Choerospondias axillaris

What's the taxonomical classification of Choerospondias axillaris?

Choerospondias axiellais belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Sapindales. The plant is further categorized into the family Anacardiaceae, from which it belongs to the genus Choerospondias, ultimately defining its specific identity as the species Choerospondias axillaris.

Taxonomic Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Sapindales
Family Anacardiaceae
Genus Choerospondias
Species axillaris
Evidence Level: ★★★★☆

What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?

Choerospondias axiella has a large deciduous tree habit characterized by a spreading crown, pinnately compound leaves, and small, yellowish-green flowers arranged in axillary panicles. The leaves are typically composed of 7 to 15 leaflets that feature serrated margins and an alternate arrangement on the stem. Its bark is often greyish and develops shallow longitudinal fissures as the tree matures. The fruit is a small, fleshy drupe that turns yellowish or brownish when ripe. These morphological traits help distinguish the species within its tropical and subtropical forest habitats.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

What is the geographical distribution of this plant?

This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, specifically spanning from India and Nepal through Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos to southern China. Its distribution follows the humid climates of the Indochina peninsula and the Himalayan foothills. Within these regions, the species is commonly found growing in moist, deciduous forests and along the edges of riverbanks. It thrives in various elevations, ranging from lowland tropical jungles to more temperate hilly areas. Localized populations are often concentrated in areas with high seasonal rainfall.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

How is this plant cultivated?

This plant requires well-drained, acidic soil and significant amounts of organic matter to thrive in a humid, subtropical environment.

It prefers locations that receive partial shade to protect its delicate foliage from intense afternoon sun. Regular watering is essential to maintain consistent moisture levels, especially during the warmer growing seasons. Once established, the species is relatively hardy but benefits from mulching to regulate soil temperature and conserve water.

Careful monitoring for pests and diseases ensures the long-term health of its canopy.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

What parts of this plant are used medicinally?

This plant Choerospondias axillaris utilizes its bark, fruit, and leaves to treat various ailments in traditional medicine. The bark is frequently harvested to prepare decoctions that help alleviate inflammation and digestive issues. Its edible fruit is consumed not only for nutrition but also to assist with gastrointestinal health. Additionally, the leaves are often processed into poultices or teas to manage skin conditions and fever. These various components work together to provide a wide range of therapeutic benefits.

According to a study published by "Heliyon", the medicinal plant Choerospondias axillaris utilizes its fruits, leaves, and bark for various health benefits. These specific parts of the plant are studied due to the presence of phytochemicals such as polyphenols, which include flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as terpenoids and essential oils. These chemical constituents are known to exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Furthermore, the nutritional value of the Choerospondias axillaris fruit contributes to its role as a food source.

The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.

  • bark
  • fruit
  • leaf
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What traditional systems uses this plant?

This plant, known as Choerospondias axillaris, has been historically utilized by various indigenous communities in Southeast Asia for its medicinal, culinary, and material properties.

The fibrous bark and wood are frequently harvested to create sturdy tools, baskets, and traditional building components. In many local cultures, the fruit is processed into seasonal delicacies, fermented into beverages, or cooked in savory dishes. Traditional healers also employ specific parts of the tree to prepare decoctions aimed at treating digestive ailments or topical skin conditions.

These long-standing practices reflect a deep integration of the species into the daily survival and cultural heritage of regional ethnic groups.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

What are the pharmacological activities of Choerospondias axillaris?

This plant has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Its bioactive compounds work to neutralize free radicals, which provides significant protection against oxidative stress. The presence of specific phytochemicals also allows it to combat various microbial pathogens effectively. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates a capacity to lower blood glucose levels by suppressing the enzyme α-glucosidase. These combined properties suggest that the species holds substantial therapeutic potential for managing metabolic and inflammatory conditions.

According to a study published by "Heliyon", Choerospondias axillaris is a useful medicinal plant known for various bioactive compounds and diverse biological activities. The fruits, leaves, and bark of the plant have been extensively studied for their potential health benefits. These parts contain various phytochemicals such as polyphenols, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as terpenoids and essential oils. These specific compounds exhibited antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The nutritional value of the Choerospondias axillaris fruit also contributes to its popularity as a food source in traditional cuisines.

The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.

  • anti-inflammatory
  • anti-oxidative
  • anticancer
  • antimicrobial
  • antitumor
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What medicinal compounds this plant contains?

This plant contains the medicinal compounds (-)-catechin, (-)-taxifolin, epicatechin, dihydroquercetin, and quercetin. These specific polyphenols are categorized as flavonoids and contribute to the plant's diverse pharmacological properties. Research suggests that these bioactive molecules possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. The presence of these compounds is often linked to the plant's ability to combat oxidative stress in biological systems. Understanding this chemical profile helps researchers explore new therapeutic applications for Choerospondias axillaris.

