Bruguiera gymnorhiza
What's the taxonomical classification of Bruguiera gymnorhiza?
Bruguiera gymnorhiza 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 evolutionary lineage of the order Malpighiales. This plant is situated within the family Rhizophoraceae, which falls under the genus Bruguiera, and is specifically identified by its species name, gymnorhiza.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Rhizophoraceae |
| Genus | Bruguiera |
| Species | gymnorhiza |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Bruguiera gymnorhiza has woody stems with small, opposite, elliptic leaves that feature an entire margin and a prominent midrib. The plant is characterized by its distinctive pneumatophores, which are specialized aerial roots that grow vertically from the mud to facilitate gas exchange. These breathing roots emerge from the substrate around the base of the main trunk to support survival in anaerobic wetland environments. The leaves are typically coriaceous in texture and possess a somewhat leathery feel. Small, inconspicuous flowers emerge from the axils of the leaves during the blooming season.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical coastal regions of West and Central Africa, spanning from Senegal to Angola. It typically inhabits lowland mangrove forests and swampy estuaries where saltwater influences the ecosystem. These distributions are closely tied to the intertidal zones of major river deltas and estuarine environments. Within these habitats, the species thrives in muddy substrates characterized by high moisture and periodic tidal flooding. Its presence is often concentrated along the Atlantic coastline where specific salinity levels and tropical climates are maintained.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires a tropical environment characterized by high humidity, consistent warmth, and well-draining, organic-rich soil to support its growth.
Because it is a species of mangrove, it thrives best when its roots have access to moist conditions and periodic flooding. Providing bright, indirect sunlight is essential to mimic its natural coastal habitat and encourage healthy foliage development. Regular fertilization with a balanced liquid formula during the growing season can help sustain its nutrient requirements.
Careful monitoring of soil moisture levels is necessary to prevent root rot while ensuring the plant never becomes completely desiccated.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Bruguieira gymnorhiza is utilized medicinally through its fruit, leaves, roots, and twigs. The leaves are often processed to treat various ailments such as skin conditions or internal discomfort. Extracts from the roots provide potent medicinal properties used in traditional healing practices. Small twigs are sometimes collected to prepare decoctions for specific therapeutic purposes. Additionally, the fruit can be incorporated into local remedies to address certain health concerns.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", the twig ethyl acetate extract of Bruguieira gymnorhiza was identified as the most potent extract for inhibiting all 9 microbes tested, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.19-0.39 mg/mL. This twig extract showed partial synergy effects against MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa when combined with streptomycin and ciprofloxacin. Additionally, both the aqueous root and aqueous fruit extracts of the plant were identified as potent inhibitors of ZIKV infection in human epithelial A549 cells. In silico docking suggested that the chemical compound cryptochlorogenic acid found in B. gymnorhiza could be a target for the ZIKV E protein. ADME results predicted that this specific compound is not orally bioavailable because it is too polar.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- fruit
- leaves
- root
- twig
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Bruguieira gymnorhiza, has been utilized by various indigenous populations in Southeast Asia and the Pacific for medicinal, construction, and dietary purposes.
The bark and roots are often processed to create traditional remedies used to treat skin ailments or digestive issues. Its sturdy wood is frequently harvested to craft essential household items and structural components for local dwellings. Additionally, certain parts of the plant have been historically incorporated into local diets or used in ritualistic practices.
These long-standing traditions demonstrate the profound ecological knowledge held by the communities that rely on the species.
What are the pharmacological activities of Bruguiera gymnorhiza?
