Casimiroa edulis
Casimiroa edulis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Casimiroa edulis is a versatile plant species known for its diverse pharmacological profile and chemical richness. Various parts of the plant, including the leaves, roots, and seeds, contain bioactive compounds such as 2',5,6-trimethoxyflavone, casimiroedine, N,N-dimethylhistamine, and N-methylproline. Scientific studies utilizing methanolic seed extracts and hexanic preparations like Ce5 and Ce7 have demonstrated significant biological activities. These include antihypertensive and anxiolytic effects, as well as potential abortifacient and acidulant properties. Consequently, the plant shows promise in managing physiological conditions such as high blood pressure, hypotension, and bradycardia.
- Synonyms
- Zanthoxylum Bombacifolium · Zanthoxylum Araliaceum · 11 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Casimiroa edulis is a versatile plant recognized by a diverse array of common names across different regions. It is widely known as the Mexican-apple, a name that highlights its fruity characteristics. Depending on the local dialect, it may also be referred to as Cochilsapote or the uniquely named Mango tarango. In specific areas like Puerto Rico, the plant is frequently called Matasano. Additionally, it carries the distinct moniker Anon canadiense de guell, showcasing the many linguistic identities this species holds.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Casimiroa edulis is a botanical species that encompasses several distinct taxonomic synonyms. Within its complex classification, it is frequently referred to by the name Casimiroa sapota. This species also includes specific varieties such as Casimiroa sapota f. comitana and Casimiroa sapota f. costarricensis. Furthermore, the plant is linked to the forms Casimiroa edulis f. microcarpa and Casimiroa sapota f. glabrata. Understanding these varied nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Casimiroa edulis is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Sapindales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to other related species. The plant is a member of the Rutaceae family, which provides insight into its specific biological characteristics. Finally, it is identified by its unique genus, Casimiroa, which distinguishes it within the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Casimiroa |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Casimiroa edulis displays a remarkably wide geographical range that spans across multiple continents. In Asia, the species is found within the tropical regions of the Indian Subcontinent and Bangladesh. Its presence is equally significant in Northern America, where it is widely distributed throughout Mexico. Specifically, the plant thrives in diverse Mexican locales, including the Central, Gulf, and Northeast regions. Furthermore, its adaptability allows it to flourish across the Northwest reaches of Mexico as well.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Casimiroa edulis is a self-supporting plant that takes the form of a sturdy tree. It is capable of reaching a maximum height of 16 meters as it matures. This growth habit allows it to establish a significant presence within its natural environment.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Casimiroa edulis is a plant species that demonstrates significant pharmacological potential in the treatment of various health conditions. Research into its leaf and seed extracts has shown a clear antihypertensive effect by inducing vasorelaxation in arterial tissues. These findings provide scientific support for the traditional use of the plant's decoctions to manage high blood pressure, even in elderly subjects. Furthermore, the species has been identified in preclinical studies as possessing promising anxiolytic activity. This dual capability suggests that Casimiroa edulis could serve as a valuable subject for future clinical investigations into holistic wellness.
Compounds
Casimiroa edulis is a plant species that possesses a diverse array of bioactive chemical constituents. Research has identified that it contains casimiroedine, a compound known to influence blood pressure in certain animal models. The plant also contains N-methylproline and gamma-aminobutyric acid, both of which contribute to prolonged hypotensive effects. Additionally, the species harbors synephrine acetonide, a component that can induce transient hypertension and tachycardia. Beyond these cardiovascular elements, the plant contains zapotin, a flavonoid that has demonstrated the ability to induce cellular differentiation.
Conditions
Casimiroa edulis exhibits significant physiological properties, including the ability to treat hypotension through its role as a peripheral arterial vasodilator. Research indicates that the plant can treat blood pressure by inducing vasorelaxation and reducing peripheral resistance. These effects are often accompanied by a decrease in blood pressure and the treatment of bradycardia via H1-histaminergic mechanisms. Furthermore, preclinical studies have identified the plant as having potential anxiolytic activity. Together, these diverse pharmacological actions highlight the plant's multifaceted impact on cardiovascular and neurological systems.
Preparations
Casimiroa edulis is prepared as various extracts to investigate its diverse pharmacological properties. Specifically, the plant is prepared as methanolic extracts to isolate constituents with significant cardiovascular activity. Researchers have also utilized the plant prepared as hexanic-leaf (Ce5) and hexanic-seed (Ce7) to study age-dependent vasorelaxation in arterial tissues. Furthermore, Casimiroa edulis is prepared as methanolic seed extracts to evaluate its effectiveness in inducing relaxation in both young and old rat models. These various preparation methods allow for the detailed study of the plant's potential as an antihypertensive agent.
Parts used
Casimiroa edulis is a plant species that possesses several biologically active components found within its various anatomical structures. Scientific research highlights that the seeds of this plant contain compounds capable of inducing significant cardiovascular effects, such as hypotension and vasorelaxation. Additionally, the leaves have been studied for their traditional medicinal use in treating high blood pressure through decoctions. Beyond its vascular applications, the root of the plant has also been identified for its potential antigonorrhoeal activity. Together, these different parts demonstrate the complex pharmacological profile of the species.