Cinnamomum subavenium
Cinnamomum subavenium · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cinnamomum subavenium is a botanical species of interest due to its diverse chemical profile and medicinal potential. The plant contains bioactive compounds such as Subamolide B and Secosubamolide, which have demonstrated significant cytotoxic activities. Researchers often focus on extracts from the leaf, stem, bark, and leaf oil to study these biological effects. While certain components are being investigated for their ability to influence DNA damage, they are also studied in relation to conditions like abdominal pain, chest pain, and hernia. Understanding the complex interactions of these preparations remains a key area of pharmacological study.
- Synonyms
- Cinnamomum Borneense · Cinnamomum Validinerve Var. Poilanei · 8 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Cinnamomum subavenium is a botanical species recognized by a diverse array of regional and linguistic identifiers. In various contexts, it is commonly referred to by the name xiang gui. It also holds the Japanese designation ナガミグス, reflecting its presence in different cultural landscapes. Chinese nomenclature further expands its identity through names such as 巒大香桂 and 细叶香桂. Finally, the simplified name 香桂 serves as another frequent way to identify this unique plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cinnamomum subavenium is a taxonomically complex species that is associated with several distinct botanical synonyms. Researchers have identified various names for this plant, including Cinnamomum bartheifolium and Cinnamomum borneense. It is also recognized in scientific literature through the names Cinnamomum chingii and Cinnamomum cyrtopodum. Furthermore, the plant is linked to the synonym Cinnamomum floribundum. Understanding these diverse nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate botanical identification and classification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cinnamomum subavenium is a distinctive species that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant follows a specific evolutionary lineage as a member of the order Laurales. It is further categorized into the family Lauraceae, which highlights its botanical connections. Ultimately, this species is defined by its placement within the Cinnamomum genus.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Laurales |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Genus | Cinnamomum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Cinnamomum subavenium exhibits a widespread geographic range that spans across diverse climatic zones in Asia. In temperate regions, this species is commonly found throughout various parts of China, including the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its presence also extends to the island of Taiwan within Eastern Asia. Moving into tropical environments, the plant is distributed across the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within Bangladesh. Additionally, it can be found throughout the Indo-China region, including parts of Cambodia.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cinnamomum subavenium is a self-supporting tree that stands as a sturdy feature of its ecosystem. This species exhibits a robust growth form, allowing it to reach impressive proportions in the wild. While some specimens may reach a maximum height of approximately 20.67 meters, others can climb even higher. Ultimately, this tree can attain a maximum height of up to 30 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Cinnamomum subavenium has demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity through various specialized chemical constituents found in its plant tissues. Research conducted on the leaves of the species led to the isolation of new compounds, such as subamolide D, subamolide E, and secosubamolide A. When these leaf-derived substances were applied to SW480 colorectal cancer cells, they were found to cause DNA damage in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Similar cytotoxic effects were observed in studies involving the stems of the plant, where a different set of new butanolides and secobutanolides were identified. Ultimately, these findings highlight the potential of Cinnamomum subavenium as a source of bioactive molecules capable of inducing cell cycle disruption and DNA damage.
Compounds
Cinnamomum subavenium is a medicinal plant that serves as a rich source of bioactive compounds, including the butanolides subamolide B and secosubamolide. Research indicates that subamolide B possesses potent cytotoxic properties, specifically inducing cell death in human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma through mitochondrial and CHOP-dependent pathways. Furthermore, the plant's stems yield several new constituents, such as secosubamolide, which have been identified through detailed spectroscopic analysis. Studies on human colorectal cancer cell lines have demonstrated that these isolated compounds can cause significant DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner. Ultimately, the diverse chemical profile of Cinnamomum subavenium highlights its profound potential as a source for developing novel chemotherapeutic agents.
Conditions
Cinnamomum subavenium is traditionally used to treat carcinomatous swelling and has shown significant pharmacological potential in various medical models. The plant's leaf oil effectively treats the Carr-induced hind mouse paw edema model by reducing inflammation in vivo. Its chemical constituents also target specific inflammatory markers, such as treating COX-2 and IL-1β through expression inhibition. Furthermore, specific isolated compounds from the stems of the plant have been shown to treat DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner. These diverse biological activities underscore the medicinal value of the plant in treating cancer and inflammatory conditions.
Preparations
Cinnamomum subavenium is utilized in various forms to extract bioactive compounds for medicinal research. The stem bark of this plant serves as a source for isolating specific spirodienone neolignans. Additionally, the bark is used to obtain these rare chemical motifs. The plant's leaf oil is also prepared and studied for its significant anti-inflammatory properties. These diverse preparations highlight the chemical versatility found within different parts of Cinnamomum subavenium.
Parts used
Cinnamomum subavenium is a versatile plant species that contains various bioactive components within its different anatomical structures. Research into its leaves has revealed that the leaf oil possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting key inflammatory pathways. Additionally, chemical analysis of the leaves has identified specific cytotoxic butanolides capable of causing DNA damage in cancer cells. The stem also serves as a vital source of medicinal compounds, providing new butanolides that exhibit similar cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, unique neolignans have been isolated from the stem bark, demonstrating a capacity to inhibit nitric oxide production.