Canarium bengalense
Canarium bengalense · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Canarium bengalense is a significant medicinal plant species often utilized in traditional healing practices. Researchers have specifically focused on the therapeutic potential of its various components to address complex health issues. Among its many uses, the plant is noted for its application in managing conditions related to tumors. Specifically, the stem barks are harvested and processed to create specialized medicinal preparations. This particular part of the plant serves as a vital resource in the development of natural treatments.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Burseraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Common Names
Canarium bengalense is a versatile tree recognized by a variety of regional and linguistic identifiers. In many English-speaking circles, it is widely known by the common name East Indian copal. It also carries distinct phonetic names such as kanárium bengálske and kanárník bengálský in different cultural contexts. Furthermore, the species is identified in Chinese nomenclature as 方榄. These diverse names reflect the plant's broad geographic reach and its importance across various traditions.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Canarium bengalense is a distinctive species that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It falls specifically into the order Sapindales, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. Furthermore, this plant is a member of the genus Canarium. Finally, it is categorized under the family Burseraceae, which helps botanists understand its botanical connections.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Burseraceae |
| Genus | Canarium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Canarium bengalense exhibits a broad and diverse geographic range spanning across several key regions of Asia. In the temperate zones, this species is established within the South-Central and Southeast regions of China. Moving into tropical climates, its presence extends across the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within Assam and Bangladesh. The plant's distribution also reaches into the Indo-China region, where it can be found in Laos. This wide-reaching habitat demonstrates the species' ability to thrive in both temperate and tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Canarium bengalense is a robust, self-supporting tree that establishes a strong presence in its natural habitat. This species typically exhibits a substantial growth form, reaching impressive heights as it matures. While individual specimens may vary, their stature generally ranges from a minimum of 15 meters to a maximum of 25 meters. Some well-developed trees frequently achieve a height of at least 22.5 meters, showcasing their impressive vertical reach. Such significant dimensions make this tree a prominent feature within its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Canarium bengalense contains bioactive constituents from its stem barks that demonstrate significant cytoprotective activity against hydrogen peroxide-induced hepatotoxicity. These isolated compounds have been shown to increase the viability of primary cultured hepatocytes, effectively countering oxidative damage. Such therapeutic properties suggest that the plant is highly effective in treating various forms of liver damage. Furthermore, the research indicates that these constituents may support the traditional medicinal use of the species in the treatment of tumors. Ultimately, the chemical profile of this plant provides a scientific basis for its role in managing both hepatic injury and tumor growth.
Preparations
Canarium bengalense is prepared as stem barks to facilitate the extraction of various medicinal constituents. These barks undergo phytochemical investigation to isolate specific compounds, such as a newly identified flavone glycoside. The chemical structures within these stem barks are meticulously elucidated using advanced NMR and MS analyses. Once isolated, these constituents are tested for their ability to provide cytoprotective effects against hepatotoxicity. Such properties suggest that the stem barks are essential to the plant's traditional application in treating liver damage and tumors.
Parts used
Canarium bengalense possesses a stem component that serves as a significant source of bioactive phytochemicals. Recent scientific investigations have focused on the stem barks of this species to isolate unique chemical constituents. Through detailed structural elucidation, researchers identified a new flavone glycoside alongside several known compounds within the bark. These isolated substances demonstrated notable cytoprotective activity when tested against hydrogen peroxide-induced damage in hepatocytes. Such findings suggest that the compounds found in the stem may provide a biological basis for the plant's traditional use in treating liver damage and tumors.