Chukrasia tabularis
Chukrasia tabularis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Chukrasia tabularis is a versatile medicinal plant valued for its diverse therapeutic applications in traditional healing. Various parts of the plant, including the leaves, seeds, stem, and twigs, are utilized to create medicinal preparations such as stem bark extracts. The plant contains significant bioactive chemicals, most notably 5,7-Dimethoxycoumarin, Sitosterol, and scopoletin. These compounds provide essential pharmacological activities, including analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antipyretic effects. Consequently, it is frequently employed to manage conditions ranging from fever and diarrhea to more complex issues like anxiety and depression.
- Synonyms
- Chukrasia Nimmonii · Toona Villosa · 20 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Stem · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Chukrasia tabularis is a versatile tree known by a wide variety of regional and descriptive names. It is frequently referred to as the Burmese almondwood, highlighting its botanical connections. In many parts of the world, it is also commonly called the Chickrassy. Depending on the local dialect, you may also encounter it labeled as Chittagong wood or Chittagong-wood. Additionally, it carries the distinct common name of Bastard cedar.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Chukrasia tabularis is a complex species that encompasses several botanical synonyms within its taxonomic classification. Scientific literature identifies various names for this plant, including the recognized synonym Chukrasia chickrassa. It is also frequently referred to by the alternative name Chukrasia nimmonii in different contexts. Furthermore, the species includes several distinct varieties such as Chukrasia tabularis var. attopeuensis and Chukrasia tabularis var. dongnaiensis. Finally, the classification is rounded out by the inclusion of Chukrasia tabularis var. macrocarpa as a recognized synonym.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Chukrasia tabularis is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Sapindales, showcasing its specific evolutionary placement. The plant is a member of the genus Chukrasia, which highlights its unique taxonomic identity. Finally, it is categorized within the Meliaceae family, connecting it to a diverse group of related woody plants.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Chukrasia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Chukrasia tabularis is a versatile species with a broad geographical range spanning across various regions of Asia. In the temperate zones of China, it can be found throughout the South-Central and Southeast provinces, as well as on the island of Hainan. Its presence extends further into the high-altitude landscapes of Tibet, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt to diverse climates. Beyond China, the plant also thrives within the tropical environments of the Indian Subcontinent, specifically in the Assam region. This wide distribution highlights the plant's ecological significance across both temperate and tropical Asian landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Chukrasia tabularis is a robust, self-supporting tree that commands attention in its natural habitat. This impressive species is characterized by its substantial growth form and sturdy structure. Depending on its environment, it can reach a significant height of up to 30 meters. In ideal conditions, the tree may even extend its reach to a maximum height of 40 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Chukrasia tabularis exhibits a diverse range of pharmacological activities that highlight its potential as a significant medicinal resource. Research indicates that the plant possesses notable analgesic properties, effectively helping to manage pain. It also demonstrates strong antipyretic effects, which are useful in reducing fever. Furthermore, the plant serves as a source of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, providing protection against pathogens and oxidative stress. Finally, its cytotoxic activity has been identified, marking it as a subject of interest for further therapeutic investigation.
Compounds
Chukrasia tabularis is a plant species of significant pharmacological interest due to its diverse chemical composition. Research into its stem bark has revealed the presence of several important bioactive compounds, including sitosterol. Furthermore, the plant is known to contain tabularisin N, which was identified alongside various phragmalin-type limonoid orthoesters. Studies also indicate that scopoletin is a key component found within the species. Together, these chemical constituents highlight the medicinal potential inherent in the complex profile of Chukrasia tabularis.
Conditions
Chukrasia tabularis exhibits significant antibacterial and antifungal activity through its ethyl acetate and methanol leaf extracts. The plant also demonstrates the ability to treat DPPH, acting as a source of antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the species is associated with treating acetic acid-induced writhing, which indicates its analgesic potential. Finally, the medicinal properties of the genus include the ability to treat antidepressant symptoms in various models.
Preparations
Chukrasia tabularis is prepared as stem bark to isolate various 16-norphragmalin-type limonoids and phragmalin limonoids. The plant is also prepared as stem barks for the extraction of diverse chemical structures such as chukvelutilides. Additionally, Chukrasia tabularis is prepared as leaves and twigs to obtain nortriterpenoids and other specific compounds. These different parts of the plant serve as the primary sources for the identified chemical constituents. Each preparation method allows researchers to isolate unique bioactive molecules from the species.
Parts used
Chukrasia tabularis is a versatile medicinal plant known in various South Asian countries for its diverse pharmacological properties. Research indicates that the stem bark is a rich source of novel limonoids, including several unique phragmalin-type structures. The leaves of the plant are also highly significant, providing essential oils with antimicrobial activity and secondary metabolites that may help treat neuropsychiatric disorders. Additionally, the seeds play a vital role in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for managing ailments like fever and diarrhea. Together, these various plant parts demonstrate the profound biochemical potential of this species.