Cerbera odollam
Cerbera odollam · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cerbera odollam is a versatile plant species known for its significant biological properties derived from its seeds, leaves, and fruit. Research highlights its diverse pharmacological activities, ranging from antioxidant and anticancer potential to antifungal and cardiotoxic effects. A key chemical constituent identified in the plant is 3beta-O-(L-2'-O-acetylthevetosyl)-14beta-hydroxy-5beta-card-20(22)-enolide. Due to its potent chemical makeup, the seeds are frequently utilized in preparations for use as an insecticide and pesticide. Ultimately, the plant plays a critical role in studies concerning mortality and various antimicrobial applications.
- Synonyms
- Cerbera Lactaria · Odollamia Malabarica · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Cerbera odollam is a distinctive plant known by a wide variety of regional and descriptive names. In certain areas, it is commonly referred to as Apilas or Chi'ute. It is also widely recognized by its English name, Sea Mango, which highlights its coastal associations. Due to its extreme toxicity, the species is somberly nicknamed Arbre à suicide. Additionally, it is frequently identified in many botanical circles as Pong Pong.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cerbera odollam is a botanical species known to be associated with several different scientific names within various taxonomic records. Throughout botanical history, this plant has been identified by synonyms such as Cerbera dilatata and Cerbera forsteri. It has also been referred to in literature as Cerbera lactaria, highlighting the complexities of its classification. Further nomenclatural variations include the names Odollamia malabarica and Tanghinia lactaria. Understanding these diverse synonyms is essential for accurate identification and study within the plant kingdom.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cerbera odollam is a fascinating specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this botanical realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. This plant is further organized into the order Gentianales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. It finds its place within the diverse family Apocynaceae, a group known for its unique characteristics. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Cerbera, which defines its unique biological identity.
| 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 odollam is a plant widely distributed across the diverse landscapes of tropical Asia. Its presence is firmly established throughout the Indian Subcontinent, spanning regions such as India and Bangladesh. The species also thrives in the coastal and tropical environments of Sri Lanka. Moving eastward, its range extends into Indo-China, encompassing the Andaman Islands and Cambodia. This broad geographic reach highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various tropical ecosystems across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cerbera odollam grows in the form of a self-supporting tree. This species typically reaches a maximum height of 10 meters. Its sturdy structure allows it to stand firmly within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Cerbera odollam is a complex tropical plant known for its diverse and often contradictory biological properties. While the seeds contain potent cardiac glycosides that exhibit dangerous cardiotoxic effects, the plant also holds significant pharmaceutical potential. Research indicates that its seeds possess auspicious anticancer properties through apoptotic activity, and its leaf extracts demonstrate beneficial antioxidant capabilities. Beyond medicinal uses, the plant serves practical roles in environmental management as an effective insecticide and antifungal agent. Consequently, this species represents a unique intersection of lethal toxicity and valuable therapeutic application.
Compounds
Conditions
Cerbera odollam possesses significant medicinal potential, as its seeds demonstrate auspicious anticancer properties through apoptotic activity. The plant's leaf extract has also been screened for its beneficial antioxidant activities. Beyond its pharmaceutical uses, the species serves as an effective antifungal agent and insecticide. Furthermore, research indicates that certain doses of the leaf extract can actually reduce mortality in specific experimental models. These diverse biological relationships highlight the complex chemical profile of the plant.
Preparations
Cerbera odollam is prepared as seeds to facilitate the isolation of specific chemical compounds. Researchers have successfully extracted cardenolide glycosides from these seeds, specifically identifying two distinct molecules. These isolated substances include Bis[14beta-hydroxy-3beta-O-(L-thevetosyl)-5beta-card-20(22)-enolide] methanol solvate monohydrate and 3beta-O-(L-2'-o-acetylthevetosyl)-14beta-hydroxy-5beta-card-20(22)-enolide. The study focuses on the structural properties of these glycosides derived directly from the plant's seed matter. Consequently, the seeds serve as the essential source for studying these complex steroid nuclei and their crystallographic configurations.
Parts used
Cerbera odollam is a tropical mangrove plant that contains various bioactive components across its different anatomical structures. The fruit of this species is particularly notorious because it yields a powerful poison often utilized in cases of homicide or suicide. Within this fruit, the seeds contain the highly toxic cardiac glycoside cerberin, which can fatally disrupt the human heartbeat. In contrast to the dangerous seeds, the leaf extract of the plant has been studied for its antioxidant activities and its ability to affect the central nervous system. Consequently, the diverse parts of Cerbera odollam offer a complex range of pharmaceutical, toxicological, and ecological properties.