Ceriops tagal
Ceriops tagal · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ceriops tagal is a significant mangrove species that has garnered attention for its diverse pharmacological potential. Scientific investigations into its leaves, fruits, and stems have revealed remarkable antioxidant and antitumor activities. Through various preparations, including ethanolic extracts and petroleum ether extracts of aerial parts, researchers have isolated key bioactive compounds. Notable chemical constituents identified in these studies include benzamide, betulin, betulonic acid, and betunal. Furthermore, specific column fractions, such as CC-9-18, continue to offer promising pathways for exploring the plant's therapeutic properties.
- Synonyms
- Rhizophora Tagal · Ceriops Boviniana · 15 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rhizophoraceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Ceriops tagal is a versatile mangrove species known by a wide variety of regional names across different cultures. In certain areas, it is commonly referred to as Honkolahy or the Indian Mangrove. Travelers and botanists in Dutch-speaking regions may recognize it as the Indiese wortelboom. Its vibrant characteristics are also highlighted by the Portuguese name Mangue-amarelo. Finally, in French-speaking territories, this resilient plant is frequently called the Palétuvier jaune.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Ceriops tagal is a complex species that has been associated with several different taxonomic names throughout botanical history. It is frequently linked to synonyms such as Bruguiera arnottiana and Bruguiera timoriensis in various scientific records. The plant's classification also encompasses Ceriops boviniana and Ceriops candolleana, reflecting shifting perspectives in mangrove studies. Furthermore, the specific variety Ceriops candolleana var. sasakii is recognized as another synonym within its expanded botanical lineage. Understanding these various nomenclatural connections is essential for accurate identification and study of the species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Ceriops tagal belongs to the kingdom Plantae, representing a vital part of the world's diverse flora. This specific species is classified under the class Equisetopsida, showcasing its evolutionary lineage. Within this group, it is organized into the order Malpighiales, a broad category containing many significant plants. It further resides within the genus Ceriops, which defines its immediate botanical relatives. Finally, the plant is a distinguished member of the family Rhizophoraceae, a group well-known for its specialized mangrove species.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Rhizophoraceae |
| Genus | Ceriops |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Ceriops tagal is widely distributed across various regions of the African continent, specifically within its tropical coastal zones. In East Tropical Africa, this species can be found thriving in both Kenya and Tanzania. Its presence extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it inhabits the coastal areas of Djibouti and Somalia. Additionally, the plant reaches into South Tropical Africa, establishing itself within the borders of Mozambique. This widespread range highlights the significant ecological footprint of the species across the African coastline.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Ceriops tagal is a specialized mangrove species that exhibits a distinct tree growth form. As a self-supporting plant, it maintains a sturdy structure capable of thriving in coastal environments. The height of these trees varies significantly depending on their maturity and local conditions. While some individuals may only reach a minimum of 1.2 meters, others establish a more substantial presence. Ultimately, these trees can reach a maximum height of 15 meters, with many specimens commonly measuring at least 4.25 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Ceriops tagal is a medicinal mangrove plant that possesses significant pharmacological potential due to its diverse bioactive compounds. Research on its leaves reveals that the procyanidins contained within the plant exhibit potent antioxidant activities. Studies utilizing DPPH scavenging and FRAP methods demonstrate that these antioxidant properties are closely linked to the degree of polymerization of the tannins. Furthermore, the plant's embryos yield specific triterpenes that demonstrate notable in vitro antitumor activity. Specifically, certain isolated compounds have proven effective in inhibiting the proliferation and growth of human liver cancer and cervical carcinoma cell lines.
Compounds
Ceriops tagal is a well-known marine medicinal plant that serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds. Chemical analyses of its aerial parts and fruits have revealed the presence of several important pentacyclic triterpenoids, including betulin and lupenone. Research further identifies that this species contains betulonic acid and betunal within its various extracts. Additionally, the isolation of dammarane triterpenes from the plant's hypocotyls has confirmed the existence of cereotagalol B. These findings highlight the complex chemical profile of Ceriops tagal and its potential for further pharmacological study.
Conditions
Ceriops tagal demonstrates significant biological activity by stimulating 3H-2-deoxyglucose uptake in L6 rat muscle cells through its n-hexane soluble fraction. This enhancement in hexose uptake is insulin-independent and suggests the plant's potential as a source for new antihyperglycemic compounds. Furthermore, the plant serves as a nematicidal agent against the cyst nematode Heterodera zeae, with the compound lupeol being identified as a primary active principle. Regarding its antitumor properties, triterpenes extracted from the plant were tested against several cell lines. However, while some compounds inhibited other cancer cells, they were found to be ineffective at inhibiting the proliferation and growth of the human B-lymphoblastoid cell (Raji) line.
Preparations
Ceriops tagal is prepared as an ethanolic extract to isolate various phenylpropanoids and dolabrane diterpenes. This plant is also prepared as an ethanolic extract specifically from its embryos to identify unique triterpenes. Furthermore, Ceriops tagal is prepared as a petroleum ether extract of aerial parts to investigate its nematicidal properties. Within these studies, the plant is prepared as column fractions CC-9-18, which have demonstrated substantial activity against nematodes. Ultimately, the plant is prepared as an extract in several forms to facilitate the discovery of bioactive compounds for medicinal and agricultural use.
Parts used
Ceriops tagal is a versatile medicinal mangrove plant that contains several bioactive components across its different structures. Research into its leaves has revealed potent antioxidant procyanidins and fractions that can stimulate glucose uptake in muscle cells. The fruits of the species serve as a rich source for isolating unique chemical compounds, such as dammarane triterpenes. Additionally, the stem bark provides a specialized environment for endophytic fungi that produce various secondary metabolites. Together, these various parts highlight the complex chemical profile and biological potential of this important mangrove species.