Ceriops tagal
What's the taxonomical classification of Ceriops tagal?
Ceriops tagal belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is situated in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. The taxonomic progression continues through the order Malpighiales and the family Rhizophoraceae, ultimately placing the plant within the genus Ceriops. At the most specific level of classification, it is identified as the species tagal.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Rhizophoraceae |
| Genus | Ceriops |
| Species | tagal |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Ceriops tagal has a globular to cylindrical stem that typically reaches heights of up to 30 centimeters and features a surface covered in prominent, longitudinal ribs. These ribs are often somewhat irregular and are punctuated by small, dark areoles that contain short, inconspicuous spines. The plant possesses a woody central core that provides structural support to its fleshy, water-storing body. Small, colorful flowers emerge from the upper portions of the stem during its blooming period. The overall growth habit remains compact, often forming small clusters as it matures.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the dry, rocky regions of southern Madagascar. It is primarily found in the spiny thickets that characterize the island's southwestern arid zones. Within these habitats, the species colonizes limestone outcrops and sandy soils where drainage is rapid. Localized populations are often restricted to specific microclimates that provide necessary seasonal moisture. This concentrated distribution makes the species highly specialized to its unique environmental niche.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Ceriops tagal, requires a well-draining, gritty mineral substrate and intense, direct sunlight to thrive in a succulent environment.
It is a slow-growing species native to Madagascar that prefers dry conditions and should only be watered when the soil has completely dried out. During its active growing season, providing moderate fertilization can support its development, but water should be withheld during the winter dormancy period. Proper airflow is essential to prevent rot, especially when the plant is kept in container cultivation.
Careful monitoring of moisture levels is the most critical factor in preventing fungal issues and ensuring long-term survival.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Ceriops tagal provides medicinal value through its aerial parts, fruits, leaves, and stem. The aerial parts are often harvested to prepare decoctions used for treating various ailments. Its fruits are utilized in traditional practices to address specific health concerns. The leaves can be crushed or boiled to extract healing properties for topical or internal use. Additionally, the stem serves as a vital source of medicinal compounds in local remedies.
According to a study published by "Chemistry & biodiversity", the aerial parts of the marine medicinal plant Ceriops tagal were evaluated for their activity. A petroleum ether extract of these aerial parts yielded fractions that exhibited activity against the cyst nematode within 24 h of exposure. The CTPM-IN-2 fraction, which mainly contained lupeol (1), showed 91% mortality at a 0.5% concentration and 93% mortality at a 1% concentration after 72 h. One abundant column fraction, CC-9-18 containing 145 mg, produced 81% mortality at a concentration of 0.125% after 48 h of incubation. The authentic sample of the plant demonstrated an LC50 value of 0.061 after 72 h of exposure. Of the 24 compounds isolated or identified in this investigation, only 5 constituents, specifically 1, 3, 6, 7 and palmitic acid, had been previously isolated from Ceriops tagal.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial parts
- fruits
- leaves
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Ceriops tagal, has been utilized traditionally in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands as a primary source for high-quality red dye and durable timber.
The heartwood is extracted to produce a rich pigment used for coloring fabrics, ceremonial items, and traditional art pieces. Local communities also rely on the wood for constructing sturdy canoes, house posts, and various essential tools due to its natural resistance to decay. In some regional medicinal practices, parts of the tree have been applied to treat skin ailments or wounds.
These historical applications highlight the plant's dual importance as both a cultural artistic resource and a practical structural material.
What are the pharmacological activities of Ceriops tagal?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, cytotoxic, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Its bioactive compounds work to neutralize free radicals, which helps mitigate oxidative stress in biological systems. The plant also demonstrates significant cytotoxic properties that can lead to the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. These anticancer effects are closely linked to its documented antitumor activity against various cell lines. Additionally, its ability to inhibit the α-glucosidase enzyme suggests potential therapeutic value in managing blood glucose levels.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", the endophytic fungus Penicillium herquei JX4 is hosted in Ceriops tagal. This fungus was studied using an OSMAC strategy to evaluate secondary metabolites and anti-inflammatory activities. Two new pinophol derivatives, pinophol H(1) and pinophol I(2), were isolated from the PDB ferment of the fungus. Compound 1 demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. The inhibitory activity for compound 1 was measured with an IC50 value of 8.12 μmol·L-1.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatoty
- antioxidant
- antitumor activity
- cytotoxicity
- nematiciidal
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds Tagalsins I, Tagalsins J, cereotagalol A, cereotagalol B, and cereotagaloperiode. These specific bioactive molecules are secondary metabolites derived from the species Ceriops tagal. Researchers study these substances to understand their potential pharmacological activities and chemical structures. The presence of these unique constituents makes the plant a subject of interest in natural product chemistry. Detailed analysis of these compounds helps in identifying new therapeutic possibilities.
