Chimarrhis turbinata
Chimarrhis turbinata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Chimarrhis turbinata is a distinctive botanical species that has garnered scientific interest due to its unique chemical profile. Research focusing on the plant's leaves has identified several significant bioactive compounds, including strictosidine and turbinatine. Furthermore, the presence of 5alpha-carboxystrictosidine and isovallesiachotamine highlights its complex phytochemical makeup. Scientists often utilize the ethanolic extract of the leaves to study these potent secondary metabolites in a laboratory setting. Understanding these chemical constituents provides valuable insights into the potential pharmacological properties of this plant.
- Synonyms
- Bathysa Difformis · Pseudochimarrhis Diformis · 2 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Synonyms
Chimarrhis turbinata is a botanical species that is known by several different scientific names throughout its classification history. It is frequently identified by the synonym Bathysa difformis in various botanical records. Researchers also recognize the plant under the name Elaeagia brasiliensis depending on the taxonomic context. Furthermore, the species has been associated with the synonyms Pseudochimarrhis diformis and Pseudochimarrhis turbinata. Understanding these various nomenclature shifts is essential for accurate identification and study within the field of botany.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Chimarrhis turbinata is a distinct botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the order Gentianales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. As a member of the Rubiaceae family, it shares characteristics with many other well-known flowering plants. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its placement within the unique genus Chimarrhis.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Chimarrhis |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Chimarrhis turbinata is a resilient species primarily distributed throughout the diverse landscapes of Southern America. Within Brazil, its presence is noted across both the northern and northeastern regions of the country. The plant also thrives in the lush environments of Northern South America, spanning several key territories. Specifically, it can be found growing within the borders of French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. This wide geographical range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various tropical ecosystems across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Chimarrhis turbinata is a self-supporting species characterized by its impressive tree-like growth form. This plant can reach a maximum height of 40 meters as it matures in its natural habitat. Such significant stature allows it to stand prominently within its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Chimarrhis turbinata is a plant species known to harbor a variety of significant indole alkaloids within its leaves. Chemical extraction of the plant has successfully isolated the key intermediate turbinatine, which plays a vital role in the biosynthesis of corynanthean-type compounds. In addition to turbinatine, the plant contains strictosidine and 5alpha-carboxystrictosidine. Research also identifies the presence of both vallesiachotamine and isovallesiachotamine within its chemical profile. These diverse alkaloids provide a rich foundation for studying the plant's complex biochemical properties.
Conditions
Preparations
Chimarrhis turbinata is prepared as an ethanolic extract of the leaves to facilitate chemical analysis. This specific preparation process allowed researchers to isolate several important bioactive compounds. Among the substances obtained from the leaf extract was the antioxidant 1-(3',4'-dihydroxycinnamoyl)cyclopentane-2,3-diol. Two known trans- and cis-chlorogenic acid methyl esters were also recovered through this method. The resulting extract served as the essential source for determining the absolute configuration of these unique molecules.
Parts used
Chimarrhis turbinata serves as a significant botanical source for various bioactive compounds, particularly through its leaves. Scientific investigations into the plant's foliage have successfully isolated the novel corynanthean-type indole alkaloid known as turbinatine. Beyond this specific alkaloid, the leaf extracts also contain a variety of known indole alkaloids such as strictosidine and vallesiachotamine. Researchers have further identified antioxidant properties within the leaves, specifically through the isolation of 1-(3',4'-dihydroxycinnamoyl)cyclopentane-2,3-diol. These findings highlight the chemical complexity and pharmacological potential inherent in the leaf components of this species.