Garcinia tetralata
Garcinia tetralata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Garcinia tetralata is a plant species that has become a subject of interest due to its vulnerability to the Tobacco Mosaic Virus. Recent investigations have focused on the physiological responses of the plant, specifically targeting the stem as a primary site of infection. To explore potential medicinal or defensive properties, researchers have utilized an ethanol extract derived from its tissues. This specific preparation allows for a detailed analysis of the bioactive compounds present within the plant's structure. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing strategies to protect the species from viral degradation.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Clusiaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Taxonomy
Garcinia tetralata is a specialized member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast botanical realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It belongs to the diverse order Malpighiales, which connects it to a wide array of related flowering plants. Furthermore, this species is nested within the specific genus Garcinia. Finally, it is formally categorized under the family Clusiaceae, defining its unique biological lineage.
| 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 tetralata is a unique species primarily found within the Asia-Temperate regions. Its distribution is notably centered in China, where it thrives in specific environmental niches. Within this geographic range, the plant is particularly prevalent in the South-Central parts of the country. This localized presence highlights the importance of studying its specific habitat requirements. Understanding these patterns provides valuable insight into the ecological footprint of this particular member of the Garcinia genus.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Garcinia tetralata is a distinct species characterized by its sturdy tree growth form. As a self-supporting plant, it stands firmly within its natural habitat without the need for external assistance. This tree exhibits a versatile range of sizes, typically reaching a minimum height of 5 meters. Depending on environmental conditions, its stature often grows to at least 10 meters. Ultimately, the most mature specimens can achieve a maximum height of 15 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Garcinia tetralata possesses significant medicinal potential through its ability to combat various viral threats. Extracts from the stems of the plant yield biphenyl compounds that demonstrate effective anti-rotavirus activities. Additionally, phytochemical investigations of the plant's twigs have revealed specific biphenyl derivatives capable of treating the tobacco mosaic virus. Among these, compound 3 specifically exhibits high anti-TMV activity with a documented inhibition rate of 31.1%. Other isolated compounds from the twigs also contribute to this defense by providing modest anti-tobacco mosaic virus activity.
Preparations
Garcinia tetralata stems are prepared as an ethanol extract to facilitate the isolation of specific chemical compounds. This extraction process successfully yielded two new biphenyls and three known xanthones from the plant material. Through various spectroscopic methods, researchers were able to perform structural elucidations on the newly discovered biphenyls. These isolated substances, specifically compounds 1 and 2, demonstrated notable anti-rotavirus activities. The use of an ethanol extract proved essential in identifying these bioactive components within the species.
Parts used
Garcinia tetralata serves as a significant botanical source for the isolation of bioactive secondary metabolites. Researchers have successfully identified two new biphenyls and three known xanthones within the ethanol extract of the plant's stems. Through extensive 1D- and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the chemical structures of these new compounds were precisely elucidated. Notably, the newly discovered biphenyls demonstrated promising anti-rotavirus activities in laboratory testing. These findings highlight the medicinal potential inherent in the stem components of this specific species.