This plant has potent pharmacological activities including acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory, amylase inhibitory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Its ability to inhibit AChE and BChE suggests significant potential for managing neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. The presence of amylase inhibitory activity indicates a possible role in regulating blood glucose levels for diabetes management. Furthermore, the plant exhibits strong antimicrobial effects against various pathogenic microorganisms. Its antioxidant capacity also helps neutralize free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress within biological systems.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", maceated fruits of Bruguieira gymnorhiza exhibited high antioxidant capacities with DPPH values of 547.75 ± 10.99 and ABTS values of 439.59 ± 19.13 mg TE/g, alongside CUPRAC of 956.04 ± 11.90 and FRAP of 577.26 ± 4.55 mg TE/g. This same fruit extract significantly depressed AChE at 3.75 ± 0.03 mg GALAE/g, BChE at 2.19 ± 0.13 mg GALAE/g, tyrosinase at 147.01 ± 0.78 mg KAE/g, elastase at 3.14 ± 0.08 mg OE/g, and amylase at 1.22 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g. Phytochemical analysis identified 119 compounds in all maceration samples and 163 compounds in all decoction samples. While decocted roots and leaves showed low to moderate antidiabetic activity, the fruit was identified as the most active organ.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- AChe inhibitory
- BChe inhibitory
- amylase inhibitory
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds brugierol, bruguierol A, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and epigallocatechin. These specific chemical constituents contribute to the diverse pharmacological potential found within the species. The presence of chlorogenic acid and its isomer, cryptochlorogenic acid, suggests significant antioxidant properties. Additionally, the inclusion of epigallocatechin provides further bioactive support for various therapeutic applications. The unique sesquiterpenes brugierol and bruguierol A distinguish this plant's chemical profile from other similar species.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", phytochemical profiling identified 119 compounds in all maceration samples and 163 compounds in all decoction samples of Bruguiera gymnorhiza. Important compounds discovered in the extracts include quinic acid, brugierol, bruguierol A, epigallocatechin, and chlorogenic acid. Macerated fruits are rich in phenolic, flavanol, tannin, and triterpenoid phytochemicals. These fruits exhibited high antioxidant capacities with DPPH values of 547.75 ± 10.99 and ABTS values of 439.59 ± 19.13 mg TE/g. Additionally, the fruit extract depressed AChE and BChE activities at 3.75 ± 0.03 and 2.19 ± 0.13 mg GALAE/g, respectively, along with tyrosinase at 147.01 ± 0.78 mg KAE/g, elastase at 3.14 ± 0.08 mg OE/g, and amylase at 1.22 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- brugierol
- bruguierol A
- chlorogenic acid
- cryptochlorogenic acid
- flavanol
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating diabetes and combating various microbial infections. Its medicinal properties are particularly effective against specific pathogenic organisms. Researchers have demonstrated its ability to inhibit the growth of Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli. Additionally, the plant extracts show significant activity against the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. These antimicrobial qualities make it a valuable resource for managing diverse biological threats.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", decoctions of the leaves and roots of Bruguieira gymnorhiza are traditionally used against diabetes in many countries, including Mauritius. The study evaluated the inhibitory potential of the leaves, roots, twigs and fruits extracts against key enzymes relevant to diabetes and other complications. Macerated fruits exhibited high antioxidant capacities related to radical scavenging with DPPH at 547.75 ± 10.99 and ABTS at 439.59 ± 19.13 mg TE/g, respectively. This same extract significantly depressed AChE and BChE at 3.75 ± 0.03 and 2.19 ± 0.13 mg GALAE/g, respectively, as well as tyrosinase at 147.01 ± 0.78 mg KAE/g, elastase at 3.14 ± 0.08 mg OE/g, and amylase at 1.22 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g. While the decocted root and leaf showed low to moderate antidiabetic activity, the fruit can be used as a diet supplement to reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- None of the provided items are relevant to the health conditions for which Bruguiera gymnorhiza is used.
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as Bruguieira fruit aqueous extract, decoction, and maceration to treat various ailments. The aqueous extract is prepared by soaking the fruit in water to pull out soluble bioactive compounds. A decoction involves boiling the plant parts in water for a set period to ensure the extraction of tougher medicinal elements. Maceration requires soaking the plant material in a liquid solvent like oil or alcohol for an extended duration to create a concentrated infusion. These diverse methods allow for different therapeutic applications depending on the desired potency and stability of the final product.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Bruguiera gymnorhiza collected in Mauritius was investigated for its antimicrobial and anti-ZIKV activity. The twig ethyl acetate extract was the most potent, inhibiting the growth of all 9 microbes tested with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.19-0.39 mg/mL. This twig extract showed partial synergy effects when combined with streptomycin and ciprofloxacin. Additionally, both root aqueous and fruit aqueous extracts were identified as potent inhibitors of ZIKV infection in human epithelial A549 cells. The chemical compound cryptochlorogenic acid was identified in B. gymnorhiza and was shown via in silico docking to potentially target the ZIKV E protein.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Bruguiera fruit aqueous extract
- decoction
- maceration
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe health side effects including gastrointestinal distress, neurological impairment, and potential cardiovascular issues due to its toxic chemical constituents. Consuming parts of the plant often leads to intense nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping as the body reacts to its alkaloids. Some individuals may also experience dizziness, confusion, or tremors if the toxins affect the central nervous system. In more serious cases, the ingestion of these compounds can disrupt heart rhythms or lead to prolonged physical discomfort. Therefore, extreme caution is necessary to avoid any accidental poisoning from this species.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Bruguiera gymnorhiza?
This plant Bruguieira gymnorhiza is traditionally paired with medicinal herbs such as ginger, turmeric, and various local forest leaves to enhance its therapeutic properties in traditional Southeast Asian medicine.
These combinations are often prepared as decoctions to treat ailments like skin infections or digestive issues. Practitioners select specific herbs to balance the astringent qualities of the bark and roots. The synergy between these botanical components is believed to increase the overall potency of the remedy.
Careful selection of the secondary herbs ensures the preparation remains effective for its intended healing purpose.