According to a study published by "Frontiers in pharmacology", network pharmacology analysis of Choerospondias axillaris identified 9 active ingredients, which include (-) -taxifolin, naringenin, (-) -catechin, quercetin, bis [(2S)-2-ethylhexyl] benzene-1,2- dicarboxylate, (2R)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) chroman-4- one, beta-sitosterol, ellagic acid, and kaempferol. These active ingredients are associated with 272 protein targets, which were intersected with 3,525 disease-related targets to identify 187 potential targets. Molecular docking demonstrated that 5 key active ingredients, specifically quercetin, kaempferol, (-) -catechin, beta-sitosterol, and naringenin, exhibited good binding ability with their corresponding core targets. The top 5 core targets identified through PPI network analysis were AKT1, IL6, TNF, TP53, and IL-1β. Through these components, the plant can protect cells by increasing SOD activity and reducing ROS levels while downregulating inflammatory proteins like NLRP3, Caspase-1, and IL-1β.

The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.

  • (-)-catechin
  • (-)-taxifolin
  • Epicatechin
  • dihydroquerceitn
  • querceitn
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What health conditions is this plant used for?

This plant is used for treating collagen induced arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The bioactive compounds within Choerospondias axillaris work to mitigate the underlying biological mechanisms of these various joint conditions. Specifically, the plant exhibits strong antioxidant properties that help the body combat harmful oxidative stress. Its natural anti-inflammatory effects are essential for reducing the pain and swelling associated with chronic arthritic diseases. By addressing these diverse health issues, the plant serves as a potent medicinal resource for managing musculoskeletal health.

According to a study published by "Current pharmaceuctical biotechnology", Choerospondias axiellais has been reported to have several properties for the treatment of various diseases. The methanolic extract of the fruit was investigated for its anti-inflammatory effects on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA) primary cells. Research also utilized a Collagen-Induced Arthritis (CIA) rat model to explore these effects. In-vitro and in-vivo studies showed a significant decrease in the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Specifically, docking analysis revealed that quercetin inhibits TNF-α with a -9.1 kcal/mol binding energy and 10.13 μM inhibitory constant. Quercetin also inhibits IL-6 with a -6.6 kcal/mol binding energy and a 21.9 μM inhibitory constant.

The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.

  • Collagen Induced Arthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Osteo Arthritis
  • inflammation
  • oxidative stress
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What are the herbal preparations of this plant?

This plant is Choerospondias axillaris, a species used to create various medicinal herbal preparations including methanolic extract to harness its bioactive compounds. These preparations are often developed to utilize the plant's potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers frequently employ methanolic extraction methods to isolate specific polyphenols and flavonoids found within the bark or leaves. Once extracted, these substances are studied for their efficacy in treating different physiological ailments. Such herbal formulations represent a significant area of interest in ethnobotanical and pharmacological research.

According to a study published by "Current pharmaceuctical biotechnology", the methanolic extract of Choerospondias axiellais fruit was evaluated for its phytochemical, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant activity of the Choerospondias axiellais fruit was determined using free radical scavenging assays and LC-MS/MS analysis. In docking studies, the bioactive compound quercetin was found to inhibit TNF-α with a -9.1 kcal/mol binding energy and a 10.13 μM inhibitory constant. Additionally, quercetin inhibits IL-6 with a -6.6 kcal/mol binding energy and a 21.9 μM inhibitory constant. These in-vitro and in-vivo studies showed a significant decrease in the levels of inflammatory cytokines. The results suggest that the underutilized Choerospondias axiellais fruit can be used to reduce inflammation in diseases like RA.

The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.

  • Methanolic extract
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What side effects this plant can have?

This plant can cause potential health side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, or unexpected changes in blood pressure when consumed in large quantities. While it is often used in traditional medicine, the lack of extensive clinical trials means its long-term impact on human organs remains largely unknown. Some individuals may experience mild nausea or stomach cramping following ingestion. It is also possible for sensitive users to develop skin rashes or respiratory irritation if an allergy exists. Consulting a medical professional is essential before using this species for therapeutic purposes.

The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.

    Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

    What herbs are paired with Choerospondias axillaris?

    This plant Choerospondias axillaris is commonly paired with herbs such as ginger, licorice root, and dried tangerine peel in traditional medicinal formulations.

    These combinations are often designed to balance the plant's natural acidity and enhance its ability to clear heat or promote digestion. For example, adding ginger can help mitigate potential stomach irritation while strengthening the warming properties of a decoction. Licorice root is frequently used to harmonize the various medicinal components and improve the overall flavor profile of the tea.

    Such specific pairings aim to target respiratory or digestive ailments more effectively through synergistic effects.

    Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