Cinchona calisaya
Cinchona calisaya · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cinchona calisaya is a significant botanical species recognized for its diverse therapeutic potential and rich chemical profile. The plant's leaves are particularly valued, as they serve as the primary source for various preparations including aqueous extracts, methanol extracts, and leaf-shoot organ cultures. Research highlights the presence of key bioactive compounds such as cinchonine, which contributes to the plant's notable antioxidant activities. These chemical properties suggest that the plant may play a role in managing serious health conditions, including malaria, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation. Consequently, studying these extracts offers promising pathways for developing new medicinal treatments.
- Synonyms
- Cinchona Amygdalifolia · Quinquina Calisaya · 28 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Cinchona calisaya is a plant recognized by a diverse array of common names across different regions. It is frequently referred to as Calisaya or simply Chinabark in many botanical circles. In certain contexts, the species is also known by the German term Chinarindenbaum. Additionally, it may be identified as Chininbaum, highlighting its historical connection to quinine production. Finally, the name Fieberrindenbaum serves as another traditional moniker for this significant medicinal tree.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cinchona calisaya is a complex species that is frequently identified through various botanical synonyms. Within taxonomic literature, it is often referred to by the names Cinchona amygdalifolia and Cinchona australis. The plant's classification also includes several distinct varieties, such as Cinchona calisaya var. boliviana and Cinchona calisaya var. josephiana. Furthermore, the widely recognized Cinchona calisaya var. ledgeriana is categorized as a synonym of this species. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for accurate identification in botanical research.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cinchona calisaya is a fascinating member of the kingdom Plantae that holds a significant place in botanical studies. This species belongs to the class Equisetopsida and is specifically categorized within the order Gentianales. As a representative of the genus Cinchona, it showcases the unique characteristics shared by its close relatives. Furthermore, it is a distinguished member of the Rubiaceae family, which is known for its diverse range of plant life. Understanding these taxonomic relationships provides essential insight into the biological identity of this remarkable plant.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Cinchona |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Cinchona calisaya exhibits a remarkably wide geographical distribution that spans across several major global regions. In Africa, the species is found within West-Central Tropical Africa, specifically throughout the DR Congo and the Gulf of Guinea Islands. Its reach extends into the Asian tropics, where it can be located across the Indian Subcontinent in India. The plant also populates the Pacific region, notably within the Caroline Islands of the Northwestern Pacific. Finally, its range reaches into Southern America, establishing a presence in the Central American nation of Guatemala.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cinchona calisaya is a distinctive tree species known for its robust and self-supporting growth form. Depending on its environmental conditions, this plant can reach a minimum height of 6 meters. As it matures, it typically establishes a more substantial presence, with heights ranging from 15 meters to a minimum of 20 meters. This impressive stature allows it to stand prominently within its native ecosystem. Ultimately, these varying dimensions reflect the resilient and structural nature of the species.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Cinchona calisaya belongs to a group of medicinal plants recognized for their significant therapeutic potential. Within the context of traditional Jordanian medicine, various plant extracts have been evaluated for their ability to combat oxidative stress. Research indicates that specific species, including members of the Cinchona genus, demonstrate high antioxidant capacity through DPPH-TEAC assays. This antioxidant activity is closely linked to the total phenolic content found within the plant's extracts. Ultimately, such radical scavenging properties support the traditional use of these botanical agents in managing conditions like diabetes.
Compounds
Cinchona calisaya serves as a significant botanical source for several valuable alkaloids used in various medical applications. This specific plant species contains quinine, a well-known compound historically utilized for its medicinal properties. In addition to quinine, Cinchona calisaya contains quinidine, which is another important alkaloid derived from the genus. The plant also contains strictosidine, a precursor involved in the complex biosynthesis of these secondary metabolites. Furthermore, Cinchona calisaya contains cinchonine, a versatile pharmacological agent recognized for its diverse biological activities.
Conditions
Cinchona calisaya serves as a vital medicinal resource for treating malaria due to its richness in alkaloids. This plant species is also a source for the production of quinine and quinidine, which are critical therapeutic compounds. The alkaloids derived from such species, including cinchonine, demonstrate significant antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, these substances exhibit potent anti-cancer activity by triggering specific cellular stress responses. Through these diverse biological actions, the plant remains essential for various pharmacological applications.
Preparations
Cinchona calisaya is prepared as aqueous extracts and methanol extracts to evaluate the antioxidant activity of medicinal plant parts. The species is also prepared as extracts, such as those used in spectrophotometric assays for strictosidine synthase. Furthermore, Cinchona calisaya is prepared as leaf-shoot organ cultures to study the impact of growth regulators on alkaloid production. These leaf-shoot organ cultures are also categorized under the preparation of tissue cultures to monitor quinine and quinidine levels. Through these various preparation methods, researchers can effectively analyze the chemical properties and growth patterns of the plant.
Parts used
Cinchona calisaya belongs to a genus of plants where the leaf serves as a critical component for studying medicinal properties. Research into related species like Cinchona ledgeriana demonstrates how leaf-shoot organ cultures can be utilized to maximize alkaloid yields. By manipulating growth regulators within these leaf tissues, scientists can significantly influence the production of valuable compounds such as quinine. The age of the leaf-shoot culture also plays a vital role, as older tissues tend to mirror the alkaloid content of mature plants. Understanding these specific botanical relationships provides essential insights into the biotechnological optimization of cinchona alkaloids.