Eurycoma longifolia
Eurycoma longifolia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (32 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Eurycoma longifolia is a versatile medicinal plant widely recognized for its diverse therapeutic applications across various health conditions. Utilizing parts such as the root, stem, and leaf, various preparations like root extracts and CitruSlim are used to treat fever, malaria, and even serve as an aphrodisiac. The plant's potent biological activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties, make it a subject of significant pharmacological interest. These effects are largely driven by key chemical compounds such as eurycomanone, 11-dehydroklaineanone, 14,15beta-dihydroxyklaineanone, and 15beta-O-Acetyl-14-hydroxyklaineanone. Consequently, specialized preparations like ELHRCs continue to be explored for their profound impact on human wellness.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Simaroubaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Eurycoma longifolia is a remarkable plant known by many diverse names across different cultures and languages. In Southeast Asia, it is most frequently recognized by its common regional names, Pasak Bumi and Tongkat Ali. It is also referred to as Ilgalapis vyrilis in certain botanical contexts. Moving into different linguistic regions, the plant is known as ľúbezník dlholistý in Slovak. Finally, in Russian-speaking areas, it is identified as Эврикома длиннолистная.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Eurycoma longifolia belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, encompassing a diverse array of life forms. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Sapindales, a grouping that links it to various other notable species. It resides within the specific genus Eurycoma, which helps botanists identify its unique characteristics. Finally, this species is a distinguished member of the Simaroubaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus | Eurycoma |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Eurycoma longifolia is a notable species widely distributed throughout the tropical regions of Asia. Its natural habitat spans across the diverse landscapes of Indo-China, making it a significant plant in the area. Specifically, this species can be found growing in the lush environments of Cambodia and Laos. It also maintains a presence throughout Myanmar and Thailand, contributing to its broad ecological footprint. Finally, its range extends into Vietnam, solidifying its status as a common botanical feature of the Indo-Chinese territory.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Eurycoma longifolia is a self-supporting plant that grows in a distinct tree form. It typically reaches a maximum height of 8 meters as it matures in its natural habitat. This sturdy growth habit allows it to establish a stable presence within its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Eurycoma longifolia is a highly versatile medicinal plant recognized for its significant pharmacological potential across various therapeutic applications. Research highlights its potent anticancer properties, particularly through its ability to induce apoptosis in different human cancer cell lines. The plant also demonstrates strong antimicrobial efficacy, offering promising defense against a range of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Furthermore, its bioactive constituents are known to possess antioxidant qualities and exhibit significant cytotoxic activity against harmful cells. Beyond these effects, Eurycoma longifolia is also noted for its valuable antimalarial properties, making it a cornerstone of traditional and modern phytomedicine.
Compounds
Eurycoma longifolia is a significant medicinal plant endemic to Southeast Asia that contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds. Among its most notable chemical constituents is eurycomanone, which serves as a key bioactive marker for assessing the authenticity and efficacy of herbal products. The plant's complex chemical profile also includes several alkaloids, specifically 9-hydroxycanthin-6-one and 9-methoxycanthin-6-one. Additionally, researchers have identified the presence of eurycomalactone and eurycomalide C within its extracts. These various phytochemicals contribute to the plant's wide range of therapeutic potentials, including anti-inflammatory and androgenic activities.
Conditions
Eurycoma longifolia is recognized for its ability to treat fever through the medicinal use of its plant extracts. The plant also serves as an effective treatment for malaria, with studies demonstrating its potential in suppressing parasitemia. Its bioactive compounds provide significant anti-inflammatory activity, particularly through the inhibition of NF-κB. Furthermore, Eurycoma longifolia possesses potent anticancer properties that can induce apoptosis in various types of human cancer cells. Finally, the plant exhibits strong antimicrobial efficacy, acting against a range of antibacterial, antiprotozoal, and antifungal pathogens.
Preparations
Eurycoma longifolia is an Indonesian plant that is frequently used for medicinal purposes. Various parts of this species are utilized in traditional remedies, and it is specifically prepared as root extract to identify bioactive compounds and markers. The roots are also used directly as a source for isolating new quassinoids and studying anti-proliferation activities. In commercial applications, the plant is prepared as CitruSlim, a standardized product used to manage body weight in obese individuals. Furthermore, research involving light-emitting diodes has been conducted on Eurycoma longifolia hairy root cultures (ELHRCs) to assess their genetic stability and growth.
Parts used
Eurycoma longifolia is a versatile medicinal plant that contains a variety of bioactive compounds located in different anatomical structures. Research indicates that the roots are a primary source of medicinal constituents, often demonstrating the highest antimicrobial efficacy among the plant's various parts. Additionally, the stems serve as a significant reservoir for diverse quassinoids that exhibit notable cytotoxic properties. The leaves also contribute to the plant's therapeutic profile, providing specific growth inhibitors and anti-parasitic compounds. Collectively, the roots, stems, and leaves of this species work together to offer a wide array of pharmacological benefits, ranging from anticancer to antimalarial activities.