Cerbera manghas
Cerbera manghas · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cerbera manghas is a remarkable botanical species that offers a wide array of therapeutic potential across its leaves, fruits, roots, and seeds. Through various methanol and ethanol extracts, researchers have identified potent chemical compounds such as 2,4-Dihydroxy-6-methylbenzoic acid, 3-O-methylfunicone, 5-methylbenzene-1,3-diol, and Penicidone D. These bioactive constituents contribute to diverse pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antiestrogenic, and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the plant serves as a significant source for medicinal applications acting as an antifungal agent, analgesic, and anticonvulsant. Consequently, studying this plant provides vital insights into developing new treatments for complex physiological conditions.
- Synonyms
- Odollamia Manghas · Odollamia Moluca · 13 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Cerbera manghas is a botanical species known by a diverse array of regional and descriptive names. Across various cultures, it is commonly referred to as Baraibai or Bintaro. In other parts of the world, the plant is identified by the name Chemeridech. It is also frequently called Kameduangel, reflecting its unique identity in specific locales. Furthermore, its appearance often leads people to call it the Faux manguier.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cerbera manghas is a complex species that is often identified through various taxonomic synonyms. Scientific literature frequently refers to this plant as Cerbera linnaei in certain contexts. Furthermore, specific botanical variations exist under this name, such as the form Cerbera manghas f. luteola. The species also encompasses several distinct varieties, including var. acutisperma and var. mugfordii. Additionally, the classification includes var. samoensis, highlighting the diverse botanical relationships associated with this plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cerbera manghas is a fascinating botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It specifically falls into the order Gentianales, showcasing its distinct evolutionary lineage. As a member of the family Apocynaceae, it shares characteristics with many other diverse flowering plants. Ultimately, this species is defined by its placement within the genus Cerbera.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Cerbera |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Cerbera manghas is a distinctive plant species with a broad distribution across several key regions of the African continent and its surrounding waters. It can be found throughout East Tropical Africa, with notable presence in Tanzania. The species also thrives within the Western Indian Ocean, spanning multiple island territories. Specifically, its habitat includes the Chagos Archipelago, the Comoros, and Madagascar. Furthermore, its reach extends to the island of Mauritius, highlighting its ecological importance to the region.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cerbera manghas is a self-supporting plant that manifests as a robust tree. This species displays a versatile growth form that allows it to thrive in various environments. Depending on its specific conditions, the plant can reach a minimum height of 4 meters. In many instances, it establishes itself with a height ranging between 13 and 20 meters. Ultimately, these structural characteristics define its presence within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Cerbera manghas is a tropical mangrove plant that possesses a diverse range of significant pharmacological properties. Research indicates that the plant exhibits potent anticancer and antiproliferative activities, particularly when evaluated against specific human cancer cell lines. Furthermore, studies have identified constituents within the plant that demonstrate notable antiestrogenic effects. Beyond these specialized applications, the plant's extracts have also been screened for their beneficial antioxidant capabilities. Finally, Cerbera manghas serves practical roles in various settings due to its recognized antifungal properties.
Compounds
Cerbera manghas is a semi-mangrove medicinal plant known for its diverse ethnopharmacological properties, including analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Recent studies into its methanol extract have identified kaempferol as a vital active component responsible for much of this therapeutic potential. This specific flavonoid works by targeting key immunopharmacological proteins, namely Syk and Src, to suppress inflammatory responses. By inhibiting these targets and the NF-κB pathway, kaempferol effectively reduces the production of inflammatory mediators like nitric oxide. Ultimately, the presence of kaempferol within Cerbera manghas plays a fundamental role in the plant's ability to ameliorate gastric symptoms and systemic inflammation.
Conditions
Cerbera manghas demonstrates significant medicinal potential through its ability to treat anticancer conditions via antiproliferative and antiestrogenic activities. This plant is also utilized as a traditional remedy to treat Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) by inhibiting nitric oxide production. Furthermore, it provides essential DNA damage protection and possesses antimicrobial properties. Its effectiveness extends to treating Escherichia coli, as extracts have shown the ability to inhibit its growth. Additionally, Cerbera manghas has been specifically evaluated for its ability to treat the Ishikawa cell line.
Preparations
Cerbera manghas is prepared as a methanol extract to investigate its anti-inflammatory activities and pharmacological targets such as Syk, Src, and JNK. This plant is also prepared as ethanol extracts, which have demonstrated antibacterial properties against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, Cerbera manghas is prepared as roots to facilitate the isolation of specific cardenolides and lignans. These extracted components, including neriifolin, exhibit notable antiproliferative and antiestrogenic activities. Through these various preparation methods, the medicinal potential of the plant is extensively explored in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Parts used
Cerbera manghas is a versatile tropical mangrove plant that contains various biologically active parts used in both medicinal and toxicological contexts. The leaves of the plant have been studied extensively for their antioxidant properties and their ability to provide anti-inflammatory effects through kaempferol-based activity. Furthermore, the roots serve as a source of unique cardenolides that exhibit significant antiproliferative and antiestrogenic potential. The fruit of the species is noted for its dangerous toxicity, often playing a role in severe human poisonings. Finally, the seeds are particularly significant due to their ability to yield potent cardiac glycosides and display auspicious anticancer properties.