Canarium album
What's the taxonomical classification of Canarium album?
Canarium album 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 Sapindales. This plant is a representative of the family Burseraceae, falling under the genus Canarium, and is specifically identified by its species name, album.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Burseraceae |
| Genus | Canarium |
| Species | album |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Canarium album has a medium-sized tree structure characterized by a straight trunk, smooth grayish bark, and a crown of pinnately compound leaves that can reach up to 30 centimeters in length. The foliage consists of several pairs of leaflets that are typically elliptical or lanceolate in shape with entire margins. Small, fragrant white flowers emerge from the axils of the branches, eventually developing into fleshy drupes. These fruits are often yellowish or greenish when ripe and contain a single large seed. The overall vegetative morphology supports a dense canopy suitable for tropical forest environments.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, specifically ranging from southern Mexico through Central America and into various parts of northern and eastern South America. It is most frequently encountered in lowland rainforests and seasonal dry forests within these territories. The species thrives in humid environments where high precipitation levels support its growth patterns. Its distribution is closely tied to specific climatic zones that provide consistent warmth throughout the year. Many populations are concentrated in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, known as the Canary Island laurel, requires well-drained, fertile soil and a subtropical climate with consistent humidity to thrive.
It flourishes in areas that receive partial shade and moderate rainfall throughout the year. Growers should ensure the soil remains moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Regular mulching helps maintain the necessary moisture levels and suppresses competition from weeds.
Once established, the tree is relatively hardy but benefits from protection against harsh, drying winds.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant uses the fruit and leaves of Canarium album for various medicinal purposes in traditional healing practices. The edible fruit is often processed to treat digestive issues and provide nutritional support. Meanwhile, the leaves are frequently utilized in topical applications or infusions to address skin conditions and inflammatory ailments. These specific plant components contain bioactive compounds that contribute to their therapeutic efficacy. By employing both the fruit and the foliage, practitioners can address a wide range of health concerns.
According to a study published by "Food & function", the fruits of Canarium album L. have historically been used for medicinal purposes. A methanol-ethyl acetate partitioned fraction from these fruits, known as MEO, contains ellagic acid which accounts for 12% of the fraction. This MEO fraction exhibited anti-proliferative activities in the human colon cancer cell line HCT116. Oral administration of MEO inhibited tumor growth of CT26 mouse colon carcinoma cells implanted in BALB/c mice. The study found that MEO suppresses NF-κB activation by reducing the phosphorylation of signaling-associated proteins IKKα/β, IκBα, and p65.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- fruit
- leaf
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Canarium album, has been utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine and various Southeast Asian folk practices to treat skin ailments, digestive issues, and inflammatory conditions. In many historical contexts, the resin extracted from the tree was applied topically as a healing salve for wounds and sores. Practitioners in specific regional traditions also used the seeds and oils to alleviate stomach pains and promote better digestion. The aromatic properties of the wood and resin were frequently integrated into local rituals and medicinal preparations. These diverse applications highlight the long-standing reliance on the species for both practical healthcare and cultural customs.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Ganlanye (GLY), which is the leaf of Canarium album (Lour.) DC., is recorded as a major traditional Chinese medicinal herb for warm disease treatment. This plant has been studied for its aqueous extract to evaluate anti-influenza virus activities using MDCK cell and BALB/c mouse models. One active component identified from the crude extract of GLY is urolithin M5. In a PR8-infected mouse model, a dose of 200 mg/kg/d of urolithin M5 protected 50% of mice from death and improved lung edema conditions.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Canarium album?
This plant has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, antiviral, and neuraminidase inhibitor pharmacological activities. Its phytochemical constituents work to suppress the growth of malignant cells through various anti-proliferative mechanisms. The plant also demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory properties by reducing biological markers of inflammation. Furthermore, it exhibits potent antiviral effects by acting as a neuraminidase inhibitor to prevent viral replication. These diverse medicinal properties make it a subject of interest for pharmaceutical research.
