Cananga odorata
Cananga odorata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cananga odorata is a versatile botanical species renowned for its diverse therapeutic potential and chemical richness. Research has highlighted its significant antibacterial, antimicrobial, and acaricide activities, alongside its functional use as an acidulant. Utilizing various preparations such as essential oils (EOs), crude extracts, and crude ethanol extracts, scientists are exploring its efficacy against pathogens like Acanthamoeba castellanii. Specific studies even suggest its role in addressing conditions ranging from gastroenteritis and genital candidiasis to interactions with aminophylline. Notably, the fruit of the plant serves as a critical source for these potent biological compounds.
- Synonyms
- Uvaria Odorata · Canangium Odoratum
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Annonaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Cananga odorata is a versatile botanical species recognized by a diverse array of regional names. It is most famously known as the Ilang-ilang or Ilánilán, names that reflect its cultural significance in many tropical areas. Depending on the local dialect, the plant may also be referred to as the Alangilang. In certain botanical and commercial contexts, it is frequently called the Cananga tree. Furthermore, it is widely recognized by the descriptive title of the Macassar oiltree due to its fragrant properties.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cananga odorata is a botanical species that is frequently identified by several different scientific names in historical and modern records. Due to various taxonomic classifications, it is recognized by the synonym Canangium odoratum. Researchers and botanists may also encounter the plant listed under the name Unona odorata. Furthermore, the name Uvaria odorata serves as another valid synonym within its complex nomenclature. Understanding these shifting relationships is essential for anyone studying the diverse identity of this fragrant plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cananga odorata is a remarkable biological specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic journey continues through the order Magnoliales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. Furthermore, it is a distinguished member of the genus Cananga. Ultimately, this plant is most recognized for its place within the Annonaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Annonaceae |
| Genus | Cananga |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Cananga odorata exhibits a wide and diverse distribution across the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, the species can be found thriving in both Kenya and Tanzania. Its presence extends into West Tropical Africa, specifically within the nations of Guinea and Senegal. Furthermore, the plant is established in the West-Central Tropical Africa region, encompassing the Gulf of Guinea Islands. This broad geographic range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various tropical environments throughout Africa.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cananga odorata is a majestic tree characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This impressive species typically reaches a minimum height of 15 meters as it matures. In many environments, the tree establishes a more substantial presence with a minimum height of 20 meters. As it continues to flourish, it can achieve a maximum height of up to 33 meters. Such significant scale makes it a commanding feature in any tropical landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Cananga odorata serves as a significant botanical resource due to its documented antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Research into the essential oils of this plant, often referred to as ylang-ylang, has revealed that its bioactive compounds can effectively target various pathogenic strains. Specifically, studies have shown that combining its essential oil with other plant extracts can enhance susceptibility in organisms such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the plant's medicinal value is reinforced by the presence of endophytic fungi derived from its tissues, which may harbor potent antibacterial metabolites. These findings highlight the importance of Cananga odorata in the ongoing search for novel natural strategies for pharmaceutical and food preservation applications.
Compounds
Cananga odorata is a plant species from which several significant chemical compounds have been isolated. Scientific analysis of its fruits has revealed the presence of the guaipyridine sesquiterpene alkaloid known as cananodine. Furthermore, researchers identified the sesquiterpene gamma-eudesmol within the same botanical source. The structures of these specific constituents were carefully established using advanced NMR and MS methodologies. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of the plant's chemical profile and its potential cytotoxic properties.
Conditions
Cananga odorata demonstrates significant amebicidal activity against the species Acanthamoeba castellanii, Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, and Acanthamoeba polyphaga. This plant also functions as a potent botanical larvicide against the mosquito species An. dirus. Furthermore, extracts or components related to Cananga odorata, such as ylang ylang oil, contribute to the antimicrobial treatment of Candida albicans ATCC10231. Together, these findings highlight the diverse biological efficacy of Cananga odorata against various protozoa, insects, and fungi.
Preparations
Cananga odorata is prepared as crude ethanol extracts, hydro-ethanol, and water extracts to investigate various antimicrobial and phytochemical properties. This plant is also prepared as essential oils (EOs) for use as botanical larvicides and oviposition deterrents against mosquito species. Various forms of the plant are prepared as extracts, including polar and nonpolar materials used to evaluate amebicidal activity. Research demonstrates that Cananga odorata is prepared as crude extracts for screening against the Hepatitis B virus. These diverse preparation methods, ranging from essential oils to various plant extracts, highlight the medicinal versatility of the species.
Parts used
Cananga odorata serves as a significant botanical source for various bioactive chemical compounds. Scientific research has specifically identified the fruits of this plant as a primary site for isolating unique chemical structures. During recent studies, researchers successfully isolated a new guaipyridine sesquiterpene alkaloid known as cananodine from these fruits. In addition to this alkaloid, several new eudesmane sesquiterpenes were also extracted from the same plant part. These findings highlight the chemical complexity contained within the fruit of Cananga odorata and its potential for medicinal evaluation.