Cassipourea madagascariensis

Cassipourea madagascariensis · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Cassipourea madagascariensis is a distinctive plant species that holds significant interest in pharmacological research. Scientific investigations into this plant often focus on the chemical composition of its leaves and roots. Through the use of ethanol extracts, researchers have been able to isolate several notable bioactive compounds. These include specialized molecules such as 30-Hydroxylup-20(29)-en-3-one, Cassipourol, Cassipouryl acetate, and combretol. Understanding these specific chemical profiles is essential for exploring the plant's potential therapeutic applications.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Richaeia Madagascariensis · Anstrutheria Madagascariensis · 2 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Rhizophoraceae
Distribution
Not available
Plant Parts
Leaf · Root

Classification

Common Names

Cassipourea madagascariensis is a distinctive botanical species recognized for its unique presence in its natural habitat. Locally, this plant is known by the common name Tavolopika, a term that reflects its cultural significance. Understanding these regional names helps researchers connect scientific classifications with traditional ecological knowledge. Such relationships between formal taxonomy and local nomenclature are essential for documenting biodiversity effectively. By bridging these two worlds, we gain a deeper appreciation for the plant's role within its environment.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Cassipourea madagascariensis is a botanical species that is recognized under several different scientific names. Throughout various taxonomic studies, it has been identified by the synonym Anstrutheria madagascariensis. Researchers have also documented its classification as Richaeia madagascariensis in older literature. Furthermore, the plant is linked to the synonym Weihea madagascariensis within botanical records. These overlapping names reflect the complex history of its scientific categorization.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Cassipourea madagascariensis is a specialized botanical species belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its place among the true vascular plants. It further falls into the order Malpighiales, a diverse group that showcases unique evolutionary traits. This plant is a member of the genus Cassipourea, which defines its specific morphological characteristics. Finally, it is categorized within the family Rhizophoraceae, linking it to a distinct lineage of woody vegetation.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Malpighiales
Family Rhizophoraceae
Genus Cassipourea

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Cassipourea madagascariensis is a notable botanical species defined by its specific geographical presence across several key regions. Its primary distribution spans the diverse landscapes of the African continent, stretching through various ecological zones. Beyond the mainland, the plant is also found throughout the Western Indian Ocean, showcasing its adaptability to maritime climates. Most significantly, Madagascar serves as a vital stronghold for this species within its natural habitat. Together, these locations highlight the distinct range and ecological importance of this plant within its native territory.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Cassipourea madagascariensis is characterized by its distinct growth form as a tree.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Compounds

Cassipourea madagascariensis is a plant species native to the rainforests of Madagascar that possesses several noteworthy chemical properties. Through the bioassay-directed fractionation of its ethanol extracts, researchers have identified several key bioactive compounds within its roots and leaves. Specifically, the plant contains the two newly discovered terpenoids known as cassipourol and cassipouryl acetate. In addition to these novel findings, the species also contains the known compound combretol. These isolated substances have been studied for their potential cytotoxic activity against human ovarian cancer cell lines.

Conditions

Cassipourea madagascariensis contains cytotoxic diterpenes that demonstrate potential in treating the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line. Researchers isolated two new terpenoids, cassipourol and cassipouryl acetate, from the ethanol extracts of the plant's roots and leaves. During bioassays, these two specific diterpenes exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against the cancer cells. In contrast, the three known compounds identified in the study showed only weak activity against the A2780 line. These findings highlight the medicinal potential of the chemical constituents found within this specific plant species.

Preparations

Cassipourea madagascariensis is prepared as ethanol extracts derived from both its roots and leaves. These specific extracts undergo bioassay-directed fractionation to facilitate the isolation of various chemical constituents. Through this extraction process, researchers successfully identified two new terpenoids, namely cassipourol and cassipouryl acetate. The methodology also allowed for the recovery of three previously known compounds from the plant material. Consequently, these ethanol-based extracts serve as the foundational medium for identifying cytotoxic diterpenes within the species.

Parts used

Cassipourea madagascariensis is a plant species native to the Madagascar rainforest that holds significant biochemical potential. Researchers have specifically focused on the chemical properties found within its leaves and roots to identify bioactive compounds. By performing bioassay-directed fractionation on ethanol extracts from these two plant parts, scientists successfully isolated several diterpenes. Among these findings were two new terpenoids, cassipourol and cassipouryl acetate, which demonstrated moderate cytotoxic activity. These results highlight the importance of studying the different components of the plant for potential medicinal applications.