Bruguiera cylindrica

Bruguiera cylindrica · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Bruguiera cylindrica is a notable mangrove species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic potential. Recent studies have focused on the methanol extracts derived from its fruit to uncover various bioactive properties. Notably, these extracts have demonstrated potent antioxidant activities that contribute to their medicinal value. One key chemical component identified in the plant is 3beta-taraxerol, which plays a vital role in its biological functions. Consequently, this plant shows great promise in providing natural treatments for conditions such as ulcers and wounds.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Kanilia Caryophylloides · Rhizophora Caryophylloides · 3 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Rhizophoraceae
Distribution
Asia-Tropical
Plant Parts
Fruit

Classification

Common Names

Bruguiera cylindrica is a fascinating mangrove species known by many different names across the globe. In Malaysia and Indonesia, it is frequently referred to as Bakau Putih, while in Portuguese-speaking regions, it is called Mangue-cilíndrico. The plant also carries the Czech name kolenovník valcovitý, showcasing its international botanical identity. Moving into Southeast Asia, it is known locally in Thailand as ถั่วขาว. Finally, in Japan, this resilient species is identified by the common name シロバナヒルギ.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Bruguiera cylindrica is a complex species characterized by a wide array of botanical synonyms within scientific literature. Researchers have frequently identified this plant under various names, including Bruguiera caryophylloides and Bruguiera malabarica. Its taxonomic history is further complicated by classifications such as Kanilia caryophylloides and Rhizophora caryophylloides. Additionally, the species has been documented in older texts as Rhizophora cylindrica. Navigating these overlapping designations is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Bruguiera cylindrica is a unique biological entity that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further descends through the order Malpighiales, showcasing its complex evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Bruguiera, it possesses distinct morphological characteristics. Finally, it finds its specific botanical home within the family Rhizophoraceae.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Malpighiales
Family Rhizophoraceae
Genus Bruguiera

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Bruguiera cylindrica is widely distributed across several distinct regions of Asia, ranging from temperate zones to tropical environments. In the temperate reaches of Asia, this species can be found within the specific landscapes of China and Hainan. Its presence is even more extensive throughout the tropical Indian Subcontinent, where it thrives in Bangladesh and India. The plant also populates various island territories, including the Laccadive Islands. Furthermore, its biological footprint extends across the waters to include the Maldives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Bruguiera cylindrica is a robust tree species that functions as a self-supporting plant within its ecosystem. This woody structure allows it to maintain stability as it reaches impressive dimensions. Depending on its specific environment, the plant can attain a maximum height of 17.5 meters. In optimal conditions, it may even grow even taller, reaching a peak height of up to 23 meters.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Bruguiera cylindrica has demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, making it a promising candidate for medicinal applications. Research indicates that the bark extract of this mangrove species contains substantial amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids. These compounds contribute to high antiradical activity against DPPH, ABTS(+), and hydroxyl ion radicals. Furthermore, the extract exhibits a strong reductive capacity and the ability to inhibit hydrogen peroxide-induced hemolysis. Because its antioxidant strength even surpasses the reference standard BHT, this plant serves as a valuable natural source for therapeutic development.

Compounds

Bruguiera cylindrica serves as a significant source of unique chemical compounds found within its fruits. Recent phytochemical investigations have successfully isolated several pentacyclic triterpenoid esters from this plant species. Among these identified substances, the presence of 3beta-taraxerol was specifically confirmed. The research also detailed the characterization of various new compounds, such as 3alpha-E-feruloyltaraxerol and 3beta-E-feruloyltaraxerol. Furthermore, some of these derivatives have demonstrated a capacity for weak cytotoxicity against specific cell lines.

Conditions

Bruguiera cylindrica has been traditionally utilized in regions like Thailand to treat diarrhoea. Research indicates that this mangrove plant also effectively treats diabetes, particularly through its use in India. Specifically, studies have demonstrated that Bruguiera cylindrica treats diabetes in rats by reducing various biochemical symptoms. The administration of its bark extract helps to treat blood glucose levels in these animal models. Ultimately, these findings suggest that Bruguiera cylindrica treats blood sugar levels through dose-dependent inhibition of key enzymes.

Preparations

Bruguiera cylindrica is prepared as methanol extracts to investigate its potential antioxidant properties. These specific extracts are utilized to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid contents within the plant bark. Through the use of methanol, researchers assessed the plant's capacity to quench DPPH, ABTS(+), and hydroxyl ion radicals. The resulting methanol extracts demonstrated high antiradical activity and a strong reductive capacity. Ultimately, the preparation of these extracts allows for the evaluation of the plant as a natural source of antioxidants for medicinal purposes.

Parts used

Bruguiera cylindrica serves as a significant source of bioactive chemical compounds, particularly within its fruit. Recent phytochemical investigations have led to the isolation of six new pentacyclic triterpenoid esters from these specific plant parts. Alongside these new discoveries, researchers also identified the presence of 3alpha- and 3beta-taraxerol. The structural characterization of these compounds includes various feruloyltaraxerol and coumaroyltaraxerol derivatives. Notably, certain isolated compounds have demonstrated weak cytotoxicity against the NCI-H187 cell line, highlighting the biological potential of the species.