Clausena lansium
Clausena lansium · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Clausena lansium is a versatile plant species known for its medicinal potential found within its leaves, fruits, and stems. Various preparations, including essential oils and methanol extracts of the branches and leaves, have been studied for their significant biological activities. Specifically, the plant exhibits potent antifungal, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties. The presence of the chemical zetaclausenamide is of particular interest in combating conditions such as candidiasis caused by Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis. Furthermore, these extracts demonstrate a capacity to mitigate the damaging effects of oxidative stress.
- Synonyms
- Sonneratia Punctata · Aulacia Punctata · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Clausena lansium is a versatile plant recognized by a variety of names across different cultures and languages. In many regions, it is affectionately known by the common name wampi. It also carries the designation of Chinese clausena, reflecting its botanical connections. Depending on the locale, you might encounter it referred to as huang pi or klauzena čínska. Even in Cyrillic script, the species is identified as Клаузена точечная, showcasing its widespread global presence.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Clausena lansium is a botanical species that has been identified by several different scientific names throughout history. Due to varying taxonomic classifications, it is frequently referred to by the synonyms Aulacia punctata and Clausena wampi. Researchers may also encounter this plant listed under the names Cookia punctata or Cookia wampi in older literature. Additionally, the name Quinaria lansium serves as another recognized synonym for this particular plant. Understanding these diverse nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Clausena lansium is a remarkable botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant further belongs to the order Sapindales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. It is situated within the genus Clausena, a group that defines its unique morphological characteristics. Ultimately, this species is a distinguished member of the Rutaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Clausena |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Clausena lansium thrives across diverse ecological zones throughout much of Asia. In temperate regions, the plant is widely distributed across various parts of China, including the South-Central and Southeast territories as well as the island of Hainan. Moving into tropical climates, its presence extends across the Indian Subcontinent, with significant populations found in Bangladesh. The species also flourishes within the Indo-China region, specifically inhabiting the landscapes of Laos. This broad geographic range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to both temperate and tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Clausena lansium is a self-supporting tree characterized by its sturdy and upright growth form. This botanical species typically reaches a maximum height of 12 meters as it matures. Its structural stability allows it to thrive as a prominent feature in its natural environment.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Clausena lansium is a versatile medicinal plant that offers a wide range of significant pharmacological benefits. Research into its essential oils has revealed potent antifungal activity, particularly against various Candida species. Furthermore, the plant contains specialized compounds like Zetaclausenamide, which serves as an effective hepatoprotective agent. Studies on its stems and leaves have also identified geranylated carbazole alkaloids that demonstrate remarkable neuroprotective effects. These diverse properties highlight the immense potential of Clausena lansium in the development of new treatments for systemic and neurological conditions.
Compounds
Clausena lansium is a significant medicinal plant known for its therapeutic potential. Within its leaves, researchers have identified the presence of a specific compound known as Zetaclausenamide. This particular substance has gained attention due to its recognized properties as a hepatoprotective agent. To further study its effects, scientists have successfully achieved an elegant six-step chemical synthesis of the molecule. Such advancements allow for a deeper understanding of the natural chemical relationships found within this plant.
Conditions
Clausena lansium exhibits significant neuroprotective properties by treating 6-hydroxydopamine induced cell death through its fruit-derived carbazole alkaloids. The plant also demonstrates potent antifungal capabilities through its essential oils. Specifically, Clausena lansium treats the yeast species C. glabrata, C. krusei, and C. parapsilosis. Furthermore, the essential oils of the plant are effective in treating C. tropicalis. These diverse biological activities highlight the plant's potential as a therapeutic agent against both neurodegenerative processes and fungal infections.
Preparations
Clausena lansium is prepared as EOs, which are investigated for their chemical composition and antifungal activities against various Candida species. The plant is also prepared as branch and leaf extracts to facilitate the isolation of various carbazole alkaloids. Specifically, researchers have utilized the methanol extract of the branches and leaves to identify new compounds like claulansiums A and B. Furthermore, Clausena lansium is prepared as essential oils through methods such as hydrodistillation and supercritical fluid extraction. Finally, the plant is prepared as volatile oil from its fruits to allow for the determination of its specific chemical constituents and trace elements.
Parts used
Clausena lansium is a versatile evergreen plant that offers significant pharmacological and nutritional value through its various biological components. Scientific investigations have successfully isolated diverse carbazole alkaloids from the plant's leaves and stems, demonstrating potential cytotoxic and neuroprotective activities. Furthermore, the fruit of the species serves as a rich source of essential oils, trace elements, and bioactive compounds that may aid in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. By examining the chemical profiles of the leaves, stems, and fruits, researchers continue to uncover the medicinal potential of this economically important shrub. Ultimately, the multifaceted nature of Clausena lansium makes every part of the plant a subject of great interest for drug discovery and nutritional science.