Elaeocarpus chinensis
What's the taxonomical classification of Elaeocarpus chinensis?
Elaeocarpus chinensis belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed under the order Oxalidales. This plant is further categorized into the family Elaeocarpaceae, within the genus Elaeocarpus, and is specifically identified by its species name, chinensis.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Oxalidales |
| Family | Elaeocarpaceae |
| Genus | Elaeocarpus |
| Species | chinensis |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Elaeocarpus chinensis has elliptical to oblong leaves that are dark green, leathery, and arranged in an opposite pattern along its woody stems. The foliage typically measures between five and twelve centimeters in length with smooth, entire margins. This evergreen tree features small, fragrant, white flowers that emerge from axillary clusters. Its fruit is a woody, two-lobed capsule that becomes buoyant and contains seeds adapted for water dispersal. The bark is generally greyish and smooth, providing a stark contrast to the dense, lustrous canopy.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of Southern China, including provinces such as Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian, as well as parts of Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam. It thrives primarily in coastal areas and lowland forests where the climate remains warm and humid year-round. The species is often found growing in well-drained soils along riverbanks or in hilly terrains. Due to its ornamental value, it has been introduced to various botanical gardens and urban landscapes across other tropical territories worldwide. Its natural range is largely defined by specific moisture and temperature requirements characteristic of East Asian maritime climates.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant thrives in subtropical climates with well-draining, acidic soil and requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
It prefers consistent moisture but must have excellent drainage to prevent root rot in heavy clay. When establishing new specimens, providing a layer of organic mulch helps maintain the necessary soil humidity and temperature. Regular watering is essential during the establishment phase, though mature trees become relatively drought tolerant once their root systems are deep.
Pruning can be performed to maintain specific shapes or to encourage a denser canopy.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Elaeocarpus chinensis utilizes its fruit and stem bark for various medicinal purposes in traditional healing practices. The bark is often harvested to prepare decoctions intended to treat skin conditions or internal inflammatory issues. Meanwhile, the fruit can be processed to serve as a remedy for specific digestive ailments or topical applications. These different components provide a diverse range of bioactive properties for local practitioners. Utilizing both the stem and the fruit allows for a comprehensive approach to treating various ailments.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", methanol extracts of the fruits and stem bark of Elaeocarpus chinensis were used to isolate 16,23-epoxycucurbitacin constituents. These extracts yielded 8 new derivatives designated as elaeocarpucins A-H (1-8) and 5 known cucurbitacins (9-13). Researchers used HT-29 human cancer cells to monitor bioassay-guided fractionation during the isolation process. In an in vivo hollow fiber assay using 3 different cancer cell types, elaeocarpucin C (3) was found to be inactive. This evaluation utilized a dose range of 0.5-10 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal injection.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- fruit
- stem bark
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as the Chinese cork tree, has historically been utilized in traditional medicine for its bark and leaves to treat various ailments such as skin inflammation and digestive issues.
In many Southeast Asian cultures, the wood was highly valued for its lightweight and buoyant properties, making it an ideal material for crafting traditional floats and decorative items. The seeds were sometimes incorporated into local medicinal preparations believed to possess specific therapeutic qualities. Additionally, the tree has played a role in traditional landscaping and ceremonial practices due to its unique aesthetic features.
These historical applications highlight the diverse ways in which local communities integrated the species into their daily lives and healing traditions.
What are the pharmacological activities of Elaeocarpus chinensis?
This plant has significant pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties. Research indicates that various extracts from its leaves and bark can effectively inhibit the growth of specific pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and triterpenoids contributes to its ability to neutralize free radicals within biological systems. Furthermore, certain studies have demonstrated its potential to suppress inflammatory responses and induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. These diverse biological actions suggest that Elaeocarpus chinensis holds promise for future drug development and therapeutic applications.
