Coccoloba uvifera
Coccoloba uvifera · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Coccoloba uvifera, commonly known as the sea grape, is a coastal plant renowned for its diverse pharmacological potential. Research has specifically highlighted the therapeutic benefits found within its leaves, which serve as a primary source for medicinal preparations. These leaf extracts exhibit significant antioxidant activity, helping to combat oxidative stress within biological systems. Furthermore, studies suggest that the plant possesses promising anticancer and antitumor properties that warrant deeper investigation. Consequently, Coccoloba uvifera stands as a significant subject of interest in the search for natural bioactive compounds.
- Synonyms
- Polygonum Uviferum · Guaiabara Uvifera
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Coccoloba uvifera is a versatile plant recognized by a wide array of regional and linguistic names. In certain locales, it is affectionately known as Dreifi di Laman or simply as Druif. The species also carries the distinctive moniker of Jamaican kino, reflecting its cultural presence in the Caribbean. Furthermore, it is frequently referred to as Meertraube, a name that highlights its botanical characteristics. Finally, it is sometimes called Meertraubenbaum, adding another layer to its diverse nomenclature.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Coccoloba uvifera is a resilient species that is frequently identified by various botanical names in scientific literature. One common synonym used to describe this plant is Guaiabara uvifera, reflecting its historical classification. Additionally, it has been documented under the name Polygonum uviferum in certain taxonomic contexts. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for researchers tracking the plant's distribution and characteristics. Recognizing these synonyms ensures clarity when studying the diverse botanical identity of this species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Coccoloba uvifera is a distinctive species belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. This plant is further organized into the order Caryophyllales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. It occupies the genus Coccoloba, which defines its unique morphological characteristics. Finally, it is a member of the family Polygonaceae, completing its botanical profile.
| 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 uvifera exhibits a widespread distribution that spans across multiple continents and diverse tropical regions. In Africa, this species can be found throughout West Tropical Africa, specifically within Guinea-Bissau. Its presence also extends to the Western Indian Ocean, where it thrives in locations such as Mauritius and Réunion. Moving toward Asia, the plant is established within the tropical Indo-China region. Consequently, it maintains a significant ecological footprint in countries like Thailand and Vietnam.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Coccoloba uvifera grows in a sturdy tree form that allows it to remain entirely self-supporting. This resilient species typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 10.95 meters. As a robust coastal plant, its structural integrity makes it a prominent feature of its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Coccoloba uvifera leaves have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential through their diverse chemical profiles. Research indicates that the aqueous methanol extract of these leaves possesses strong antioxidant activity, validated by high radical scavenging and reducing power. Furthermore, the plant exhibits notable antitumor properties, with specific isolated metabolites showing a capacity to inhibit cell growth. Studies specifically examined its anticancer activity against Ehrlich aesthete carcinoma cells, comparing its effects to known medications. Ultimately, the presence of various polyphenolic compounds makes this species a promising subject for further pharmacological investigation.
Compounds
Coccoloba uvifera leaves have been found to possess a diverse polyphenolic profile containing several significant bioactive compounds. Chemical analysis of the aqueous methanol extract reveals that the plant contains gallic acid and methyl gallate. Furthermore, the study identified the presence of protocatechuic acid and its derivative, protocatechuic acid methyl ester. These specific metabolites contribute to the plant's notable antioxidant and antitumor properties. Ultimately, these chemical relationships highlight the therapeutic potential of Coccoloba uvifera in medicinal applications.
Conditions
Coccoloba uvifera leaves demonstrate significant antioxidant activity through various radical scavenging and reducing power assays. The plant also exhibits notable antitumor effects, with several isolated metabolites contributing to this biological property. Specifically, the extract shows effective anticancer activity when tested against Ehrlich aesthete carcinoma cells (EACC). Furthermore, the plant displays measurable cytotoxicity, particularly through specific compounds like protocatechuic acid. These combined properties highlight the therapeutic potential of the various polyphenolic compounds found within the species.
Preparations
Coccoloba uvifera is prepared as leaves to facilitate the investigation of its chemical composition and biological properties. These leaves undergo an aqueous methanol extraction process to isolate various polyphenolic compounds. Through this preparation, researchers were able to identify nine specific structures, including gallic acid and several flavonoids. The resulting leaf extract demonstrates significant antioxidant activity through radical scavenging and ferric-reducing power assays. Furthermore, the preparation of these leaves allows for the evaluation of cytotoxic effects against cancer cells.
Parts used
Coccoloba uvifera leaves serve as a significant source of bioactive compounds with diverse therapeutic potential. Recent research into the chemical composition of these leaves has successfully isolated nine distinct compounds from their aqueous methanol extract. These metabolites, including gallic acid and various flavonoids, demonstrate impressive antioxidant capabilities through radical scavenging and ferric-reducing power. Furthermore, the study highlights the antitumor potential of these leaf extracts, particularly when tested against Ehrlich aesthete carcinoma cells. Specifically, certain isolated compounds have even shown high levels of cytotoxicity, marking the leaves as a subject of great interest for pharmacological development.