Ceiba aesculifolia
Ceiba aesculifolia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ceiba aesculifolia is a botanical species that has gained significant attention for its potential therapeutic applications in modern pharmacology. Recent scientific investigations have focused on its biological activities, particularly regarding its efficacy against various infectious diseases. Researchers have increasingly utilized methanolic extracts to isolate the bioactive compounds responsible for these medicinal properties. These specialized preparations allow for a more concentrated analysis of the plant's secondary metabolites. Understanding these chemical profiles is essential for developing new natural treatments to combat evolving microbial threats.
- Synonyms
- Xylon Aesculifolium · Bombax Aesculifolium · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Ceiba aesculifolia is a versatile tree known by a diverse array of regional names. It is frequently referred to as Ceiba or Ceibo, names that highlight its botanical significance. In various locales, people also call it Algodoncillo, a nod to its unique characteristics. Other common monikers include Lantá de cerro and Palo puchote, reflecting the different cultural contexts in which it grows. This variety of names illustrates the widespread presence and local importance of this fascinating species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Ceiba aesculifolia is a botanical species that is known by several different scientific names throughout various classification systems. Within taxonomic literature, this plant is frequently identified by the synonym Bombax aesculifolium. Researchers may also encounter it referred to as Eriodendron aesculifolium depending on the specific botanical context. Additionally, the name Xylon aesculifolium serves as another valid synonym for this particular tree. Understanding these overlapping designations is essential for accurately identifying the plant in diverse biological studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Ceiba aesculifolia is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this diverse group, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Malvales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. Moving down the taxonomic hierarchy, it is a member of the family Malvaceae. Finally, this species is officially recognized under the specific genus Ceiba.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Ceiba |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Ceiba aesculifolia is a notable species found across several key regions of North America. Its presence is particularly widespread throughout Mexico, spanning various geographical zones. The plant can be found in the central regions of the country as well as along the Gulf coast. Furthermore, its distribution extends into the Northeast, Northwest, and Southeast parts of Mexico. This broad range highlights the adaptability of the species within diverse Mexican landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Ceiba aesculifolia is a self-supporting plant that exhibits a distinct tree growth form. This species is characterized by its impressive stature, capable of reaching significant heights in its natural habitat. Depending on environmental conditions, the tree typically attains a maximum height ranging from 15 m to 25 m. Such structural development allows it to stand firmly as a prominent feature of its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Ceiba aesculifolia is recognized in traditional Mayan medicine for its use in treating infectious diseases. Recent research has investigated its specific anti-virulence potential by testing its effects on the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. While the plant's extracts did not demonstrate direct antibacterial activity, they successfully inhibited key virulence factors. Notably, the bark of C. aesculifolia was found to be the most active extract for inhibiting biofilm formation, achieving a 74% inhibition rate. This finding supports the traditional application of the plant as an effective agent against infection-associated processes.
Preparations
Ceiba aesculifolia is prepared as methanolic extracts to investigate its potential anti-virulence properties. These specific extracts were evaluated for their ability to inhibit quorum sensing-regulated virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among the seventeen Mayan medicinal plants tested, the bark of this species demonstrated significant bioactive potential. Notably, the methanolic extract of Ceiba aesculifolia achieved a 74% inhibition rate against biofilm formation. This successful preparation confirms the plant's efficacy as a source of novel anti-virulence agents in traditional medicine.