Cratoxylum cochinchinense
Cratoxylum cochinchinense · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cratoxylum cochinchinense is a significant medicinal plant utilized in traditional practices to treat conditions such as burns and fevers. Scientific investigations into its various parts, including the stem, leaf, and root, have revealed a diverse array of bioactive compounds. Specifically, ethanol extracts of the plant have been found to contain unique chemicals such as 4-hydroxyhyperolactone D, 5,6-Dihydrohyperolactone D, Biyouyanagiol, and various flavonoids. These constituents contribute to the plant's pharmacological profile, which notably includes cytotoxic activities. Consequently, studying the 90% ethanol extract of this species offers promising insights into its therapeutic potential.
- Synonyms
- Ancistrolobus Brevipes · Stalagmitis Erosipetala · 19 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Hypericaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Stem · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Cratoxylum cochinchinense is a fascinating plant known by a diverse array of local names across different regions. In certain areas, it is frequently referred to as Baduk-baduk or Derum Selunchor. Depending on the specific cultural context, you might also encounter it called Geronggang Bogoi. Other communities identify the species as Kayu Lulus, highlighting its unique regional identity. Finally, it is also recognized by the name Kui-chong-baang, showcasing the linguistic variety associated with this species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cratoxylum cochinchinense is a botanical species that is frequently identified by several different scientific names. Throughout various taxonomic records, it has been recognized under synonyms such as Ancistrolobus brevipes and Ancistrolobus ligustrinus. The plant is also associated with the names Cratoxylum biflorum and Cratoxylum carneum in certain historical contexts. Furthermore, the nomenclature includes the synonym Cratoxylum chinense, reflecting the complex history of its classification. Understanding these overlapping identities is essential for researchers navigating the diverse literature surrounding this species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cratoxylum cochinchinense is a notable botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Malpighiales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to other diverse flowering plants. As a member of the genus Cratoxylum, it represents a unique lineage within the natural world. Finally, its specific botanical identity is solidified by its placement within the family Hypericaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Hypericaceae |
| Genus | Cratoxylum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Cratoxylum cochinchinense exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across various Asian climates. Within the temperate regions of Asia, this species is established in both south-central and southeast China. Moving into tropical zones, its presence extends across the Indian Subcontinent, including parts of Bangladesh. The plant is also well-distributed throughout Indo-China, specifically appearing in Cambodia and the Andaman Islands. This wide distribution highlights the botanical versatility of the species across different ecological landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cratoxylum cochinchinense is a distinctive tree species characterized by its robust and self-supporting growth form. This plant exhibits a remarkable range in stature, with individual specimens measuring as little as 1.5 meters in height. However, many trees in the wild reach much more significant dimensions, often exceeding 17.375 meters. At its most impressive, the species can soar to a maximum height of 33 meters. This variability in size allows the tree to establish a commanding presence within its natural ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Cratoxylum cochinchinense has demonstrated significant biological potential due to its inherent cytotoxic activity. Research conducted on the stems of this plant has led to the isolation of several unique compounds, including new caged and prenylxanthones. Among the substances evaluated, certain derivatives were specifically found to be effective against HT-29 human colon cancer cells. In particular, 3,6-di-O-acetyl-α-mangostin emerged as one of the most potent cytotoxic agents identified during these studies. These findings highlight the importance of exploring the chemical constituents of the species for potential anticancer applications.
Compounds
Cratoxylum cochinchinense is a plant widely utilized in Chinese folk medicine for treating fevers, burns, and abdominal complications. Its bioactive profile is characterized by the presence of essential metabolites, including flavonoids and triterpenes. Research into its chemical composition has also highlighted the presence of specific compounds such as biyouyanagin B and biyouyanagiol. Furthermore, the plant contains 4-hydroxyhyperolactone D, contributing to its complex pharmacological properties. These diverse constituents underscore the significant therapeutic potential of the species in medicinal applications.
Conditions
Cratoxylum cochinchinense possesses several medicinal properties, including the ability to treat HT-29 human colon cancer cells through its cytotoxic xanthone constituents. The plant also demonstrates potential in treating K562 human leukemia cells, as evidenced by studies on medicinal plant extracts. In traditional Chinese folk medicine, the roots of this species are used to treat abdominal complications. Furthermore, the isolated polyprenylated xanthones from its stems and leaves exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide production. Finally, these compounds also provide anti-HIV benefits by displaying notable effects against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.
Preparations
Cratoxylum cochinchinense is prepared as a root in Chinese folk medicine to treat fevers, burns, and abdominal complications. This plant is also prepared as ethanol extracts for various pharmacological studies. Specifically, research has utilized a 90% ethanol extract of its stems and leaves to isolate twenty-one different compounds. These chemical constituents were evaluated for their anti-rheumatoid arthritis activities and inhibitory effects on synoviocytes. Furthermore, the xanthones derived from the plant serve as promising candidates for developing novel bacterial neuraminidase inhibitors.
Parts used
Cratoxylum cochinchinense is a versatile plant species that contains various bioactive metabolites within its different anatomical structures. Scientific research has successfully isolated numerous xanthones and other significant chemical constituents from the plant's stem. Similarly, the leaves of the species serve as a rich source for discovering compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-HIV-1 potential. Beyond these aerial parts, the root of the plant has a long history of use in Chinese folk medicine to treat fevers and abdominal complications. Together, these various parts of Cratoxylum cochinchinense offer a diverse chemical profile that is highly valuable for pharmacological development.