Colubrina asiatica
Colubrina asiatica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Colubrina asiatica is a botanical species known for its significant bioactive potential, particularly within its medicinal leaves. Recent studies have focused on its ethanolic extracts to investigate their therapeutic properties against various pathogens. These preparations contain a diverse range of specialized compounds, including benzoic acid derivatives, colubrin, and jujubogenin. Furthermore, the presence of kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside highlights the complex chemical profile of the plant. Research specifically emphasizes its biological activity against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.
- Synonyms
- Tralliana Scandens · Trymalium Capsulare · 7 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Colubrina asiatica is a versatile coastal plant known by a wide array of diverse regional names. It is frequently referred to as Asian nakedwood or Indian snakewood in various botanical circles. Depending on the local culture, you might also hear it called Gaso'so' or Peria Laut. Some enthusiasts simply recognize it by the descriptive name of beach berrybush. This variety of nomenclature reflects the plant's widespread presence across different maritime landscapes.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Colubrina asiatica is a plant species that has been identified by several different scientific names throughout botanical history. Due to various taxonomic reclassifications, it is recognized by synonyms such as Ceanothus asiaticus and Ceanothus capsularis. Researchers have also documented the plant under the names Pomaderris capsularis and Rhamnus asiatica. Additionally, the species is linked to the synonym Rhamnus splendens in various botanical records. Understanding these shifting nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate scientific identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Colubrina asiatica is a unique botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further descends through the order Rosales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Colubrina, it displays distinct morphological characteristics. Finally, it is categorized within the Rhamnaceae family, completing its scientific biological profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus | Colubrina |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Colubrina asiatica displays a widespread distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, this plant is established within the landscapes of both Kenya and Tanzania. Its presence also extends into South Tropical Africa, where it can be found growing in Mozambique. Beyond the mainland, the species inhabits various locations throughout the Western Indian Ocean, including the Comoros. Finally, its range reaches the remote shores of Aldabra, showcasing its adaptability across these diverse habitats.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Colubrina asiatica is a self-supporting plant that typically exhibits a shrub-like growth form. This species maintains a relatively compact stature, generally reaching a maximum height of 2 meters. In some instances, the plant may grow slightly larger, reaching a peak height of up to 3 meters. These physical characteristics define its presence within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Colubrina asiatica serves as a rich source of diverse chemical constituents found within its leaves. Scientific analysis has confirmed that this plant contains the known compound colubrin. Furthermore, the species is characterized by the presence of the flavonoid kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside. Researchers have also identified rutin as another significant component present in the plant's profile. Together, these findings highlight the complex phytochemical makeup of Colubrina asiatica.
Conditions
Colubrina asiatica contains specific chemical compounds that demonstrate antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Certain isolated constituents from this plant also exhibit effective antimycobacterial activity. Additionally, several compounds derived from the plant show weak cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines. Research utilizing yeast cell-based assays further identifies that extracts of Colubrina asiatica produce synthetic lethal effects in rad1∆ cells. These diverse biological activities highlight the plant's potential therapeutic properties against various pathogens and cellular models.
Preparations
Colubrina asiatica is prepared as ethanolic extracts for use in scientific screening processes. These specific extracts were part of a library derived from thirty-two medicinal plant species utilized in Thai traditional medicine. During the study, the plant's ethanolic preparations were tested using a yeast cell-based assay to identify potential synthetic lethal interactions. The researchers observed that the Colubrina asiatica extracts exhibited synthetic lethal effects specifically within rad1∆ yeast cells. This preparation allowed for the comparative analysis of growth between parental strains and those with specific genetic deletions.
Parts used
Colubrina asiatica serves as a valuable source of diverse chemical compounds found within its foliage. Recent scientific investigations have focused on the leaves of this plant to isolate specific bioactive molecules. Through these studies, researchers successfully identified three new jujubogenin glycosides, including 3''-O-acetylcolubrin. In addition to these new discoveries, known substances such as rutin and kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside were also extracted from the leaf material. These findings highlight the complex chemical profile housed within the leaves of Colubrina asiatica.