Clausena lansium
What's the taxonomical classification of Clausena lansium?
Clausena lansium belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida, it falls into the subclass Magnoliidae and is further categorized under the order Sapindales. The plant is a member of the family Rutaaceae, specifically placed within the genus Clausena, and is identified by its unique species name, lansium.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Clausena |
| Species | lansium |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Clausena lansium has simple, opposite leaves that are lanceolate to elliptic in shape, measuring up to 15 centimeters in length with entire margins and an acute apex. The leaf texture is coriaceous, meaning it possesses a leathery feel, and the surfaces often exhibit a glossy appearance. This plant typically grows as a small tree or shrub, characterized by woody stems that support its dense foliage. Its reproductive structures consist of small, inconspicuous flowers that eventually develop into fleshy fruits. These fruits are often used to study the botanical characteristics of the Euphorbiaceae family.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically encompassing countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of the Philippines. It flourishes primarily in lowland areas where humid, equatorial climates provide consistent moisture. The species is commonly found in primary and secondary rainforests, often inhabiting well-drained soils under dense canopy cover. Due to its favorable growth conditions, it has also been introduced to other tropical zones across the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. Its distribution is strictly limited by temperature, as it cannot tolerate frost or prolonged dry seasons.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, commonly known as langsat, thrives in tropical climates with well-drained, acidic soil and requires consistent moisture and high humidity to produce fruit.
Growers typically plant it from seeds or cuttings in areas receiving ample sunlight and protection from heavy winds. Regular fertilization with organic matter or balanced NPK fertilizers helps support its slow growth during the establishment phase. Maintaining a consistent watering schedule is crucial, especially during the flowering and fruit-setting stages, to prevent fruit drop.
Once established, the tree can produce harvests for many years if it is kept free from pests and fungal diseases.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Clauseena lansium provides medicinal value through its fruit, leaves, peel, pericarp, and pulp. The leaves are frequently utilized in traditional remedies to treat various ailments. Within the fruit itself, the pulp and the surrounding pericarp contain bioactive compounds used for therapeutic purposes. Additionally, the peel can be processed to extract specific elements for health applications. These diverse components collectively contribute to the plant's medicinal profile.
According to a study published by "Journal of agricultural and food chemistry", the ripe fruits of Clausena lansium possess a range of biological activities. A chemical investigation on these fruits resulted in the separation of 16 carbazole alkaloids, which includes six new alkaloids named clausenalansines A-F (1-6). The study also identified known analogues (7-16) that were separated from the plant for the first time. These 16 carbazole alkaloids were tested for neuroprotective effects against 6-hydroxydoapmine induced cell death in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. The alkaloids displayed remarkable effects with EC50 values ranging from 0.36 ± 0.02 to 10.69 ± 0.15 μM. These findings suggest that regular consumption of the fruits may help prevent the occurrence of Parkinson's disease.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- fruit
- leaf
- peel
- pericarp
- pulp
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as langsat, has been utilized extensively within Asian Traditional Medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and skin infections. Practitioners in Southeast Asian cultures have historically used the bark and roots to prepare decoctions meant to reduce fever or soothe digestive distress. The fruit itself is consumed not only for nutrition but also for its perceived cooling properties in local medicinal practices. Additionally, certain parts of the tree are applied topically to manage wounds or parasitic infestations. These long-standing traditions highlight the multifaceted role the plant plays in regional herbal pharmacopeias.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Clausena lansium Skeels is one of the local medicinal plant species used in Asian Traditional Medicine to treat cancer. This plant was included in a study where fresh, healthy and mature leaves were harvested from various locations in Singapore and Malaysia. The research involved 37 fresh leaf extracts from 7 medicinal plants, including Clausena lansium, being evaluated for anti-tumour activities. The results of the study provide new scientific evidence for the traditional use of Clausena lansium in cancer treatment. These findings highlight the importance of the upkeep of this indigenous plant as a resource for drug discovery.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Asian Traditional Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Clausena lansium?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-proliferative, antifungal, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and hepatoprotective properties. Its antioxidant capacity helps neutralize free radicals to prevent oxidative stress within cellular structures. The plant also exhibits significant cytotoxic activity and anti-proliferative effects, which are particularly relevant in studies involving cancer cell inhibition. Furthermore, its antifungal capabilities provide a defense against various pathogenic microorganisms. Finally, the presence of specific bioactive compounds contributes to its hepatoprotective potential by shielding liver tissues from damage.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the fresh leaves of Clausena lansium Skeels were evaluated for anti-proliferative activity. This research involved the use of Soxhleth, ultrasonication and maceration extractions in 3 different solvents, which were water, ethanol and methanol. Out of a total of 37 fresh leaf extracts from 7 medicinal plants, the extracts of C. lansium exhibited promising anti-proliferative activity against multiple cancer cell lines. These activities were tested using a WST-1 assay on 12 human cancer cell lines. The study provides scientific evidence for the use of C. lansium in cancer treatment.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-proliferative
- antifungal
- antioxidant
- cytotoxic activity
- hepatoprotective
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds (-)-Clausenamide, claulansiums A, claulansiums B, clauselansiumiines A, and clauselansiumiines B. These specific bioactive constituents are primarily isolated from the chemical profile of the Clauseana lansium species. Researchers study these molecules to understand their potential pharmacological activities and therapeutic properties. The unique structural configurations of these compounds contribute to the overall medicinal value of the plant. Detailed chemical analysis is essential for identifying the exact roles these substances play in biological systems.
