Eugenia involucrata
Eugenia involucrata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Eugenia involucrata is a botanical species that has gained significant scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic potential. Research indicates that various preparations, including leaf extracts, bark extracts, aqueous fractions, and hexanic fractions, possess potent antimicrobial activities. The plant is rich in bioactive chemical constituents such as flavonoids, steroids, myricitrin, and epicatechin gallate. These compounds play a crucial role in addressing biological challenges like oxidative stress and the fungal infection cryptococcosis. Consequently, studying the chemical profile of this plant offers promising pathways for developing new medicinal treatments.
- Synonyms
- Eugenia Pallescens · Eugenia Strictissima · 22 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Eugenia involucrata is a fascinating species known by a wide variety of regional names. It is frequently referred to as Araçazeiro or Cereja-do-rio-grande in many local contexts. Depending on the specific area, you might also hear it called Cerejeira-da-terra or Cerejeira-do-rio-grande. Some people simply use the shorter moniker, Cerella, to identify this plant. These diverse common names reflect the rich linguistic landscape surrounding this unique botanical specimen.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Eugenia involucrata is a taxonomically complex species that is frequently identified by several different botanical names. In many scientific records, it is listed under the synonym Eugenia calycina. This classification further extends to include specific variations such as Eugenia calycina var. herbacea. Researchers also recognize the plant through related synonyms like Eugenia calystegia and Eugenia cavalcanteana. Additionally, the name Eugenia goyazensis has been used to describe this same plant in various botanical contexts.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Eugenia involucrata belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of multicellular organisms. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It falls into the order Myrtales, which helps define its specific botanical characteristics. The plant is a member of the Myrtaceae family, a group known for many fragrant and useful species. Finally, it is nested within the genus Eugenia, placing it among its closest botanical relatives.
| 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 involucrata is a plant species with a broad distribution spanning across various regions of Southern America. In Brazil, it is widely documented throughout the Northeast, South, and Southeast territories. Its presence also extends into the West-Central part of the country, showcasing its adaptability to different climates. Furthermore, the species can be found reaching into the Northeast of Argentina within Southern South America. This wide geographic range highlights the significant ecological footprint the plant maintains across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Eugenia involucrata is a self-supporting tree that establishes a sturdy presence in its natural habitat. This species typically reaches a maximum height of 20 meters, though it often stays much smaller. In many instances, the growth form settles at a height of approximately 6.75 meters. This versatile growth pattern allows the tree to thrive across varying environmental conditions.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Eugenia involucrata has demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, marking it as a plant of considerable pharmacological interest. This potential is supported by research into related species within the genus, such as Eugenia calycina, which shows promise against various fungal strains. Studies have revealed that extracts from these plants contain diverse bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, and steroids. Specifically, aqueous and hexanic fractions have proven effective in inhibiting species like Cryptococcus sp. D and Cryptococcus neoformans. Such findings suggest that these botanical resources could provide a foundation for developing new treatments for serious infections.
Compounds
Eugenia involucrata is a plant species characterized by a diverse array of bioactive chemical constituents. Comprehensive analysis reveals that this plant contains essential secondary metabolites, including flavonoids and tannins. Furthermore, the chemical profile of the species is enriched by the presence of steroids and terpenes. These various compounds contribute to the complex biological makeup of the plant's extracts. Understanding these specific relationships is vital for exploring the plant's potential medicinal properties.
Conditions
Eugenia involucrata exhibits significant antifungal properties, specifically demonstrating the ability to treat Candida albicans biofilms. Research into various Eugenia species indicates that these plants hold therapeutic potential for managing fungal infections. While the provided abstracts detail the treatment of Cryptococcus gatti L48, Cryptococcus neoformans L3, and Cryptococcus sp. D through Eugenia calycina, the broader genus shows promise in addressing cryptococcosis. These botanical extracts serve as active agents against specific fungal strains to mitigate disease progression. Consequently, these plant relationships highlight a valuable pathway for developing new pharmaceutical treatments.
Preparations
Eugenia involucrata is prepared as leaf extracts and bark extracts, which are commonly utilized in folk medicine. These botanical materials are further processed into specific chemical components, including aqueous fractions and hexanic fractions. The aqueous fractions contain high levels of oxygenated compounds like tannins and glycosed flavonoids. Conversely, the hexanic fractions are characterized by a decreased oxygen content and consist of substances such as steroids and fatty acids. These various preparations are evaluated for their potential antimicrobial activities against different fungal strains.
Parts used
Eugenia involucrata is a plant species that possesses leaves as a key anatomical part. While specific studies on this species vary, botanical research often focuses on the chemical properties found within such vegetative structures. For instance, similar species in the Eugenia genus, such as Eugenia calycina, utilize their leaf extracts for significant medicinal purposes. These leaves contain a diverse array of oxygen-containing compounds, including flavonoids and tannins, which exhibit potent antimicrobial activities. Understanding these plant relationships helps researchers identify natural substances that could eventually serve as treatments for fungal infections.