Dehaasia longipedicellata

Dehaasia longipedicellata · Accepted scientific name

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

Dehaasia longipedicellata is a botanical species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse pharmacological potential. Research into the crude extract of the bark has revealed a wealth of bioactive secondary metabolites. Specifically, the plant is characterized by the presence of complex bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids. These chemical constituents contribute to the plant's notable antioxidant properties. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that these compounds also exhibit significant antiplasmodial activities.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Beilschmiedia Longipedicellata
Common names
Not available
Family
Lauraceae
Distribution
Not available
Plant Parts
Not available

Classification

Synonyms

Dehaasia longipedicellata is a botanical species that is frequently identified under a different name in scientific literature. Specifically, this plant is recognized by the synonym Beilschmiedia longipedicellata. Understanding this nomenclatural connection is essential for researchers tracking its taxonomic history. While the names may differ across various databases, they refer to the exact same organism. Recognizing these synonymous relationships ensures accuracy when studying the plant's distribution and characteristics.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Dehaasia longipedicellata is a distinctive biological specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the order Laurales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. This plant is a member of the genus Dehaasia, which helps scientists identify its close botanical relatives. Finally, it is categorized under the family Lauraceae, placing it among a unique group of flowering plants.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Laurales
Family Lauraceae
Genus Dehaasia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Dehaasia longipedicellata is a botanical species primarily identified within the tropical regions of Asia. Its geographical presence is most notably concentrated throughout the Malesia botanical zone. Within this expansive area, the plant can be specifically found thriving in the landscapes of Malaya. This distribution pattern highlights the unique environmental requirements necessary for its continued survival. Understanding these specific locations is essential for researchers studying the biodiversity of Southeast Asian rainforests.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Dehaasia longipedicellata is a self-supporting plant that takes the form of a tree. It typically reaches a maximum height of 12 meters as it matures in its natural habitat. This structural stability allows the species to establish a prominent presence within its ecosystem.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Dehaasia longipedicellata has demonstrated significant biological potential through its diverse medicinal properties. Research on the bark's crude extract reveals potent antiplasmodial activity, particularly against the resistant Plasmodium falciparum K1 isolate. This efficacy is driven by several isolated isoquinoline alkaloids, with compounds like (-)-O-O-dimethylgrisabine performing comparably to the standard drug chloroquine. Beyond fighting malaria, the plant also exhibits notable antioxidant activities, including reducing power and metal chelating abilities. These combined characteristics suggest that Dehaasia longipedicellata is a valuable source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic development.

Compounds

Dehaasia longipedicellata serves as a rich source of various isoquinoline alkaloids found within its bark extract. Phytochemical investigations have successfully isolated several key compounds, including the aporphines boldine and norboldine. Additionally, the plant contains the morphinandienone milonine along with the benzylisoquinoline reticuline. These specific alkaloids demonstrate a range of biological activities, including antiplasmodial and antioxidant properties. Notably, the presence of these compounds highlights the significant medicinal potential of this botanical species.

Conditions

Dehaasia longipedicellata exhibits significant antiplasmodial activity against the Plasmodium falciparum K1 isolate, which is a known resistant strain. Research into the crude bark extract revealed that several isolated isoquinoline alkaloids possess the ability to inhibit the growth of this parasite. Specifically, the compounds (-)-O-O-dimethylgrisabine and (-)-milonine demonstrated highly potent activity with IC50 values of 0.031 and 0.097 µM, respectively. These results are particularly noteworthy because the potency of these specific compounds is comparable to the standard drug chloroquine. Consequently, the plant serves as a valuable source of bioactive molecules capable of treating resistant malaria strains.

Preparations

Dehaasia longipedicellata is prepared as a crude extract of the bark for pharmacological investigation. This specific bark extract demonstrated significant antiplasmodial activity against the resistant Plasmodium falciparum K1 isolate. Through phytochemical analysis of this preparation, researchers successfully isolated six distinct isoquinoline alkaloids. These isolated compounds, including (-)-O-O-dimethylgrisabine and (-)-milonine, exhibited potent biological activities. The extraction of the bark thus serves as the essential foundation for identifying these therapeutic molecules.

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