaves. The specialized oil is derived through pressing or solvent extraction to concentrate the plant's lipid-soluble medicinal properties. These various forms are studied for their potential pharmacological applications in treating different ailments.
According to a study published by "Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie", the isolated and identified components of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. have been known to contain anticancer effects since 1970. The inhibitory effect of Brucea javanica (BJ) extract on cell growth and inflammation was confirmed in human T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) cells. This BJ extract induced caspase-dependent apoptosis of T-ALL Jurkat cells through inhibition of the CK2-mediated signaling pathway. Additionally, the BJ extract suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway, which inhibited the interleukin (IL)-2 expression induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). These results suggest that BJ extract can be a potent therapeutic herbal agent for T-ALL treatment and prevention of IL-2 mediated inflammatory immune responses.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Brucea javanica extract
- aqueous extracts
- methanol-extract
- oil
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause lethal toxicity in humans and animals due to its highly potent bioactive compounds. The ingestion of Brucea javanica leads to severe gastrointestinal distress, including intense vomiting and abdominal pain. Beyond digestive issues, the plant can cause significant damage to the liver and kidneys if consumed in improper doses. These physiological reactions occur because the alkaloids present in the plant act as powerful irritants to the internal organs. Such extreme reactions make the plant extremely dangerous for any form of self-medication without professional supervision.
According to a study published by "Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceuatical Society of Japan", the methanol-extract of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. has been found to exhibit a lethal toxicity to mice during a screening of pharmacologically active principles by a hypothermia effect. The toxic components from the plant were isolated and identified as bruceoside A and B and yadanziosiide F. The study also mentioned a correction of 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance assignment.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- lethal toxicity
What herbs are paired with Brucea javanica?
This plant is traditionally paired with herbs such as ginger, licorice root, and various citrus peels to balance its intense bitterness and mitigate potential toxicity.
These combinations are often utilized in traditional medicine to enhance the absorption of its active alkaloids. Adding ginger specifically helps to soothe the gastrointestinal tract during consumption. Licorice is frequently included to act as a harmonizing agent that moderates the plant's harsh chemical properties.
This careful selection of supporting botanicals ensures the formula remains tolerable for therapeutic use.