Guazuma ulmifolia
Guazuma ulmifolia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (7 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Guazuma ulmifolia is a versatile plant species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic potential. Research focusing on the methanol, aqueous, and ethanolic extracts of its stem bark has revealed a rich profile of bioactive chemicals, including procyanidins, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, and gallocatechin. These compounds contribute to several critical biological activities, such as antioxidant, antisecretory, and (+)-inotropic effects, as well as acting as 11B-HSD inhibitors. Consequently, the plant shows promise in addressing various medical conditions, ranging from diabetes mellitus and heart rate regulation to fighting Candida albicans and enterobacterial infections. Through these complex chemical interactions, the stem bark of Guazuma ulmifolia serves as a potent source for pharmacological exploration.
- Synonyms
- Guazuma Ulmifolia Var. Glabra · Guazuma Ulmifolia Var. Tomentosa · 21 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Common Names
Guazuma ulmifolia is a versatile plant recognized by a diverse array of regional names across different landscapes. In certain areas, it is affectionately known by the common name Araticum-bravo. It also carries the distinct moniker Bellota de cuaulote, reflecting its local botanical identity. Furthermore, many people refer to this species as Chico-magro when identifying it in the field. Finally, the names Embira and Embireira are frequently used to describe this plant in various traditional contexts.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Guazuma ulmifolia is a species characterized by a complex taxonomic history involving several recognized synonyms. Botanists have previously identified this plant under various names, including Bubroma guasuma and Bubroma polybotryum. Further nomenclature includes the designations Bubroma tomentosum and Bubroma ulmifolia within its botanical records. Additionally, the species has been associated with the name Diuroglossum rufescens in different scientific contexts. Understanding these diverse synonyms is essential for accurate identification and consistent study of the plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Guazuma ulmifolia belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing the diverse world of multicellular organisms. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Malvales, which connects it to several other significant botanical groups. This plant is a proud member of the family Malvaceae, sharing traits with many well-known flowering species. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Guazuma, which defines its unique biological identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Guazuma |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Guazuma ulmifolia maintains a broad and diverse geographical range that spans across multiple continents. In the African region, this species is notably distributed throughout the Western Indian Ocean, including the islands of Mauritius and Réunion. Its presence extends significantly into the tropical regions of Asia, where it thrives within the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, populations can be found throughout the varied landscapes of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This widespread distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various tropical environments across these interconnected regions.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Guazuma ulmifolia is a robust, self-supporting tree that serves as a prominent feature in its natural habitat. This species exhibits a versatile growth form, ranging significantly in scale depending on its environment. While some specimens may only reach a modest height of 2 meters, others develop into much larger structures. The typical height of this tree can vary widely, often reaching a maximum of 30 meters. Ultimately, these impressive individuals can stand as towering giants that define the local landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Guazuma ulmifolia is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse range of therapeutic activities. Research indicates that its stem bark extracts possess significant antioxidant potential, with aqueous extracts showing particularly strong radical scavenging capabilities. Furthermore, the plant exhibits potent antimicrobial effects, demonstrating the ability to inhibit multidrug-resistant microorganisms such as Candida albicans and Acinetobacter lwoffii. Studies also highlight its antisecretory properties, specifically its ability to inhibit intestinal chloride secretion induced by cholera toxin. Together, these biological activities underscore the plant's importance as a source of bioactive compounds for medicinal use.
Compounds
Guazuma ulmifolia is a plant species known to possess a complex chemical profile characterized by several potent bioactive compounds. Phytochemical analyses of its stem bark have identified the presence of procyanidins and proanthocyanidins, which contribute to its various medicinal properties. Specifically, research has highlighted the inclusion of key flavonoids such as epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, and gallocatechin within its extracts. These constituents play a significant role in the plant's biological activities, including its observed antioxidant potential. Ultimately, the diverse range of these phytochemicals underscores the therapeutic interest in utilizing Guazuma ulmifolia in pharmacological studies.
Conditions
Guazuma ulmifolia exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against both the bacterium Acinetobacter lwoffii and the fungus Candida albicans. Research into its bark extracts has also explored its potential to treat high-fat diet induced metabolic disorders in mice, though results regarding glucose and insulin sensitivity were varied. The plant demonstrates cardiovascular effects, specifically the ability to induce arterial hypotension through its procyanidin fraction. Additionally, Guazuma ulmifolia possesses antisecretory properties that can treat cholera toxin-induced chloride secretion in a rabbit distal colon using an Ussing chamber.
Preparations
Guazuma ulmifolia is prepared as methanol and aqueous extracts to investigate its antioxidant properties against free radicals. The plant is also processed as stem bark extracts to evaluate its potential in preventing metabolic disorders. Specifically, research utilizes aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stem bark to study chemical composition and dietary effects in mice. Furthermore, Guazuma ulmifolia is prepared as bark to demonstrate antisecretory activity against cholera toxin-induced chloride secretion. Finally, the species is processed as ethanolic and aqueous extracts from the bark of the stem for various pharmacological assessments.
Parts used
Guazuma ulmifolia is a plant species that possesses a significant stem component utilized for its medicinal potential. Recent research has focused on the chemical composition of extracts derived specifically from the bark of this stem. Scientists evaluated both ethanolic and aqueous versions of these extracts to determine their impact on metabolic disorders in mice. Although the extracts contained beneficial antioxidant compounds like gallocatechin, they failed to prevent weight gain or visceral adiposity in high-fat diet models. Ultimately, the study suggests that the bioactive compounds found in the stem bark may not effectively treat metabolic changes under these specific conditions.