Garcinia subelliptica
Garcinia subelliptica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Garcinia subelliptica is a botanical species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its unique chemical profile. Research has identified several specialized compounds within the plant, including (-)-cycloxanthochymol, garcinialiptone B, garcinialiptone C, and garcinialiptone D. These bioactive substances are primarily concentrated within the plant's seeds and fruits. Notably, these chemical constituents have demonstrated potent cytotoxic activities in various studies. Understanding these properties provides valuable insights into the pharmacological potential of this species.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Clusiaceae
- Distribution
- Australasia
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Garcinia subelliptica is a versatile plant known widely by its English common name, the Common Garcinia. In various regions, it is also frequently referred to by its Japanese names, such as フクギ or 福木. Depending on the specific local context or botanical classification, it may even be identified as 菲島福木. These diverse names reflect the plant's widespread cultural and geographical presence across different territories. Understanding these various aliases is essential for anyone studying the botanical relationships and regional identities of this species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Garcinia subelliptica is a distinctive botanical species that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Malpighiales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. It also falls under the family Clusiaceae, a group known for its diverse characteristics. Ultimately, this species is a member of the well-recognized genus Garcinia.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Clusiaceae |
| Genus | Garcinia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Garcinia subelliptica exhibits a broad geographic range that spans across various Asian climatic zones. In temperate regions, the species can be found throughout Eastern Asia, including the Nansei-shoto islands and Taiwan. Moving into tropical climates, its presence extends significantly into the Malesia region. Specifically, this plant is well-established in the diverse landscapes of Jawa and the Philippines. This wide distribution highlights the species' adaptability to both subtropical and tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Garcinia subelliptica is a self-supporting species that takes the form of a sturdy tree. This plant typically reaches a maximum height of 20 meters as it matures. Its structural integrity allows it to stand firmly within its natural environment.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Garcinia subelliptica serves as a significant source of diverse bioactive secondary metabolites, including unique polyisoprenyl benzophenonoids and complex dimeric polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols. Scientific investigations have successfully isolated several new compounds, such as garcinialiptones A through D, from the fruits of this plant species. Structural elucidation via spectroscopic analysis and X-ray diffraction has revealed intricate architectures, including the heptacyclic framework found in garsubelone A. Crucially, biological evaluations have demonstrated that these isolated compounds exhibit potent cytotoxic activity against various human tumor cell lines. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of the chemical constituents derived from this plant in cancer research.
Compounds
Garcinia subelliptica serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive chemical constituents. Scientific analysis of the plant's fruits has revealed the presence of specific polyisoprenyl benzophenonoids, including garcinialiptone B, garcinialiptone C, and garcinialiptone D. In addition to these unique compounds, the plant also contains isoxanthochymol. Research into the pericarp of the species has further identified the presence of garcinielliptone FA. Together, these various secondary metabolites highlight the complex chemical profile found within this plant.
Conditions
Garcinia subelliptica contains specific compounds that effectively treat the production of NO. These bioactive substances also serve to treat the release of beta-glucuronidase from stimulated peritoneal mast cells. Furthermore, the plant extracts are capable of treating both beta-glucuronidase and histamine levels. By targeting these specific inflammatory mediators, the plant demonstrates significant inhibitory potential. These therapeutic relationships highlight the plant's capacity to regulate various biochemical responses.
Preparations
Parts used
Garcinia subelliptica is a plant species that serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds. Research has successfully isolated several new phloroglucinols and terpenoids specifically from the seeds of this plant. These seed-derived substances, such as garcinielliptones, have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and inhibitory effects in various cellular studies. Additionally, the fruits of Garcinia subelliptica contain unique polyisoprenyl benzophenonoids. These fruit-based compounds have also undergone biological evaluation, revealing potent cytotoxic activity against several human tumor cell lines.