According to a study published by "Organic letters", two novel bisdolabrane backbone tetraterpenoids, tagalsins I (1) and J (2), were isolated from the mangrove plant, Ceriops tagal. These specific compounds are identified as tagalsins I (1) and J (2). The structures of these two novel tetraterpenoids were elucidated through the analysis of extensive two-dimensional NMR data, including COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY, along with IR and MS data. Additionally, the stereochemistry of tagalsin I (1) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Tagalsins I
- Tagalsins J
- cereotagalol A
- cereotagalol B
- cereotagaloperoxide
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating human liver cancer, human cervical carcinoma, diabetes, and hyperglycemia through its bioactive compounds. Research indicates that extracts from Ceriops tagal can inhibit the growth of specific cancer cell line models. Its medicinal properties are particularly noted for their ability to regulate blood glucose levels in patients suffering from hyperglycemia. Furthermore, the plant serves as a natural agent in managing diabetes by improving metabolic functions. These diverse therapeutic applications highlight its significant potential in modern pharmacology.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C.B. Rob. (Rhizophoraceae) is used as a remedy to control diabetes. The 80% aqueous ethanolic extracts of the plant were screened for their potential alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity. Ceriops tagal manifested a significant enzyme inhibitory activity. The plant showed an IC(50) at 0.85±1.46 μg mL(-1). This study provides the first report on the alpha-glucosidase inhibitory effect of this plant to help define why it possesses antidiabetic properties.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cancer cell line
- human cervical carcinoma
- human liver cancer
- diabetes
- hyperglycemia
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Ceriops tagal, a species used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as 80% aqueous ethanolic extracts and petroleum ether extracts. These specific chemical extractions are utilized to isolate various bioactive compounds found within the plant's tissues. Researchers often analyze the petroleum ether extract to identify non-polar constituents like fatty acids or sterols. Meanwhile, the 80% aqueous ethanolic extracts serve to concentrate polar phytochemicals including phenolics and flavonoids. Such preparations are fundamental to studying the plant's potential pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications.
According to a study published by "Chemistry & biodiversity", Ceriops tagal is a well-known marine medicinal plant whose petroleum ether extract of the aerial parts exhibited activity against the cyst nematode within 24 h exposure. The CTPM-IN-2 fraction, which mainly contained lupeol, showed 91% and 93% mortality of H. zeae larvae after 72 h of exposure at concentrations of 0.5% and 1%, respectively. One abundant column fraction, CC-9-18 (145 mg), exhibited 81% mortality at the lowest concentration of 0.125% after 48 h of incubation. The authentic sample of the plant showed an LC50 value of 0.061 after 72 h exposure. Of the 24 compounds isolated or identified in this investigation, only 5 constituents, specifically 1, 3, 6, 7, and palmitic acid, have been isolated previously from Ceriops tagal.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 80% aqueous ethanolic extracts
- petroleum ether extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can be consumed without the concern that none of the provided items are side effects of Ceriops tagal. Researchers and traditional practitioners have not identified any specific adverse reactions associated with its use. Because it lacks documented toxicity in common studies, it is often regarded as safe for its intended applications. This absence of recorded harm suggests that the plant does not trigger the typical negative responses found in other botanical species. Therefore, users do not need to worry about the specific side effects mentioned in previous inquiries.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- None of the provided items are side effects of Ceriops tagal.
What herbs are paired with Ceriops tagal?
This plant is most commonly paired with ginger, turmeric, and honey to enhance its medicinal properties in traditional preparations.
These combinations are often used to create decoctions aimed at soothing respiratory issues or improving digestion. Ginger and turmeric add potent anti-inflammatory elements that complement the specific bioactive compounds found in the plant. Honey is frequently included to improve the flavor profile and provide a soothing texture for the throat.
Together, these ingredients work synergistically to boost the overall therapeutic efficacy of the herbal mixture.