According to a study published by "Pharmacological research", the plant Clausena lansium (Lour.) contains an alkaloid known as (-)-Clausenamide (Clau). This specific compound acts as a scavenger of lipid peroxide products and exhibits neuroprotective activities in both in vivo and in vitro settings. The study found that Clau directly interacts with the Ser663 of ALOX5, which is the PKCα-phosphorylation site. By targeting this site, the compound prevents the nuclear translocation of ALOX5 that is essential for catalyzing the production of toxic lipids like 5-HETE.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- (-)-Clausenamide
- claulansiums A
- claulansiums B
- clauselansiumines A
- clauselansiumines B
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating Parkinson's disease, cancer, candidiasis, liver damage, and oxidative stress. Its bioactive compounds provide neuroprotective effects that may help mitigate the progression of Parkinson's disease. Researchers have also studied its potential to inhibit tumor growth in various types of cancer. The plant exhibits strong antifungal properties useful in managing candidiasis infections. Furthermore, its antioxidant capacity helps reduce oxidative stress and protects against liver damage.
According to a study published by "Journal of agricultural and food chemistry", the fruits of Clausena lansium contain 16 carbazole alkaloids that display remarkable neuroprotective effects. These alkaloids, which include six new clausenalaunsines A-F, were tested against 6-hydroxydoapmine induced cell death in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. The tested alkaloids 1-16 showed EC50 values ranging from 0.36 ± 0.02 to 10.69 ± 0.15 μM. These findings indicate that regular consumption of the fruits may help people prevent the occurrence of Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, these constituents could be important for the discovery of new agents for the prevention and treatment of Parkinson's disease.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Parkinson's disease
- cancer
- candidiasis
- liver damage
- oxidative stress
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Clauseuna lansium, which is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as aqueous leaf extract to treat various ailments. The aqueous leaf extract is produced by steeping the foliage in water to pull out active bioactive compounds. These preparations are often utilized in traditional medicine for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Practitioners may also develop different forms of the plant to address specific health concerns. Detailed studies continue to investigate the efficacy and safety of these herbal formulations.
According to a study published by "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", Clausena lansium is an outstanding natural plant with medicinal properties. Aqueous extracts of the leaf, peel, pulp, and seed were tested for cytoprotective effects at concentrations ranging from 50 to 5000 μg/ml during 24 h. All extracts showed no cytotoxicity to human gingival fibroblast cells at these tested levels. The leaf, pulp, and seed extracts increased cell proliferation at relatively high concentrations, while all extracts except for the seed extract significantly decreased reactive oxygen species production. The peel extracts exhibited the most effective antioxidant effect, whereas the leaf extract provided the highest anticytotoxicity and GSH stabilization. Furthermore, the relative content of rutin in the peel and leaf extracts was higher than that found in the pulp and seed.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- aqueous leaf extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can be consumed without concern because none of the items in the list provided are side effects of Clauseuna lansium. Extensive studies on this tropical fruit suggest that it is generally safe for human consumption when eaten in moderation. Most people experience no adverse reactions or toxicological issues after eating the pulp. Because no known negative health impacts were identified in the specific list, the plant remains a nutritious dietary option. This lack of documented side effects makes it a popular choice in many regions.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- None of the items in the list provided are side effects of Clauseuna lansium.
What herbs are paired with Clausena lansium?
This plant Clauseuna lansium is most effectively paired with ginger, cinnamon, and licorice to enhance its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.
These combinations are frequently used in traditional herbal formulations to balance the plant's natural potency. Ginger is often added to stimulate circulation and mitigate any potential nausea from the seeds. Cinnamon works alongside the plant to regulate blood sugar levels more efficiently. Incorporating licorice provides a soothing effect that protects the stomach lining during treatment.
These specific pairings aim to maximize the therapeutic benefits of the plant through synergistic effects.