Eugenia dysenterica
Eugenia dysenterica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Eugenia dysenterica is a versatile botanical species recognized for its significant medicinal potential derived from its leaves and fruits. The plant contains a diverse array of bioactive chemical compounds, including flavonoids, coumarins, alpha-thujene, and beta-caryophyllene. Researchers utilize various preparations, such as aqueous and ethanolic crude extracts, to study its therapeutic efficacy. These studies have highlighted its potent antifungal properties against pathogens like Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, and the cause of Cryptococcal meningitis. Additionally, the plant exhibits notable laxative activities that may assist in managing conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
- Synonyms
- Myrtus Dysenterica · Stenocalyx Dysentericus
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Temperate
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Eugenia dysenterica is a fascinating species known by a variety of different names across various regions and languages. In many local contexts, it is frequently referred to by the common names cagaita or cagaiteira. Some botanical records also identify the plant as eugénia úplavičná, reflecting its diverse linguistic associations. Even in different scripts, such as Arabic, it is recognized as يوجينيا ديسينتيريكا. Understanding these multiple identities is essential for anyone studying the global distribution of this unique plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Eugenia dysenterica is a botanical species that has been classified under several different scientific names throughout history. Within various taxonomic records, it is recognized by the synonym Myrtus dysenterica. Additionally, researchers have identified the plant under the alternative name Stenocalyx dysentericus. These shifting designations reflect the evolving nature of botanical nomenclature and the complexities of plant classification. Understanding these synonymous relationships is essential for accurately identifying the species in scientific literature.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Eugenia dysenterica belongs to the diverse kingdom Plantae. This specific plant is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the order Myrtales. Within this botanical hierarchy, it is a proud member of the family Myrtaceae. It further resides within the specialized genus Eugenia. These scientific classifications provide a clear understanding of its unique place in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Eugenia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Eugenia dysenterica is a notable plant species primarily found throughout various regions of South America. Its presence is particularly widespread across Brazil, where it inhabits the Northeast, Southeast, and West-Central territories. Additionally, the species can be located within the northern reaches of the Brazilian landscape. Beyond the borders of Brazil, its distribution extends into Western South America, specifically within Bolivia. This broad geographical range highlights the plant's adaptability to diverse South American environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Eugenia dysenterica is a self-supporting plant that naturally adopts a tree-like growth form. This species typically reaches a minimum height of 4 meters as it establishes itself in its environment. Depending on its specific growing conditions, it often matures to a height of at least 6 meters. Ultimately, this tree can achieve a maximum height of 10 meters. Such structural characteristics make it a distinctive feature within its native habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Eugenia dysenterica stands out as a versatile medicinal plant with significant pharmacological potential. Research indicates that crude extracts from this species exhibit potent antifungal activity, specifically showing inhibitory effects against several clinically relevant Candida strains. Beyond its antimicrobial properties, the plant's fruit pulp contains a specific peptide that functions as an effective laxative. This bioactive peptide has been shown to enhance intestinal motility in studies, offering a promising natural approach for treating chronic constipation. Together, these findings highlight the dual therapeutic value of Eugenia dysenterica in both antifungal and gastrointestinal applications.
Compounds
Eugenia dysenterica is a medicinal plant from the Brazilian cerrado that possesses significant antiviral and antifungal properties. Phytochemical screenings of its leaf extracts have revealed the presence of important bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and coumarins. Furthermore, the essential oil derived from its leaves contains key volatile constituents such as beta-caryophyllene and alpha-thujene. The chemical profile is further enriched by monoterpene hydrocarbons like limonene, which contribute to its biological activity. These diverse chemical relationships underscore the plant's therapeutic potential against various pathogens, including rotavirus and Candida species.
Conditions
Eugenia dysenterica demonstrates significant antifungal activity against several clinically relevant yeast species. Specifically, the plant's crude extract treats C. famata with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 125 μg/disc and C. krusei at 250 μg/disc. It also provides effective treatment for C. guilliermondii and C. parapsilosis, both exhibiting a concentration of 500 μg/disc. Furthermore, the volatile constituents of the leaf oil show potent inhibitory effects against C. neoformans var. gattii. These various relationships highlight the plant's broad potential as a natural antifungal agent.
Preparations
Eugenia dysenterica is prepared as aqueous extracts to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities for potential diabetes treatment. This medicinal plant is also prepared as crude extracts to demonstrate significant antifungal activity against various Candida species. Research indicates that Eugenia dysenterica is prepared as ethanolic crude extracts to test for in vitro antiviral activity against the simian rotavirus. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as ethanolic leaf extract of E. dysenterica (Ed-EE) to evaluate its fungistatic effects and synergistic potential against C. auris. These various preparation methods highlight the plant's diverse therapeutic applications in managing fungal, viral, and metabolic conditions.
Parts used
Eugenia dysenterica is a plant of significant pharmacological interest due to the diverse therapeutic properties found within its different anatomical structures. Research into the plant's fruit has led to the identification of a novel laxative peptide within the pulp that enhances intestinal motility. These fruit-derived proteins show great potential for treating chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome without exhibiting toxicity to mammals. Additionally, the leaves of the species serve as a valuable source of essential oils containing various sesquiterpene and monoterpene hydrocarbons. These leaf oils have demonstrated potent antifungal activity, particularly against several strains of Cryptococcus.