Commiphora caudata

Commiphora caudata · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Commiphora caudata is a plant species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic potential. Recent studies have focused on evaluating the biological activities of its methanolic extracts to uncover their medicinal properties. These investigations specifically highlight the potent antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities inherent in the plant's chemical profile. Notably, the extracts have demonstrated measurable efficacy against the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Understanding these bioactive functions provides valuable insights into the plant's role in natural pharmacology.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Protionopsis Caudata · Protium Caudatum · 2 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Burseraceae
Distribution
Southern America
Plant Parts
Not available

Classification

Common Names

Commiphora caudata is a versatile plant known by several distinct names across different cultures and languages. In various regions, it is affectionately referred to as the hill-mango or common kiluvai. It is also frequently identified by the name pachaikiluvai to distinguish its specific characteristics. In Tamil, the plant is locally recognized as கிளுவை, reflecting its deep roots in the regional landscape. Furthermore, its presence is acknowledged in Chinese contexts through the name 尾葉沒藥.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Commiphora caudata is a botanical species recognized by several distinct scientific names within taxonomic literature. It is frequently identified by the synonym Balsamea caudata, reflecting its historical classification. The plant is also documented under the name Balsamodendrum caudatum in various botanical records. Furthermore, researchers may encounter this species listed as Protionopsis caudata depending on the specific study. Finally, the name Protium caudatum serves as another valid synonym for this versatile plant.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Commiphora caudata is a distinctive species belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Sapindales, reflecting its evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Commiphora, it shares close ties with several other aromatic shrubs. Finally, this species is nested within the family Burseraceae, a group known for its diverse botanical characteristics.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Sapindales
Family Burseraceae
Genus Commiphora

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Commiphora caudata is a distinctive plant species primarily found within the diverse ecosystems of the tropical Asian landscape. Its natural distribution is most notably concentrated across the vast expanse of the Indian Subcontinent. Within this region, the species thrives extensively throughout the various terrains of India. Additionally, its geographical reach extends across the waters to include the island nation of Sri Lanka. These specific locations highlight the plant's specialized presence within these warm, tropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Commiphora caudata is a self-supporting species that exhibits a distinct tree-like growth form. This resilient plant can reach a maximum height of up to 15 meters in the wild. Its sturdy structure allows it to stand prominently within its natural habitat.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Commiphora caudata demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its diverse biological activities. Research into its dried bark extracts has revealed a strong antioxidant capacity, specifically shown by its significant radical scavenging activity in DPPH assays. In addition to these antioxidant properties, the plant also exhibits notable antimicrobial activity against various bacteria. Specifically, certain extracts of the species have shown the ability to inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These combined chemical properties suggest that Commiphora caudata may hold value for future pharmacological applications.

Compounds

Conditions

Commiphora caudata demonstrates significant antioxidant properties through its DPPH radical scavenging activity. The plant also exhibits antimicrobial effects against the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, it is recognized as a potential medicinal plant used for its antispasmodic activity. Its biological profile includes notable cytotoxic activity. Finally, the plant has shown moderate cytotoxic effects against the human mammary carcinoma cell line (MCF-7).

Preparations

Commiphora caudata is prepared as methanolic extracts to investigate its various biological properties. These specific extracts were utilized to assess the plant's radical scavenging abilities through DPPH and nitric oxide assays. In these tests, the methanolic extracts of C. caudata demonstrated significant DPPH radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, the study evaluated the moderate antimicrobial activity of these extracts against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Finally, the methanolic extracts also showed moderate cytotoxic activity against the human mammary carcinoma cell line MCF-7.

Parts used