Calycolpus warszewiczianus
Calycolpus warszewiczianus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Calycolpus warszewiczianus is a botanical species that has garnered significant interest within the field of ethnopharmacology. Researchers have focused their attention on the chemical properties found specifically within the plant's leaf. Preliminary studies suggest that these leaf extracts possess notable antimalarial activities. This potential medicinal value makes the species a candidate for further drug development efforts. Understanding its bioactive compounds could provide new insights into combating malaria.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Taxonomy
Calycolpus warszewiczianus is a distinct biological entity belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Myrtales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. This plant is a member of the Myrtaceae family, which highlights its botanical characteristics. Finally, it is formally categorized under the genus Calycolpus.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Calycolpus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Calycolpus warszewiczianus is a botanical species with a broad geographic presence across several tropical regions. This plant is widely distributed throughout Central and South America, showcasing a resilient nature in diverse habitats. Within Central America, it can be found thriving in the landscapes of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Its range further extends into the lush environments of Panamá, contributing to the region's rich biodiversity. Ultimately, these varied locations highlight the significant ecological footprint this species maintains across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Calycolpus warszewiczianus is a tree characterized by its robust and sturdy growth form. As a self-supporting species, it maintains its upright structure independently within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Calycolpus warszewiczianus has emerged as a subject of interest due to its potential medicinal properties. Recent studies conducted on the young leaves of this plant led to the isolation of several new flavonol arabinofuranosides. Among these chemical constituents, compound 4 specifically demonstrated weak antimalarial activity against a chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Researchers utilized NMR spectroscopy, IR, and MS data to precisely elucidate these complex molecular structures. Furthermore, the investigation showed no detectable cytotoxicity against mammalian cells, suggesting a favorable profile for further pharmacological exploration.
Compounds
Calycolpus warszewiczianus has been identified as a rich source of various bioactive compounds found within its young leaves. Chemical analysis reveals that the plant contains epi-catechin, a known compound isolated during the study. Furthermore, the species possesses specific flavonol arabinosides, including myricetin-3-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside. Researchers also identified the presence of 5-galloylquercetin-3-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside within its chemical profile. These findings are significant, as some of these constituents have demonstrated weak antimalarial activity against chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum.
Conditions
Calycolpus warszewiczianus contains specific flavonol arabinosides that demonstrate potential for treating malaria. Research identified compound 4, a 5-galloylquercetin-3-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside, as a key component with inhibitory effects. This specific compound exhibited weak antimalarial activity against a chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum. The effectiveness of the extract was measured at a concentration of 14.5 microM during in vitro testing. These findings highlight the plant's biochemical ability to target resistant parasite strains.
Preparations
Parts used
Calycolpus warszewiczianus serves as a significant source of bioactive compounds for pharmacological research. Scientists specifically targeted the young leaves of this plant to isolate various flavonol arabinofuranosides. Through advanced techniques like NMR spectroscopy, researchers identified several unique chemical structures within these leaf extracts. These isolated compounds, including compound 4, were tested for their ability to combat parasitic infections. Ultimately, the study revealed that these leaf-derived substances possess weak antimalarial properties against specific resistant strains.