Entandrophragma angolense
Entandrophragma angolense · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Entandrophragma angolense is a versatile plant species recognized for its significant medicinal properties and diverse chemical composition. The plant contains important bioactive compounds, including methyl angolensate and various triterpenoids, which contribute to its therapeutic potential. Utilizing different parts such as the stem, leaves, and seeds, various preparations like stem bark and crude extracts are employed in traditional medicine. These preparations exhibit notable antidiabetic and spasmolytic activities, offering relief for various physiological issues. Consequently, the plant is studied for its ability to address conditions ranging from fever and malaria to cancer and peptic ulcers.
- Synonyms
- Swietenia Angolensis · Entandrophragma Macrophyllum · 12 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Entandrophragma angolense is a versatile species known by a diverse array of regional and international names. It is most frequently recognized by its widespread common names, African Mahogany and simply Mahogany. In certain areas, the tree is also referred to as Tiama Mahogany or by the local name edinam. Its linguistic reach extends into other cultures, where it is identified as mahagónovec angolský. These various designations highlight the plant's significant presence and importance across different geographic landscapes.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Entandrophragma angolense is a complex species that encompasses several distinct botanical synonyms. Taxonomists have identified various varieties within this group, including var. beninense, var. dolichocarpum, and var. macrophyllum. Additionally, the plant is closely linked to the variety known as var. septentrionale. The classification also accounts for the synonym Entandrophragma candolleana within its broader biological framework. Understanding these relationships is essential for accurate identification and study of the species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Entandrophragma angolense is a distinguished member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast botanical realm, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. This species belongs to the order Sapindales, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. It is further nested within the family Meliaceae, which highlights its structural and biological affinities. Finally, the plant is defined by its placement in the genus Entandrophragma, solidifying its specific identity in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Entandrophragma |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Entandrophragma angolense is a notable plant species with a broad distribution spanning across the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, it can be found growing within the diverse landscapes of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its presence also extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it inhabits the regions of Sudan and South Sudan. Furthermore, the species reaches into South Tropical Africa, establishing itself within the borders of Angola. This wide-ranging habitat demonstrates the plant's ability to thrive across various ecological zones throughout the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Entandrophragma angolense is a robust, self-supporting tree that serves as a significant component of its native ecosystem. This species exhibits a substantial growth form, allowing it to reach impressive vertical proportions in the wild. Depending on the specific environmental conditions, the tree can reach a height of approximately 30.2 meters. In optimal habitats, however, it can climb even higher, potentially attaining a maximum height of up to 48.77 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Entandrophragma angolense serves as a valuable medicinal plant with diverse pharmacological properties. Research into its bark has identified specific protolimonoids, such as entandrophins B and C, which demonstrate significant antidiabetic potential through the inhibition of α-glucosidase. Beyond metabolic benefits, the plant also possesses notable spasmolytic activity. Specifically, the isolated triterpenoid methyl angolensate has been shown to inhibit smooth muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract. These findings suggest that the plant's chemical constituents may offer therapeutic pathways for managing both blood glucose levels and certain gastrointestinal conditions.
Compounds
Entandrophragma angolense is a medicinal plant that serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive secondary metabolites. Scientific investigations have confirmed that this species contains methyl angolensate, a compound isolated from its bark. This specific molecule belongs to the triterpenoid class of compounds found within the plant's chemical profile. Research indicates that methyl angolensate exerts significant spasmolytic effects by inhibiting smooth muscle contractions through serotonergic mechanisms. Furthermore, the presence of various other triterpenoids and limonoids highlights the complex phytochemical importance of Entandrophragma angolense in traditional medicine.
Conditions
Entandrophragma angolense serves as a vital medicinal plant with a wide range of therapeutic applications in traditional medicine. According to ethnopharmacological surveys in Ghana, this species is frequently utilized by traditional healers for the treatment of cancer. In Cameroon, extracts from the plant have demonstrated antimalarial activity, which helps justify its common use for managing malaria and fever. Additionally, the plant is employed in folk medicine to address ailments such as peptic ulcer. These diverse medicinal properties highlight the significant role of the species in treating various human health conditions.
Preparations
Entandrophragma angolense is utilized in various forms for medicinal research, including being prepared as bark to isolate protolimonoids and triterpenoids. The plant is also prepared as stem bark to identify specific limonoids and other bioactive compounds. Researchers have investigated the antimalarial properties of the species by using its crude extracts. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as leaf extract to facilitate the isolation of unique tirucallane triterpenes. These different preparation methods allow for the detailed study of the chemical constituents found within the different parts of the tree.
Parts used
Entandrophragma angolense is a medicinal plant species that offers significant biochemical potential through its various morphological components. Research indicates that the stem bark serves as a vital source for isolating limonoids and triterpenoids, some of which exhibit cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines. Additionally, the leaves contain unique tirucallane triterpenes, including rare compounds with a seco-ring-A feature. The seeds also play a critical role in the plant's therapeutic profile, particularly regarding its traditional uses. Together, these parts—the stem, leaves, and seeds—contribute to the plant's demonstrated antimalarial activity against resistant strains of malaria.