Calophyllum inophyllum
What's the taxonomical classification of Calophyllum inophyllum?
Calophyllum inophyllum belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is categorized under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida, it is further classified into the subclass Magnoliidae and placed in the order Malpighiales. The plant is a member of the family Calophyllaceae, falling under the genus Calophyllum, and is specifically identified by the species name inophyllum.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Calophyllaceae |
| Genus | Calophyllum |
| Species | inophyllum |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Calophyllum inophyllum has opposite, elliptical to obovate leaves that are glossy dark green on the upper surface and lighter underneath, typically measuring 10 to 25 centimeters in length. The leaf margins are entire and the venation pattern is distinctive, featuring fine, parallel secondary veins that extend toward the edge. The plant exhibits a woody structure with a sturdy trunk and branches that often support small, fragrant white flowers. These flowers are characterized by numerous long, prominent stamens that create a brush-like appearance. Following pollination, the tree produces small, fleshy drupes that transition in color as they mature.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, including parts of India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. It is commonly found growing along coastal areas and in the vicinity of riverbanks throughout these maritime climates. Its range extends across various island nations within the Indo-Pacific region where high humidity is prevalent. The species thrives in lowland forests and mangrove ecosystems that provide consistent moisture. Because it prefers these specific tropical habitats, its distribution is strictly limited to warm, moist latitudes.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Calophyllum inophyllum, is cultivated in tropical and subtropical coastal regions by planting seeds in well-draining, sandy, or loamy soils that tolerate high salinity and periodic flooding.
It thrives in full sunlight and requires a warm climate with significant rainfall to support its rapid growth. Growers often plant the species along shorelines to act as windbreaks or for its valuable timber and oil-producing seeds. Regular irrigation is important during the early stages of establishment to ensure the saplings develop strong root systems.
Once mature, the trees are relatively low-maintenance and can withstand harsh maritime conditions.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant, Calophyllum inophyllum, provides medicinal value through its bark, leaves, nut oil, resin, seeds, and stems. The oil extracted from the seeds is widely utilized for its anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties. Extracts from the bark and stems are often employed in traditional remedies to treat various ailments. The leaves can be used in decoctions to manage specific health conditions. Additionally, the resin serves as a topical application for wound care and skin protection.
According to a study published by "BMC complementary medicine and therapies", the leaves and barks of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. The ethanol extract of the leaves and barks showed antimicrobial activity against all 4 ATCC and 8 clinical isolates. The ethanol extract of the leaves and the corresponding water fraction had activity against MRSA S. aureus with an MIC of 250 μg/ml. Furthermore, the water fraction of the crude ethanol extract of leaves yielded compound 7 (hyperin) and compound 8 (cynaroside). These compounds had bactericidal activity against the tested bacterial species with an MIC of 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml respectively. These results provide support for the traditional use of the plant in infections and wound healing.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- leaf
- nut oil resin
- seeds
- stems
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Calophyllum inophyllum is utilized within the Siddha traditional medicine system to treat various ailments including skin diseases, inflammation, and respiratory issues. Practitioners often employ the oil extracted from the seeds to soothe skin irritations and promote wound healing. The bark and leaves are frequently prepared as decoctions or poultices to address internal imbalances and topical infections. Historical usage also includes the application of its extracts for managing joint pain and reducing swelling. These long-standing therapeutic practices highlight the botanical importance of the species in regional herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine", Calophyllum inophyllum is identified as an important species prescribed by informants to treat various musculoskeletal ailments. This plant was documented during a study involving 45 informants between April 2016 and January 2017. The research recorded data regarding 116 plant species used to prepare 129 formulations, yielding 490 UR. Among all recorded uses, 65.3% of UR dealt with internal applications and 34.6% dealt with external applications. Calophyllum inophyllum is included among the species used within the traditional Siddha medical system of India.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Siddha
What are the pharmacological activities of Calophyllum inophyllum?
This plant has significant pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties. Its rich concentration of bioactive compounds like coumarins and xanthones allows it to combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. The extracts demonstrate strong antimicrobial potential by inhibiting the growth of various pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, the plant exhibits anticancer and antiproliferative effects by disrupting the cell cycle of malignant cells to prevent tumor progression. These diverse therapeutic capabilities make Calophyllum inophyllum a valuable subject for developing new medicinal treatments.
