Bruguiera cylindrica
What's the taxonomical classification of Bruguiera cylindrica?
Bruguiera cylindrica belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it follows the biological lineage of the order Malpighiales. The plant is further categorized under the family Rhizophoraceae, which places it within the genus Bruguiera. Ultimately, its specific identity is defined by its species designation, cylindrica.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Rhizophoraceae |
| Genus | Bruguiera |
| Species | cylindrica |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Bruguiera cylindrica has cylindrical, woody, and elongated fruit capsules that measure approximately 10 to 15 centimeters in length and possess a distinct longitudinal shape. These fruits are characterized by their thick, leathery walls and often feature a brownish or yellowish exterior texture. The plant itself is a mangrove shrub or small tree with elliptical to oblong leaves that are typically arranged in an opposite pattern. Its root system often includes specialized structures typical of mangrove species to facilitate stability in tidal environments. The overall morphology is adapted specifically to thrive in intertidal zones and saline conditions.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical coastal regions of West and Central Africa, ranging from Senegal to Angola and extending into parts of East Africa. It primarily inhabits mangrove swamps and estuarine environments along the Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines. The species thrives in brackish water zones where tidal influences are constant. Its distribution is closely tied to the availability of specific intertidal mudflats. These habitats allow it to colonize the edges of river deltas and sheltered coastal lagoons.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires cultivation in consistently moist, acidic, and organic-rich soils typical of tropical lowland riverbanks and swampy environments.
To ensure healthy growth, it must be planted in areas with high humidity and partial shade to prevent leaf scorch. Regular watering is essential to mimic its natural riparian habitat, as the species cannot tolerate prolonged periods of drought. Providing ample space for its climbing vines to spread is necessary for the plant to reach maturity.
Maintaining a warm temperature range between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius will optimize its development.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Bruguieira cylindrica utilizes its bark and fruit for various medicinal purposes in traditional healing practices. The bark is often harvested to prepare decoctions used for treating skin conditions or addressing internal ailments. Extracts from the fruit are also employed to manage specific health issues due to their bioactive properties. These different components provide a versatile source of natural remedies for local communities. Each part serves a distinct role in the medicinal application of the species.
According to a study published by "The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology", the bark of Bruguiera cylindrica is utilized for medicinal purposes such as treating wounds, diarrhoea, diabetes, and ulcers. Researchers used a hydroalcoholic extract to identify 58 compounds, including alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, and fatty acids. This bark extract demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes with IC50 values similar to acarbose. In experiments involving rats, the oral administration of 200-400 mg/kg of Bruguiera cylindrica led to reduced blood glucose levels and normalized serum biochemical parameters. These findings suggest that the bark extract may effectively reduce blood sugar levels in rats with diabetes.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- fruit
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Bruguieira cylindrica, is utilized in traditional medicinal practices across Southeast Asia and parts of the Pacific to treat various ailments including skin infections, digestive issues, and inflammatory conditions.
Local healers often prepare decoctions from the bark or leaves to serve as topical washes or internal remedies. In many coastal communities, the plant's chemical properties are leveraged to manage wound healing and minor bacterial infections. These historical uses are deeply embedded in the ethnobotanical knowledge passed down through generations of indigenous practitioners.
Such traditional applications highlight the plant's long-standing role as a functional resource in regional primary healthcare.
What are the pharmacological activities of Bruguiera cylindrica?
This plant has anti-diabetic, antihemolytic, antioxidant, and antiradical pharmacological activities. Its anti-diabetic properties help in managing blood glucose levels through various biochemical pathways. The plant also demonstrates antihemolytic activity, which plays a role in protecting red blood cells from lysis. Furthermore, its potent antioxidant capabilities allow it to neutralize harmful substances within the body. These antioxidant effects are closely linked to its significant antiradical activity, which prevents cellular damage caused by oxidative stress.
