Cratoxylum formosum
Cratoxylum formosum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cratoxylum formosum is a notable plant species that holds significant potential in pharmacological research due to its diverse bioactive properties. Scientific investigations into its leaves and roots have revealed potent antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities. These biological effects are largely attributed to the presence of specific chemical compounds known as anthraquinones found within the plant. Through the use of various preparations, such as aqueous extracts, researchers are exploring the plant's ability to combat oxidative stress and hemolysis. Furthermore, its therapeutic application shows promise in addressing conditions like non-melanoma skin cancer.
- Synonyms
- Ancistrolobus Formosus · Elodes Formosa
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Hypericaceae
- Distribution
- Northern America
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Root
Classification
Common Names
Cratoxylum formosum is a botanical species known by a diverse array of regional names. Depending on the local area, this plant is frequently referred to as Derum or Entemu. It also carries the distinct monikers of Geronggang Biabas and Kasat Baku in certain communities. Furthermore, the species is widely recognized by the common name Kemutul. These various names highlight the rich linguistic diversity associated with the plant's identity.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cratoxylum formosum is a botanical species that is frequently identified by several different scientific names in various taxonomic records. Due to historical classification shifts, the plant is recognized by the synonym Ancistrolobus formosus in certain botanical contexts. It is also documented under the name Elodes formosa, reflecting the complex nature of plant nomenclature. These varying synonyms highlight the evolving ways that botanists categorize and study this specific organism. Understanding these relationships is essential for researchers to ensure accuracy when identifying the plant across different literature.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cratoxylum formosum belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, marking its place among the diverse world of vegetation. Within this biological realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the order Malpighiales, which helps scientists understand its evolutionary lineage. The plant is a member of the genus Cratoxylum, showcasing its unique morphological characteristics. Finally, it is categorized under the family Hypericaceae, completing its formal botanical identity.
| 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 formosum exhibits a broad and diverse geographical range spanning across several distinct Asian regions. In the temperate zones of China, this species can be found throughout the South-Central and Southeast territories, as well as on the island of Hainan. Its reach extends into the tropical landscapes of the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the Assam region. Furthermore, the plant is well-established in the tropical environments of Indo-China, including the Andaman Islands. This extensive distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive in both temperate and tropical ecosystems across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cratoxylum formosum is a versatile tree species characterized by its robust and self-supporting growth form. Depending on its specific environment, the plant can range in stature from a modest 3 meters to a significant height of 45 meters. Most specimens typically establish a presence reaching at least 9.67 meters as they mature. This impressive vertical scale allows the species to compete effectively within its natural habitat. Ultimately, its structural stability makes it a prominent feature of the forest canopy.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Cratoxylum formosum is a versatile medicinal plant widely utilized in Asia for both food and traditional folk medicine. Research indicates that this plant possesses significant antioxidant properties, which help in scavenging free radicals and protecting against vascular dysfunction. Furthermore, its chemical constituents, such as xanthones and phenolic compounds, exhibit potent antibacterial activities against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The plant also demonstrates remarkable anticancer potential, particularly when used in the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles. These studies highlight the strong cytotoxic effects of its extracts, offering promising pathways for the development of new antibacterial and anticancer drugs.
Compounds
Cratoxylum formosum serves as a significant botanical source for various bioactive secondary metabolites. Chemical investigations into its roots have successfully led to the isolation and characterization of several unique compounds. Specifically, researchers have identified a series of known anthraquinones within the plant's chemical profile. Alongside these anthraquinones, the study also uncovered several novel xanthones, including new formoxanthone derivatives. These findings highlight the plant's complex chemical makeup and its potential for further pharmacological exploration.
Conditions
Cratoxylum formosum demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by inducing apoptotic cell death in A549 human lung cancer cells through the use of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles. In models of oxidative stress, the plant extract effectively treats blood superoxide anions and suppresses the formation of plasma malondialdehyde. It also plays a critical role in addressing hemodynamic disturbances caused by phenylhydrazine. Furthermore, the extract helps treat hemolysis, thereby supporting the restoration of vascular health and stability.
Preparations
Cratoxylum formosum is prepared as extracts to investigate various biological properties and medicinal applications. These plant materials are specifically prepared as aqueous extracts to study their antioxidant and vascular protective activities in both in vitro and in vivo models. Research involving these extracts also demonstrates their utility in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles, which exhibit significant antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as extracts to evaluate its inhibitory potential against intestinal disaccharidase enzymes such as maltase, sucrase, and trehalase. These diverse preparation methods allow scientists to assess the multifaceted health benefits provided by the chemical constituents of the plant.
Parts used
Cratoxylum formosum is a medicinal plant widely distributed across Asia that offers significant pharmacological potential through its various components. Research indicates that the leaves of this species can be used to create water-based crude extracts for the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanosheets. These leaf-derived nanoparticles have demonstrated impressive antibacterial properties and potent anti-cancer activity against specific skin cancer cells. Furthermore, the roots of the plant serve as a rich source of bioactive compounds, including unique xanthones and anthraquinones. Together, these different parts of the plant highlight its versatility in developing new antibacterial substances and anticancer drugs.