Epicharis cumingiana
Epicharis cumingiana · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Epicharis cumingiana is a botanical species that has gained significant scientific interest due to its potent biological activities. Researchers have specifically focused on the cytotoxic fraction of the leaves to investigate its medicinal potential. This plant contains unique chemical compounds, including Cumingianoside A, Cumingianoside M, and Cumingianoside Q. Studies have demonstrated that these leaf extracts exhibit promising antitumor properties against various cancer cell lines. Consequently, these findings suggest that the species may play a critical role in the development of treatments for conditions such as leukemia and melanoma.
- Synonyms
- Hartighsea Cauliflora · Alliaria Cauliflora · 7 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Epicharis cumingiana is a unique botanical species known by several distinct regional names. In certain areas, it is commonly referred to by the Japanese name シマセンダン. It also holds a specific identity in other linguistic contexts as 蘭嶼椌木. These diverse common names reflect the plant's cultural and geographic significance across different regions. Understanding these various designations helps enthusiasts and researchers accurately identify this particular plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Epicharis cumingiana is a botanical species that has been identified through various scientific names throughout history. It is recognized by several synonyms, including the name Alliaria cauliflora. Researchers also associate this plant with the genus Dysoxylum, specifically through the synonym Dysoxylum cumingianum. Furthermore, the species is linked to Dysoxylum pyriforme and Dysoxylum siargaoense in botanical records. Finally, the name Dysoxylum testaceum serves as another synonym used to describe this particular plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Epicharis cumingiana is a remarkable biological specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Sapindales, showcasing its unique evolutionary placement. The plant is a distinguished member of the genus Epicharis, which defines its specific botanical identity. Finally, its lineage is completed by its membership in the family Meliaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Epicharis |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Epicharis cumingiana exhibits a diverse geographic range that spans across various regions of the Asian continent. In temperate zones, the species can be found throughout Eastern Asia and Taiwan. Its presence extends significantly into tropical climates, particularly within the Malesia region. This distribution includes specific island territories such as the Lesser Sunda Islands, Maluku, and Sulawesi. Furthermore, the plant is also well-established within the tropical landscapes of the Philippines.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Biological Activities
Epicharis cumingiana, also identified in research as Dysoxylum cumingianum, serves as a rich source of potent bioactive compounds. Detailed chemical analyses of its leaves have led to the isolation of several new triterpene glucosides, such as cumingianosides P and Q. These specific constituents have demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against a wide variety of human cancer cell lines. Notably, the plant's extracts exhibit strong antitumor properties, with certain compounds showing effectiveness against renal, lung, and leukemia cells. This remarkable biological profile highlights the therapeutic potential of the species in ongoing cancer research.
Compounds
Epicharis cumingiana, also known as Dysoxylum cumingianum, serves as a rich source of bioactive triterpene glucosides. Research has successfully isolated several significant compounds from the leaves of this plant, including cumingianoside M and cumingianoside Q. These specific substances demonstrate notable potential in the field of oncology due to their cytotoxic properties. While cumingianoside M has shown significant effectiveness against leukemia and melanoma cell lines, cumingianoside Q displays selective cytotoxicity against non-small cell lung cancer cells. Such findings highlight the therapeutic importance of the chemical constituents found within this species.
Conditions
Epicharis cumingiana demonstrates significant medicinal potential through its ability to treat various human cancer cell lines. Specifically, the plant exhibits efficacy in treating NCI-H522 non-small cell lung cancer cells. It also shows therapeutic action against the UO-31 renal cancer cell line. Furthermore, the plant is effective in treating both chloroquine-resistant and chloroquine-sensitive clones of Plasmodium falciparum. These diverse biological activities highlight its multifaceted role in combating both oncological and parasitic threats.
Preparations
Epicharis cumingiana is prepared as a cytotoxic fraction of the leaves to isolate triterpene glucosides like cumingianosides G-O. These specific compounds, derived from the leaf fraction, have demonstrated significant potency against leukemia and melanoma cell lines. Additionally, the plant is prepared as root (rt) samples for various biological screenings. Such preparations allow for the evaluation of the species in assays including antiplasmodial, brine shrimp toxicity, and cytotoxicity tests. These diverse preparation methods facilitate the identification of potential antitumor and bioactive agents within the plant.
Parts used
Epicharis cumingiana, also identified in botanical studies as Dysoxylum cumingianum, serves as a rich source of potent bioactive compounds. Researchers have successfully isolated several new triterpene glucosides by conducting detailed chemical studies on the plant's leaves. These specific compounds, such as cumingianosides P and Q, exhibit significant cytotoxic properties against various human cancer cell lines. Further investigation into the leaf extracts led to the discovery of cumingianosides G through O, which possess a unique cycloapotirucallane-type skeleton. Ultimately, the diverse chemical profile found within the leaves highlights the plant's significant potential in the development of new antitumor agents.