Canarium schweinfurthii
Canarium schweinfurthii · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Canarium schweinfurthii is a significant botanical species recognized for its diverse therapeutic potential in traditional medicine. Research has highlighted its potent antibacterial activities, making it a valuable resource in the management of various bacterial infections. Beyond its antimicrobial properties, studies suggest the plant may also play a role in addressing metabolic concerns such as dyslipidemia. Scientists have extensively investigated its medicinal value through the use of methanol extracts, as well as specific preparations of the leaves and bark. Ultimately, the bark extract and leaf components offer promising avenues for developing new pharmacological treatments.
- Synonyms
- Canarium Chevalieri · Canarium Occidentale · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Burseraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Canarium schweinfurthii is a fascinating botanical species known by a diverse array of regional and descriptive names. It is most widely recognized by the common name African Elemi, a title that highlights its significant botanical identity. In certain areas, the plant is also referred to as Mubafo or Schweinfurth's olive, reflecting its unique characteristics. Variations of its name further include afrikanelemi and afrikansk elemi, which demonstrate the linguistic diversity surrounding the species. Understanding these various monikers is essential for anyone studying the widespread cultural and biological presence of this plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Canarium schweinfurthii is a botanical species that has been identified by several different scientific names throughout history. This plant is recognized by the synonym Aucoumea velutina, reflecting its complex taxonomic classification. Researchers have also documented it under the names Canarium chevalieri and Canarium occidentale. Furthermore, the species is linked to the synonyms Canarium thollonicum and Canarium velutinum in various biological records. Understanding these various nomenclatures is essential for accurate identification within the genus.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Canarium schweinfurthii is a distinctive botanical species belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Sapindales, showcasing its evolutionary lineage. It specifically falls under the genus Canarium, which defines its unique biological characteristics. Finally, it is a recognized member of the Burseraceae family, linking it to other resinous trees.
| 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 schweinfurthii is a resilient species with a broad geographic presence across the African continent. Its distribution spans through East Tropical Africa, specifically inhabiting the landscapes of Tanzania and Uganda. Moving toward the Northeast, the plant is also found within the borders of Chad. It maintains a significant presence in Ethiopia, further establishing its reach across the region. Additionally, its range extends into the territories of Sudan and South Sudan, showcasing its widespread ecological footprint.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Canarium schweinfurthii is a robust tree characterized by its self-supporting growth form. This species can reach a significant stature in its natural habitat, typically attaining a height of up to 30 meters. In certain optimal conditions, however, the tree may grow even larger, reaching a maximum height of approximately 36.58 meters. Such impressive dimensions make it a prominent feature within its forest ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Canarium schweinfurthii demonstrates significant antibacterial activity against a wide range of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Recent studies evaluating methanol extracts have highlighted the therapeutic potential of this medicinal plant, particularly through its bark. Specifically, the bark extract showed impressive results, exhibiting inhibitory effects against 85.7% of the tested bacterial strains. Notably, the extract achieved a low minimal inhibitory concentration of 32 µg/mL against the Klebsiella pneumoniae KP63 strain. These findings suggest that Canarium schweinfurthii could serve as a valuable resource in the ongoing effort to treat complex bacterial infections.
Compounds
Conditions
Canarium schweinfurthii offers significant therapeutic potential, as its pulp oil has been shown to treat dyslipidemia by reducing total cholesterol and LDL levels. This same oil also effectively treats the atherosclerosis index in subjects by improving antioxidant defenses. Furthermore, extracts from the bark of the plant can treat bacterial infections, specifically demonstrating activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative strains. The plant also serves as an effective insects' repellent, with indigenous populations using it to help control malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. Finally, research indicates that the leaves and bark extracts of the species can treat leukemia CCRF-CEM cells by inducing growth inhibition.
Preparations
Canarium schweinfurthii is prepared as bark extract to evaluate its potent antibacterial activities against various multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The plant is also prepared as leaves and bark extracts to assess its cytotoxic effects on multidrug-resistant cancer cell lines. Additionally, Canarium schweinfurthii is prepared as methanol extracts for the study of its in vitro inhibitory properties. These different preparation methods allow researchers to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration of the plant's components. Through these various extractions, the medicinal potential of the species is demonstrated against both bacterial infections and malignancy.
Parts used
Canarium schweinfurthii has been identified as a significant medicinal plant in recent pharmacological studies conducted in Cameroon. Researchers specifically utilized the leaf of this species to investigate its potential therapeutic properties against various cancer cell lines. During preliminary experiments, leaf extracts from this plant were tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of leukemia CCRF-CEM cells. The findings indicated that these extracts induced more than 50% growth inhibition in the tested cell line at a concentration of 40 μg/mL. This contribution highlights the importance of exploring different plant parts, such as the leaf, in the search for new chemotherapeutic agents.