According to a study published by "Food & function", the methanol-ethyl acetate partitioned fraction (MEO) from Canarium album L. fruits, which contains 12% ellagic acid, exhibits profound anti-proliferative activities in the HCT116 human colon cancer cell line. Oral administration of MEO remarkably inhibited the tumor growth of subcutaneously implanted CT26 mouse colon carcinoma cells in BALB/c mice. This fraction promotes apoptosis through the suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway, as evidenced by the reduction of phosphorylation in signaling-associated proteins including IKKα/β, IκBα, and p65. MEO treatment also significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cancer cell proliferation. These findings suggest that the methanol-ethyl acetate partitioned fraction from Canarium album L. has promising potential in cancer treatment.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-cancer
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-proliferative
- antiviral
- neuraminiadse inhibitor
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several medicinal compounds including hydrolysable tannin, isocorilagin, canaroleosides A-C, flavonoids, and isorrhoifoilin. These bioactive constituents contribute significantly to the therapeutic potential of Canarium album. The presence of specific flavonoids and tannins suggests the plant may possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, unique compounds like isocorilagin and the canaroleoside group play key roles in its chemical profile. Research into these substances helps clarify the plant's traditional medicinal uses.
According to a study published by "Plants (Basel, Switzerland)", the fruit of Canarium album L. is notable for its pharmacological and edible properties and is rich in hydrolysable tannins (HTs). These HTs serve as the primary material basis for the formation of the fruit's pharmacological effects. In the study of Canarium album Changying, a total of 83 differentially expressed Chinese olive MYB transcription factors (CaMYBs) were identified. These factors include 54 1R-MYBs, 25 2R-MYBs, 3 3R-MYBs, and 1 4R-MYB. The regulator CaMYBR04 (Isoform0032534) was found to exhibit a significantly higher expression (FPKM) than the other CaMYBs and significantly enhanced the fruit's hydrolysable tannin content.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Hydrolysable Tannin
- Isocorilagin
- canaroleosides A-C
- isorrhoifolin
- flavonoids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating respiratory complications caused by H1N1 influenza, influenza, influenza A, influenza A virus, and influenza virus. It serves as a natural remedy to help alleviate the severe symptoms associated with these viral infections. Practitioners often utilize its properties to manage the fever and congestion typically triggered by the influenza virus. By supporting the immune response, it may assist the body in fighting off the influenza A virus more effectively. This botanical approach provides a traditional method for addressing the various strains of influenza.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Canarium album (Lour.) DC. is a traditional medicinal plant used as heat-clearing and detoxicating herbs for warm disease treatment. The leaves of the plant exert anti-influenza activities in the MDCK cell model with an IC50 of 31.11-36.72 μg/mL. In H1N1 influenza studies involving IAV infected A549 cells and mouse models, GLY was shown to reduce viral proteins, cytokines, and chemokines expressions. When administered at 2 g/kg/d, GLY could improve the mouse survival rate and elongate the average survival days. The plant's activity is attributed to 20 active compounds, including xanthotoxol, esculetin, isoorifoilin, and nobiletin, which help inhibit influenza A virus replication and inflammation.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- H1N1 influenza
- influenza
- influenza A
- influenza A virus
- influenza virus
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations including an aqueous extract and a methanol-ethyl acetate partitioned fraction. Researchers utilize these specific extraction methods to isolate various bioactive secondary metabolites from the plant tissues. The aqueous extract focuses on capturing water-soluble compounds that may possess antimicrobial or antioxidant properties. Meanwhile, the methanol-ethyl acetate partitioned fraction allows for the separation of more lipophilic constituents through solvent partitioning. These different preparation techniques are essential for studying the specific pharmacological activities of the plant.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", the leaf of Canarium album, known as Ganlanye (GLY), is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for warm disease treatment. Researchers found that the aqueous extract of GLY could inhibit the influenza A virus. Through bioassay-guided isolation, urolithin M5 was obtained from the crude extract of GLY. In a PR8-infected mouse model, 200 mg/kg/d of urolithin M5 protected 50% of mice from death and improved lung edema conditions. This study identified GLY as a potent anti-influenza herb and showed urolithin M5 as the active component.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- aqueous extract
- methanol-ethyl acetate partitioned fraction
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant gastrointestinal distress including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if consumed. These physical reactions often serve as the primary warning signs of its adverse effects on the body. If ingested in large amounts, the plant can lead to severe toxicity that may require medical intervention. Individuals may also experience neurological symptoms such as dizziness following consumption. Careful avoidance is necessary to prevent these various health complications.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Toxicity (if ingested in large amounts)
- Dizziness
What herbs are paired with Canarium album?
This plant, Canarium album, pairs best with aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage to enhance its nutty and resinous profile.
These woody herbs complement the botanical complexity of the seeds when used in culinary applications like roasting or seasoning oils. Adding bay leaves can also provide a deep, savory undertone that balances the natural richness of the plant. Using lemon balm or mint can introduce a bright, citrusy contrast to its heavier scent.
Integrating these diverse herbs allows for a more nuanced flavor profile in both traditional and modern recipes.