Coccoloba cereifera
Coccoloba cereifera · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Coccoloba cereifera, commonly known as the sea grape, is a resilient coastal shrub widely distributed throughout tropical maritime environments. This plant is of significant scientific interest due to its complex chemical profile, particularly its rich concentration of bioactive polyphenols. Researchers often utilize various extraction methods to isolate these compounds for further pharmacological investigation. Through the development of specialized extracts, the therapeutic potential of the species is being increasingly explored in modern medicine. Understanding these chemical properties provides valuable insight into the plant's unique biological defenses and medicinal possibilities.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Taxonomy
Coccoloba cereifera is a distinguished member of the kingdom Plantae. This species belongs to the class Equisetopsida and is categorized under the order Caryophyllales. Within this botanical framework, it is further classified into the family Polygonaceae. It is also identified by its specific genus, Coccoloba. Together, these biological classifications define the essential evolutionary lineage of this unique plant.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Coccoloba |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Coccoloba cereifera is a notable plant species primarily found throughout the vast landscapes of Southern America. Its presence is particularly concentrated within the diverse ecosystems of Brazil, where it thrives in various local environments. Within this region, the plant maintains a significant distribution across the Southeast portion of the country. This specific geographic range highlights its ecological importance to the surrounding Brazilian terrain. Understanding these regional connections is essential for studying the natural habitat and growth patterns of this unique species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Coccoloba cereifera typically adopts a shrub-like growth form as it matures. This species is a self-supporting plant that maintains its own structure without the need for external assistance.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Coccoloba cereifera serves as one of the specific Brazilian medicinal plants capable of inhibiting TNF-α production. In studies involving LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells, this extract demonstrated an ability to reduce the release of this key inflammatory mediator. The anti-TNF-α effect was observed to occur in a concentration-dependent manner during testing. Furthermore, the potency of this inhibition was enhanced when the extract underwent fractionation. These results suggest that the active components, likely concentrated in polar polyphenol fractions, hold potential for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.
Preparations
Coccoloba cereifera is prepared as extracts to evaluate its potential medicinal properties. These specific extracts were tested for their ability to inhibit the production of the inflammatory mediator TNF-α in human monocytic leukemia cells. The study found that the Coccoloba cereifera extracts inhibited TNF-α production in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, fractionation of these extracts helped concentrate the anti-TNF-α effect within polar fractions. This preparation method serves as a foundational step for identifying molecules that could eventually treat chronic inflammatory diseases.