Ceiba insignis
Ceiba insignis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ceiba insignis is a botanical species that has recently garnered scientific interest due to its complex chemical profile. Research focusing on the plant's flowers has identified key bioactive compounds, including sterculic acid, dihydrosterculic acid, and kaempferol hexoside. When processed into various extracts, these constituents demonstrate significant pharmacological potential. Current studies are specifically investigating the efficacy of these preparations against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This ongoing exploration highlights the importance of the species in the search for novel antiviral agents.
- Synonyms
- Ceiba Integrifolia · Chorisia Insignis · 2 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Flower
Classification
Common Names
Ceiba insignis is a versatile species known by a wide array of names across different regions and cultures. It is frequently referred to as the Floss-silk Tree, a title that highlights its unique botanical features. In various locales, it is also commonly called the Palo Borracho or the Palo Borracho Blanco. Some may recognize this striking plant by its traditional name, Tunsho, or simply as the chorisia. Regardless of the label used, this distinctive tree remains a celebrated part of the natural landscape.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Ceiba insignis is a species that has been documented under several different botanical names throughout history. Taxonomists have frequently referred to this plant as Ceiba integrifolia or Ceiba mythica in various scientific records. Furthermore, the species is closely linked to the genus Chorisia, appearing in literature as both Chorisia insignis and Chorisia integrifolia. These overlapping synonyms highlight the complex evolutionary classification of the plant within its family. Understanding these various naming conventions is essential for researchers tracking the true identity of this specimen.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Ceiba insignis is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae that showcases the intricate classification of the natural world. Within this biological hierarchy, the species belongs to the class Equisetopsida and follows the taxonomic order Malvales. It is further categorized under the family Malvaceae, highlighting its evolutionary connections to other mallow species. As a representative of the genus Ceiba, it shares a lineage with several other iconic tropical trees. Understanding these relationships provides essential insight into the botanical identity of this remarkable plant.
| 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 insignis is a remarkable species with a broad and diverse geographical distribution across the tropical landscapes of the Americas. This plant can be found throughout various regions of Southern America, including the lush environments of the Caribbean and the Dominican Republic. Its presence extends further into Western South America, where it thrives in the unique ecosystems of Ecuador. Additionally, the species maintains a significant foothold within the natural territories of Peru. Together, these locations highlight the wide ecological range that this impressive tree occupies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Ceiba insignis is a self-supporting tree characterized by its distinctive growth form. While individual specimens may reach a modest height of 12 m, the species is capable of scaling much larger. In optimal conditions, this impressive tree can reach a maximum height of 50 m. This versatility in stature allows it to establish a commanding presence within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Ceiba insignis is a plant species traditionally utilized in medicinal practices to address various inflammatory diseases. Detailed metabolic profiling through LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis has revealed a diverse chemical composition within its flower extracts. Specifically, the plant contains the flavonoid kaempferol hexoside, which contributes to its complex biological profile. Furthermore, the extracts are rich in specific fatty acids, including both sterculic acid and dihydrosterculic acid. These chemical constituents are central to the plant's ability to modulate gene expression and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Conditions
Ceiba insignis demonstrates significant medicinal potential through its ability to treat SARS-CoV-2. Molecular docking and dynamics analyses indicate that its volatile organic compounds exhibit promising binding interactions with key proteins of the virus, including Mpro and the spike S1 subunit RBD. Additionally, this plant is utilized in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. Scientific evaluations confirm that its flower extracts effectively reduce the expression of genes such as 5-lipoxygenase and tumor necrosis factor alpha. These findings validate the therapeutic relevance of Ceiba insignis in treating various inflammatory disorders.
Preparations
Ceiba insignis is prepared as extracts from its flowers for use in traditional medicine. These extracts undergo detailed analysis using LC-ESI-MS/MS to identify specific bioactive compounds. Such metabolic profiling reveals the presence of various flavonoids and fatty acids within the prepared substance. The resulting extracts demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory properties by decreasing the expression of 5-lipoxygenase and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Ultimately, the preparation of these extracts serves to validate the medicinal application of the plant in treating inflammatory disorders.
Parts used
Ceiba insignis possesses a flower that serves as a vital component in traditional medicinal practices. Recent scientific analyses have focused on extracting bioactive compounds from these floral parts to evaluate their therapeutic potential. The study revealed that the flower extracts contain significant flavonoids and fatty acids, such as sterculic acid and kaempferol hexoside. These specific components demonstrate a measurable ability to decrease the expression of inflammatory markers like 5-lipoxygenase and TNF-α. Ultimately, the research confirms that the flowers of Ceiba insignis are highly relevant for treating various inflammatory disorders.