According to a study published by "The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology", Bruguiera cylindrica hydroalcoholic extract contains 58 identified compounds, including alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, and fatty acids. This extract demonstrates dose-dependent inhibition activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes with IC50 values similar to acarbose. In studies involving rats, oral administration of 200-400 mg/kg of the plant led to reduced blood glucose levels and normalized serum biochemical parameters. The research also utilized network pharmacology to show that metabolites from the plant interact with protein targets associated with different types of diabetes. These findings suggest that the bark of Bruguiera cylindrica may reduce blood sugar levels in rats with diabetes.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-diabetic
- antihemolytic activity
- antioxidant
- antiradical activity
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds 3alpha-E-coumaroyltaraxerol, 3alpha-E-feruloyltaraxerol, 3alpha-Z-coumaroyltaraxerol, 3alpha-Z-feruloyltaraxerol, and 3alpha-taraxerol. These specific triterpenoids are significant components of the phytochemical profile found within Bruguieira cylindrica. Researchers often study these molecules to understand their potential biological activities and therapeutic properties. The presence of these diverse derivatives suggests a complex chemical structure capable of various medicinal interactions. Understanding these constituents helps clarify the ethnobotanical uses of the plant in traditional medicine.
As discussed in a study, metabolite profiling identified 58 compounds in Bruguiera cylindrica hydroalcoholic extract. These identified compounds include alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, and fatty acids. The extract demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes with IC50 values similar to acarbose. Oral administration of 200-400 mg/kg of Bruguiera cylindrica in rats led to reduced blood glucose levels and normalized serum biochemical parameters. Furthermore, the identified metabolites interact with protein targets associated with different types of diabetes.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 3alpha-taraxerol
- 3beta-taraxerol
- alkaloids
- flavonoids
- phenolics
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing diabetes, treating diarrhoea, healing ulcers, and disinfecting wounds. The medicinal properties of Bruguieira cylindrica allow it to help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. It also serves as an effective remedy for gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea and stomach ulcers. Furthermore, its extracts are frequently applied topically to promote the healing of various skin wounds. This versatility makes the plant a significant resource in traditional medicinal practices.
According to a study published by "The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology", Bruguiera cylindrica is utilized for various health conditions. In Thailand, it is used to treat wounds and diarrhoea, whereas in India, it addresses diabetes and ulcers. The study identified 58 compounds in the Bruguiera cylindrica hydroalcoholic extract, including alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, and fatty acids. Research showed that oral administration of 200-400 mg/kg of the plant led to reduced blood glucose levels and normalized serum biochemical parameters in rats. The extract also demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- diaerbhoea
- ulcers
- wounds
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as Bruguieira cylindrica bark extract methanol extracts which are studied for their pharmacological properties. These specialized preparations are often processed to isolate specific bioactive compounds found within the plant's tissues. Researchers frequently examine these methanol extracts to evaluate their potential antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Such medicinal applications rely on the concentration of secondary metabolites during the extraction process. The chemical profile of these preparations helps determine their effectiveness in traditional and modern therapeutic contexts.
According to a study published by "The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology", Bruguiera cylindrica is a mangrove plant used in Thailand to treat wounds and diarrhoea and in India for diabetes and ulcers. The study identified 58 compounds in the Bruguiera cylindrica hydroalcoholic extract, including alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, and fatty acids. This extract demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes with IC50 values similar to acarbose. Oral administration of 200-400 mg/kg of Bruguiera cylindrica in rats led to reduced blood glucose levels and normalized serum biochemical parameters. These metabolites interact with protein targets associated with different types of diabetes.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Bruguiera cylindrica bark extract
- methanol extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, skin irritation, and potential neurotoxicity if ingested or handled improperly. The compounds within the plant often trigger acute vomiting and abdominal pain upon consumption. Contact with the leaves or sap can lead to localized redness, itching, or chemical burns on the skin. Some individuals may also experience dizziness or lightheadedness due to the bioactive alkaloids present in the tissues. It is essential to exercise extreme caution when interacting with this species to avoid these adverse reactions.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Bruguiera cylindrica?
This plant Bruguieira cylindrica is frequently paired with herbs like ginger, lemongrass, and turmeric to enhance its medicinal properties in traditional decoctions.
These aromatic additions serve to balance the bitter notes of the mangrove bark while boosting antioxidant effects. In many regional practices, the combination with citrusy herbs helps improve the palatability of the herbal tea. Practitioners often adjust the ratio of these pairings depending on whether they are treating digestive issues or skin inflammations.
This synergy between the primary plant and secondary herbs creates a more complex chemical profile for therapeutic use.