Erythroxylum cuneatum
Erythroxylum cuneatum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Erythroxylum cuneatum is a botanical species of interest due to its unique chemical profile and bioactive potential. The plant's leaves serve as the primary source for various scientific investigations and medicinal preparations. Researchers frequently utilize 50% ethanolic extracts and specialized alkaloid leaf extracts to study its properties. Chemical analyses of these components have identified notable substances such as (+)-catechin, (6S,9R)-roseoside, Apocynol B, and Citroside A. Understanding these specific constituents provides valuable insight into the pharmacological significance of this species.
- Synonyms
- Urostigma Cuneatum · Erythroxylum Sumatranum · 13 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Erythroxylaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Synonyms
Erythroxylum cuneatum is a botanical species that is associated with several important taxonomic synonyms. Scientific literature identifies this plant under various alternative names, including Erythroxylum bancanum and Erythroxylum borneense. It is also recognized by the names Erythroxylum burmanicum and Erythroxylum densinerve in different contexts. Furthermore, the variety known as Erythroxylum cuneatum f. sumatranum is classified within this same group. Understanding these diverse nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Erythroxylum cuneatum is a distinctive species belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological kingdom, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida. Its specific classification continues through the order Malpighiales, which defines its evolutionary lineage. The plant is further grouped into the family Erythroxylaceae, highlighting its botanical connections. Finally, it finds its place within the genus Erythroxylum, completing its scientific identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Erythroxylaceae |
| Genus | Erythroxylum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Erythroxylum cuneatum is a plant species primarily distributed throughout the tropical regions of Asia. Its presence is notably widespread across the Indo-China peninsula, where it thrives in diverse environments. Within this region, the species can be found specifically in the countries of Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand. It also extends its range into Vietnam, contributing to the botanical richness of the area. Furthermore, the plant's reach encompasses the Andaman Islands, marking a significant portion of its geographic footprint.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Erythroxylum cuneatum is a self-supporting tree that commands attention within its natural habitat. This robust species features a distinct growth form that allows it to stand firmly on its own. Reaching an impressive maximum height of 30 meters, it serves as a significant structural element of the forest canopy.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Erythroxylum cuneatum serves as a rich source of various bioactive chemical constituents. Chemical analysis of its leaves and branches has revealed the presence of several significant compounds, including apocynol B and citroside A. Furthermore, the plant contains inamoside, a compound identified through detailed spectroscopic data. Research also confirms that quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside is present within its biological makeup. These findings highlight the complex chemical profile found within this specific plant species.
Conditions
Erythroxylum cuneatum exhibits significant medicinal potential through its ability to treat antioxidative properties and anti-inflammatory properties. In laboratory settings, the plant has been shown to treat the malignant human hepatoma (HepG2) cell line with potent anticancer activity. Its efficacy is further demonstrated in biological models, where it successfully treats the carrageenan induced paw model of edema. This reduction in swelling effectively treats paw edema in a dose-dependent manner. These diverse therapeutic actions highlight the plant's value in managing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer cell lines.
Preparations
Erythroxylum cuneatum is prepared as 50% ethanolic extracts for the purpose of screening its cytotoxic activity against the HepG2 cell line. These specific ethanolic preparations have demonstrated potent anticancer potential in studies involving indigenous Thai plants. Additionally, Erythroxylum cuneatum is prepared as an alkaloid leaf extract using the Soxhlet heat extraction method. This alkaloid leaf extract is utilized to explore various medicinal properties, specifically its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The resulting extracts serve as critical subjects for evaluating biological responses in both cellular assays and animal models.
Parts used
Erythroxylum cuneatum is a tropical flowering plant that holds significant potential for pharmacological development. Scientific investigations have focused heavily on its leaves, which serve as a primary source for isolating various bioactive compounds. For instance, researchers successfully isolated the new megastigmane diglycoside cuneatoside from the plant's foliage. Beyond specific chemical isolation, the alkaloid leaf extract has demonstrated impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies. These findings suggest that the components found within the leaves of Erythroxylum cuneatum could eventually contribute to the creation of new medicinal drugs.