Coussarea brevicaulis
Coussarea brevicaulis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Coussarea brevicaulis is a distinctive botanical species known for its unique chemical profile and structural characteristics. Scientific investigations into this plant have identified several important bioactive compounds, including 3-epi-Spathodic acid, Barbinervic acid, and Coussaric acid. Additionally, the presence of stigmasterol within its biological makeup highlights its complex phytochemical composition. Researchers often focus on the stem of the plant to study these specific chemical constituents in detail. Understanding these elements provides valuable insights into the medicinal and biological potential of this species.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Taxonomy
Coussarea brevicaulis is a specialized organism that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this botanical realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. This species is further organized into the order Gentianales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. It finds its place within the diverse Rubiaceae family, a group known for many significant plant species. Ultimately, its identity is defined by its membership in the genus Coussarea.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Coussarea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Coussarea brevicaulis is a plant species with a widespread presence across the diverse landscapes of South America. Its native range extends through much of Brazil, including the northern regions of the country. The species is also well-established in Northern South America, particularly within the borders of Venezuela. Moving westward, it can be found thriving in the natural habitats of Colombia and Ecuador. Finally, its distribution reaches into Peru, completing a broad geographic footprint across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Coussarea brevicaulis is a self-supporting plant that typically takes the form of a shrub. It grows with a sturdy structure, reaching a maximum height of approximately 5 meters. This compact growth habit allows it to establish a stable presence within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Coussarea brevicaulis serves as a significant source of various bioactive triterpenoids and sterols found within its stems. Chemical analysis of its ethyl acetate-soluble extracts has successfully identified the presence of coussaric acid, a novel triterpenoid based on an ursane skeleton. Additionally, the plant contains the oleanane-type triterpene acid 3-epi-spathodic acid along with barbinervic acid. The complex chemical profile of this species also includes scutellaric acid and the sterol stigmasterol. These diverse secondary metabolites highlight the intricate phytochemical composition inherent to this specific plant species.
Conditions
Preparations
Parts used
Coussarea brevicaulis serves as a significant botanical source for the discovery of complex bioactive compounds. Researchers have successfully isolated several chemical constituents, including the new triterpenoid coussaric acid, specifically from the plant's stems. Through advanced spectroscopic investigation and X-ray crystallography, the precise molecular structures of these isolates were carefully elucidated. The study also identified other notable substances such as 3-epi-spathodic acid, stigmasterol, and scutellaric acid within the stem extracts. Ultimately, these findings highlight the medicinal potential of the species, particularly regarding the induction of quinone reductase in hepatoma cells.