According to a study published by "Scientifica", Calophyllum inophyllum is a medicinal plant recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The extract from the branches of Calophyllum inophyllum demonstrated no cytotoxicity during the initial 24 h of treatment. After 72 h, the extract exhibited significant antiproliferative effects. It also showed inhibitory properties against migration and invasion at concentrations below the IC50. These anticancer effects correlate with the reduction of intracellular ROS levels and the expression of related genes.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- anticancer
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
- antiproliferaitive
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds Calocoumarin-A, Calophyllolide, calophyllic acid, inocalophylline C, and inophyxanthone A. These bioactive secondary metabolites are primarily responsible for the diverse pharmacological properties attributed to the species. Researchers have identified these specific molecules through rigorous phytochemical screening and chemical analysis. The unique chemical structures of these substances contribute to the plant's traditional use in treating various ailments. Ongoing studies continue to investigate how these individual compounds interact with biological systems to provide therapeutic benefits.
According to a study published by "Cancer letters", ten 4-phenylcoumarins were isolated from Calophyllum inophyllum L. (Guttiferae) to examine their inhibitory effects on EBV-EA activation. All of the 10 compounds tested showed inhibitory activity against EBV without showing any cytotoxicity. Among the substances studied, calocoumarin-A (5) demonstrated more potent activity than any of the other compounds. Additionally, calocoumarin-A (5) exhibited a marked inhibitory effect on mouse skin tumor promotion during an in vivo two-stage carcinogenesis test. These 4-phenylcoumarins might be valuable as potential cancer chemopreventive agents.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Calocoumarin-A (5)
- Calophyllolide
- calophyllic acid
- inocalophylline C
- inophyxanthone A
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating burns, cutaneous wounds, various dermatososes, inflammation, and accelerating wound healing. The medicinal properties of the leaves and bark are frequently applied topically to soothe irritated skin surfaces. Its natural compounds work effectively to reduce swelling and calm localized inflammation in the affected areas. By promoting rapid tissue regeneration, it serves as a potent remedy for repairing damaged cutaneous wounds. This makes the species a valuable resource in traditional medicine for managing diverse skin-related ailments.
According to a study published by "Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)", Calophyllum inophyllum is among the most traditionally used plants for skin care. It is used to address skin conditions including pimples, wounds, burns, and dermatoses. Oxidative stress contributes to the impairment of skin health, the wound healing process, and pathologies such as psoriasis or skin cancer. The study utilized HPLC-MS/MS analysis which led to the characterization of 61 metabolites.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- burns
- cutaneous wound
- dermatoses
- inflammation
- wound healing
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations including the ethanol extract of bark and the seed oil. The ethanol extract derived from the bark is often utilized for its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the oil extracted from the seeds is frequently applied topically to treat skin conditions and wounds. These various preparations are valued in traditional medicine for their diverse therapeutic applications. Researchers continue to study these specific components to better understand their biological activities.
According to a study published by "BMC complementary medicine and therapies", the ethanol extract of the leaves and barks of Canarium patentinervium Miq. showed antimicrobial activity against all 4 ATCC and 8 clinical isolates. The ethanol extract of the leaves and the corresponding water fraction had good activity against MRSA S. aureus with an MIC of 250 μg/ml. This water fraction had a bactericidal effect on 8 clinical strains, including MSSA, MRSA, oxacillin-resistant CONS, oxacillin-sensitive CONS, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella species, Kleb pneumoniae ESBL, and Candida parapsilosis. Phytochemical investigation of the water fraction of the crude ethanol extract of leaves yielded compound 7 (hyperin) and compound 8 (cynaroside). These two compounds had bactericidal activity against tested bacterial species with an MIC of 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml respectively.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- ethanol extract of bark
- seed oil
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause potential health side effects including skin irritation, gastrointestinal distress, and allergic reactions when used improperly. Contact with the sap or leaves may lead to localized dermatitis or redness on sensitive areas of the skin. If ingested, the plant can trigger nausea, stomach pain, or other forms of digestive discomfort. Some individuals may also experience systemic allergic responses such as itching or swelling. Careful consideration of dosage and topical application is necessary to avoid these adverse reactions.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Calophyllum inophyllum?
This plant, Calophyllum inophyllum, is frequently paired with turmeric, ginger, and coconut oil in traditional medicinal preparations to enhance its anti-inflammatory properties.
These combinations are often used in topical ointages to soothe skin irritations or treat minor wounds. The inclusion of turmeric provides additional antioxidant support that complements the plant's natural bioactive compounds. Many practitioners also mix the extracts with various essential oils to improve absorption through the dermal layers.
These specific herb pairings aim to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of the plant's chemical constituents.