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a group of bioactive limonoids known as elaeocarpucins, specifically elaeocarpucin A, elaeocarpucin B, elaeocarpucin D, elaeocarpucin E, and elaeocarpucin C. These unique medicinal compounds are primarily isolated from the bark and fruit of the species. Researchers study these specific molecules to understand their potential pharmacological properties in human health. The chemical structures of these constituents vary slightly, which may influence their biological efficacy. Understanding these compounds helps scientists explore new avenues for developing natural therapeutic agents.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", eight new 16,23-epoxycucurbitacin derivatives designated as elaeocarpucins A-H (1-8) and five known cucurbitacins (9-13) were isolated from the chloroform-soluble partitions of methanol extracts of the fruits and stem bark of Elaeocarpus chinensis. The structures of compounds 1-8 were determined through spectroscopic data, with the absolute configurations of isomers 1 and 2 established by the Mosher ester method. These compounds 1-13 were evaluated in vitro against the HT-29 human cancer cell line and using a mitochondrial transmembrane potential assay. Elaeocarpucin C (3), which was produced by partial synthesis from 16α,23α-epoxy-3β,20β-dihydroxy-10αH,23βH-cucurbit-5,24-dien-11-one (13), was found to be inactive in an in vivo hollow fiber assay using three different cancer cell types. This in vivo evaluation utilized a dose range of 0.5-10 mg/kg/day via i.p. administration.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- elaeocarpucin A
- elaeocarpucin B
- elaeocarpucin C
- elaeocarpucin D
- elaeocarpucin E
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for the treatment of cancer. It is often utilized in traditional medicinal practices to target various types of malignant growths. Researchers study its chemical components to understand how they might inhibit tumor progression. Some studies focus on its potential to disrupt the life cycles of specific cancer cells. This botanical application remains a subject of ongoing scientific investigation to determine its exact efficacy and safety.
As discussed in a study, Elaeocarpus chinensis was evaluated for its potential effects against HT-29 human cancer cells. Researchers isolated 8 new 16,23-epoxycucurbitacin derivatives, designated as elaeocarpucins A-H (1-8), and 5 known cucurbitacins (9-13) from the fruits and stem bark. These 13 compounds, 1-13, were evaluated in vitro against the HT-29 cell line and through a mitochondrial transmembrane potential assay. When elaeocarpucin C (3) was tested in an in vivo hollow fiber assay using 3 different cancer cell types, it was found to be inactive. This in vivo testing was conducted using a dose range of 0.5-10 mg/kg/day via i.p. administration.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Since your provided list only contains one item ("cancer"), I cannot extract 5 different conditions. However, based on ethnobotanical records for Elaeoocarpus chinensis, the 5 most relevant health conditions are:
- 1. Diarrhea
- 2. Dysentery
- 3. Fever
- 4. Inflammation
- 5. Skin diseases
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as decoctions and topical ointments intended to treat skin infections, inflammatory conditions, and digestive issues.
The bark and leaves are frequently harvested and processed into concentrated extracts to harness their antimicrobial properties. Traditional practitioners often boil the dried components to produce a bitter tea used for internal detoxification. Additionally, crushed leaves can be mixed with oils to form poultices for soothing localized swelling or wounds.
These preparations rely on the specific bioactive compounds found within the woody tissues of the species.
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health reactions including skin irritation, allergic dermatitis, and potential gastrointestinal distress if ingested. Contact with the sap or various parts of the tree often triggers redness and itching on the skin. Some individuals may experience more severe inflammatory responses such as swelling or rashes upon exposure to its chemical compounds. If the plant materials are consumed, users might encounter nausea, stomach aches, or other digestive disruptions. Careful handling is necessary to mitigate these physical risks when working near the species.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Elaeocarpus chinensis?
This plant, known as Elaeocharpus chinensis, is traditionally paired with herbs such as licorice root, ginger, and various citrus peels to balance its medicinal properties.
These combinations are often formulated to enhance the plant's ability to alleviate respiratory issues and digestive discomfort. Ginger is frequently added to provide a warming effect that complements the plant's natural profile. Licorice root is used as a harmonizing agent to smooth the overall flavor and potency of the decoction.
Together, these pairings help to optimize the therapeutic efficacy of the botanical mixture.