Couepia ulei
Couepia ulei · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Couepia ulei is a unique botanical species known for its specific chemical profile and biological properties. Research into the plant's stem has identified several important compounds, including (+/-)-Syringaresinol, Evofolin B, oleanolic acid, and pomolic acid. These phytochemicals are of significant interest due to their potential medicinal and industrial applications. Furthermore, studies have examined the plant's interaction with biological conditions such as quinone reductase. Understanding these complex chemical constituents provides valuable insight into the plant's overall biological significance.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Chrysobalanaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Taxonomy
Couepia ulei is a unique member of the kingdom Plantae. This botanical species belongs to the class Equisetopsida and is classified within the order Malpighiales. Specifically, it is a part of the genus Couepia. Within this genus, it is further organized into the family Chrysobalanaceae. Understanding these biological classifications helps researchers better grasp the plant's evolutionary place in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Chrysobalanaceae |
| Genus | Couepia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Couepia ulei is a notable species with a broad geographical presence across much of South America. Its distribution spans the vast landscapes of Brazil, stretching through both its northern and central regions. In the northern reaches of the continent, the plant is also found throughout Venezuela. Moving toward the west, it establishes itself within the diverse terrains of Colombia and Ecuador. Finally, its range extends further south into Peru, completing its impressive continental footprint.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Couepia ulei is a distinctive tree characterized by its robust and self-supporting growth form. This species typically reaches a modest stature within its natural habitat. While it often maintains a height of up to 12 meters, some specimens can grow even larger. Ultimately, the tree reaches a maximum height of approximately 15 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Couepia ulei stems serve as a rich source of diverse phenolic compounds identified through activity-guided fractionation. Among the chemical constituents isolated from the plant, evofolin B was highlighted for its ability to induce quinone reductase activity. In addition to this active compound, researchers identified several other known structures within the EtOAc-soluble extract. These include the triterpenoids oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and betulinic acid. The presence of pomolic acid further characterizes the complex chemical profile found within this specific botanical species.
Conditions
Couepia ulei stems contain specific phenolic compounds that possess the ability to induce quinone reductase activity. Through activity-guided fractionation of EtOAc-soluble extracts, researchers identified two specific active molecules capable of this induction. The isolated compounds include a new natural product, erythro-2,3-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-ethoxypropan-1-ol, and the known compound evofolin-B. Both of these isolates demonstrated significant QR inducing activity within cultured mouse hepatoma cells. The effectiveness of these substances was measured by concentration values of 16.7 and 16.4 microM, respectively.
Preparations
Parts used
Couepia ulei possesses significant medicinal potential, particularly within its stem structure. Research into the EtOAc-soluble extracts of these stems has revealed a variety of unique phenolic compounds. Through activity-guided fractionation, scientists successfully isolated both a known compound, evofolin-B, and a previously undiscovered natural product. These specific isolates demonstrated a notable ability to induce quinone reductase in cultured mouse hepatoma cells. Such findings highlight the chemical richness of the plant and its importance in pharmacological studies.