Cassipourea malosana
Cassipourea malosana · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cassipourea malosana is a distinctive botanical species known for its unique presence in specific tropical ecosystems. This plant is particularly noted for its medicinal potential, specifically regarding its bark. Practitioners often utilize various preparations derived from this bark to harness its natural properties. Understanding its ecological role and chemical composition is essential for studying its traditional uses. As research continues, this species remains a subject of interest for both botanists and herbalists alike.
- Synonyms
- Weihea Boranensis · Weihea Eickii · 12 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rhizophoraceae
- Distribution
- Pacific
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Cassipourea malosana is a distinctive plant species recognized by several different regional and descriptive names. It is most frequently identified by the English common names African Onionwood, Common Onionwood, or Lesser Onionwood. Beyond these standard English terms, the plant also carries the specific name Zwiebelholz. In certain contexts, it is further referred to as basteruiehout. Understanding these various aliases is essential for anyone studying the diverse nomenclature associated with this species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cassipourea malosana is a taxonomically complex species that has been identified by several different scientific names throughout history. Botanical records indicate that this plant is synonymous with Cassipourea abyssinica and Cassipourea avettae. Furthermore, it has previously been categorized under the names Cassipourea eickii and Cassipourea elliottii. The historical classification also links it to the name Cassipourea gerrardii. Understanding these various synonyms is essential for researchers tracking the true botanical identity of the species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cassipourea malosana is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its place among the vascular plants. The species is a member of the order Malpighiales, showcasing its complex evolutionary lineage. Further narrowing its identity, it falls under the genus Cassipourea. Finally, its botanical classification is completed by its membership in the family Rhizophoraceae.
| 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 malosana is a notable botanical species found throughout various regions of the African continent. Its natural distribution spans across East Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Furthermore, the plant extends its reach into Northeast Tropical Africa, establishing a presence in the Horn of Africa. Within this northeastern range, it can be reliably located in both Eritrea and Ethiopia. This broad geographic footprint highlights the species' ability to thrive across diverse East African landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cassipourea malosana is a distinctive tree species characterized by its self-supporting growth form. This plant can vary significantly in stature, with some individuals reaching a modest height of 5 meters. However, much larger specimens are known to exist within its natural habitat. The species demonstrates remarkable vertical diversity, with heights recorded at minimums of 12 meters and even 32.5 meters. Such impressive scale allows this tree to occupy various niches within its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Cassipourea malosana is a plant species belonging to the Rhizophoraceae family that has yielded significant chemical interest through its bark composition. During the isolation of constituents from this bark, researchers identified several key aromatic compounds. Among these specific chemical findings, it was determined that Cassipourea malosana contains methyl 4-ethoxy-2-hydroxy-6-propylbenzoate. The structural identity of this compound was confirmed using detailed spectroscopic data analysis. Understanding these specific chemical relationships is essential for evaluating the plant's overall cytotoxic potential against various cell lines.
Conditions
Cassipourea malosana bark contains various chemical constituents that demonstrate cytotoxic effects against the human ovarian cancer cell line TOV21G. Researchers isolated several aromatic compounds from the plant, including specific flavan dimers and a methyl benzoate derivative. While most isolated substances exhibited minimal impact, certain methyl derivatives showed significantly higher potency in inhibiting the cancer cells. Specifically, the methyl derivatives of the flavan dimers (1a and 2a) achieved $\text{IC}_{50}$ values of 30.3 and 75.4 $\mu$M, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of specific bioactive compounds from Cassipourea malosana to treat TOV21G ovarian cancer cells.
Preparations
Cassipourea malosana is prepared as bark for the purpose of extracting various chemical constituents. Researchers isolated eleven distinct compounds, including aromatic substances and flavan dimers, directly from this plant material. These specific substances were identified through detailed spectroscopic analysis of the bark's components. The study focused on testing these isolated extracts for their potential cytotoxicity against the human ovarian cancer cell line TOV21G. Ultimately, the preparation of the bark allowed for the discovery that certain methyl derivatives possessed significant biological activity.