Eugenia pyriformis
Eugenia pyriformis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Eugenia pyriformis is a botanical species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic potential. Recent studies have focused on the essential oil extracted from its leaves to explore its biological activities. This preparation has demonstrated notable antimicrobial and antiproliferative properties in various experimental models. Specifically, the presence of the chemical compound spathulenol plays a crucial role in these medicinal effects. Such findings suggest that this plant may hold promise in the ongoing search for treatments against cancer, particularly lung cancer.
- Synonyms
- Myrciaria Dumicola · Luma Turbinata · 18 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Eugenia pyriformis is a versatile species known by a wide variety of regional and descriptive names. It is frequently referred to as Kirschmyrte or Uvaia, depending on the local dialect of the area. In certain regions, it also carries the names Uvaieira or Uvalha-do-campo. Furthermore, the plant is recognized in specific contexts as eugénia hruškovitá. This diversity of nomenclature highlights the plant's widespread presence and cultural significance across different landscapes.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Eugenia pyriformis is a complex species that is associated with several different taxonomic synonyms. It is closely linked to Eugenia albotomentosa, which includes specific varieties such as var. goyazensis and var. urussangensis. Additionally, this plant is identified in botanical records through its connection to Eugenia conceptionis. The species also shares a synonymous relationship with Eugenia dumicola. Understanding these various names is essential for accurate botanical classification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Eugenia pyriformis belongs to the expansive kingdom Plantae, serving as a distinct representative of the natural world. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, which helps define its fundamental biological structure. The plant is further organized into the order Myrtales, placing it within a specific evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Eugenia, it shares close botanical ties with many other specialized species. Finally, it is nested within the family Myrtaceae, showcasing its unique characteristics among its floral 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 pyriformis is a resilient species widely distributed across various regions of Southern America. Its presence is notably strong throughout Brazil, spanning the Southeast, the West-Central territories, and the southern reaches of the country. The plant also extends its range into the northeastern parts of Argentina within Southern South America. Furthermore, it can be found thriving in the neighboring landscapes of Paraguay. This broad geographic footprint highlights the plant's ability to adapt to diverse South American environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Eugenia pyriformis is a self-supporting plant that takes the form of a sturdy tree. This species typically reaches a maximum height of 10 meters, though it can grow even larger under certain conditions. In some environments, the plant may eventually reach a maximum height of 20 meters. Its robust growth habit allows it to stand firmly within its natural ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Eugenia pyriformis has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential through the bioactive properties of its leaf essential oil. Research indicates that this plant possesses notable antiproliferative activity against various human tumor cell lines, including breast, lung, cervical, and hepatocellular carcinomas. Additionally, the essential oil exhibits antimicrobial properties, showing effectiveness against several opportunistic bacterial and fungal pathogens. These combined activities suggest that the plant could play a role in preventing and combating serious diseases such as cancer. Ultimately, harnessing these biological activities may add significant value to the production chain of this plant species.
Compounds
Eugenia pyriformis serves as a significant source of bioactive compounds, particularly through the essential oil extracted from its leaves. Chemical analysis using GC-MS revealed that the essential oil is composed of 23 different compounds. Notably, spathulenol emerges as the primary constituent, accounting for 45.63% of the total composition. This high concentration of spathulenol contributes to the oil's diverse biological properties, including antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects. Such findings suggest that the chemical profile of this plant holds great potential for future medicinal applications.
Conditions
Eugenia pyriformis essential oil demonstrates significant antimicrobial potential against several opportunistic pathogens. Specifically, it treats the fungi Aspergillus ochraceus ATCC 12066 and Aspergillus versicolor ATCC 11730. The plant extract also effectively treats Penicillium ochrochloron ATCC 90288. In addition to its antifungal properties, it treats the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes (Murray et al.) Pirie (NCTC 7973). Finally, the oil provides treatment against Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 13311.
Preparations
Eugenia pyriformis is prepared as an essential oil through a hydrodistillation process lasting three hours. This oil is extracted specifically from the leaves of the plant, which are often considered a by-product of fruit production. Chemical analysis reveals that the resulting essential oil contains 23 different compounds, primarily spathulenol and β-caryophyllene oxide. The prepared oil demonstrates significant biological potential, including antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. These properties suggest that the essential oil derived from E. pyriformis could play a role in the prevention and treatment of various health issues.
Parts used
Eugenia pyriformis serves as a significant botanical source for bioactive compounds found within its leaves. These leaves, which are often considered a by-product of fruit production, can be processed to extract a potent essential oil through hydrodistillation. Research indicates that this essential oil possesses remarkable antiproliferative properties against various human tumor cell lines, including lung carcinoma. Furthermore, the leaves demonstrate notable anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities against several strains of bacteria and fungi. Ultimately, utilizing the leaves of E. pyriformis may provide valuable new strategies for the prevention and treatment of tobacco-related damage and cancer.