Calophyllum brasiliense
Calophyllum brasiliense · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Calophyllum brasiliense is a versatile botanical species that holds significant pharmacological potential due to its diverse bioactive profile. Various plant parts, including the root, leaf, flower, fruit, and bark, serve as rich sources for extracting therapeutic compounds. Through diverse preparation methods such as Soxhlet extraction, SFE-CO2, and the development of crude methanolic extracts, researchers have isolated key chemicals like coumarins, 1,5-dihydroxyxanthone, amentoflavone, and friedelin. These constituents contribute to impressive biological activities, ranging from antinociceptive and antiulcer properties to potent antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects. Consequently, the plant shows great promise in addressing medical conditions such as Helicobacter pylori infections, hypertension, and neoplasia through the induction of apoptosis.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Calophyllaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Calophyllum brasiliense is a versatile plant known by several distinct regional names across different cultures. It is frequently referred to as Aceite de Maria, a name that highlights its local significance. Depending on the specific area, it may also be called Arary or Bari. Some communities use the variation Barí to identify the species in their local dialect. Finally, the name Brasil serves as another common identifier for this important botanical specimen.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Calophyllum brasiliense belongs to the expansive kingdom Plantae, representing the diverse life found within the botanical world. This specific species is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and falls within the order Malpighiales. Deepening its taxonomic classification, the plant is a member of the Calophyllaceae family. It is further defined by its placement within the genus Calophyllum. Understanding these relationships provides essential insight into the evolutionary lineage of this unique organism.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Calophyllaceae |
| Genus | Calophyllum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Calophyllum brasiliense exhibits a broad and diverse geographic distribution across several key regions of the Americas. In North America, its presence is extensively documented throughout various parts of Mexico, including the Central, Gulf, Southeast, and Southwest territories. This widespread reach ensures that the species plays a significant role in multiple distinct ecosystems across the Mexican landscape. Moving southward, the plant also establishes a strong foothold within South America. Specifically, it can be found thriving in the northern regions of Brazil, marking its extensive range from the north to the south.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Calophyllum brasiliense is a robust tree characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This species typically reaches impressive proportions as it matures in its natural habitat. Depending on environmental conditions, its height can reach a maximum of 25 m. In optimal circumstances, however, the tree may grow even larger, achieving a maximum height of 30 m.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Calophyllum brasiliense is a medicinal plant that demonstrates a diverse range of pharmacological activities. Research indicates that its various fractions possess significant antinociceptive properties, often outperforming standard reference drugs in pain management models. The plant also exhibits potent antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects, particularly through coumarins that induce apoptosis and inhibit cell division in tumor studies. Furthermore, extracts from its stem bark provide vital gastroprotective benefits by inhibiting gastric acid and fighting infections. Ultimately, these antiulcer activities validate the traditional use of the species for treating chronic gastric ailments.
Compounds
Calophyllum brasiliense is a versatile medicinal plant known to harbor a diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites. Phytochemical investigations have revealed that the plant contains several important compounds, including the triterpene friedelin and the antioxidant gallic acid. Furthermore, the species is characterized by the presence of various coumarins, which have been studied for their potential chemopreventive and inhibitory properties. Research also highlights the presence of amentoflavone, a biflavonoid found within the plant's leaves. Additionally, the identification of 1,5-dihydroxyxanthone underscores the complex chemical profile that contributes to the plant's notable antinociceptive and antimicrobial activities.
Conditions
Calophyllum brasiliense demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its ability to treat Helicobacter pylori, which contributes to its documented antiulcer effects. The plant also exhibits anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity, particularly through extracts such as those obtained via supercritical fluid extraction. Furthermore, novel chromanone acids isolated from its bark show moderate to strong antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus. The dichloromethane extract of its root wood is effective in treating the yeasts Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and Candida krusei LMGO 174. These diverse biological activities highlight the medicinal versatility of the species against various bacterial and fungal pathogens.
Preparations
Calophyllum brasiliense is prepared as crude methanolic extracts (CME) to study antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. Researchers have also utilized SFE-CO2 as an advanced method to obtain extracts from the leaves of the plant. Conventional techniques such as Soxhlet extraction are employed to compare the yields and activities of the resulting compounds. Additionally, the bark of the plant serves as a specific source for isolating novel chromanone acids with antibacterial properties. Ultimately, these different preparations and extracts are evaluated for their medicinal potential and effectiveness against microorganisms.
Parts used
Calophyllum brasiliense is a native Brazilian medicinal plant that offers significant therapeutic potential through its various biological components. Scientific investigations have analyzed diverse parts of the plant, including the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits, to identify their medicinal properties. Research indicates that extracts from these different structures exhibit notable antimicrobial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, the plant's components have demonstrated impressive antinociceptive and analgesic effects, providing relief for inflammation and pain. Ultimately, the diverse chemical composition found throughout the entire plant justifies its traditional use in treating various infectious and painful conditions.