Harrisonia perforata

Harrisonia perforata · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Harrisonia perforata is a versatile botanical species known for containing various bioactive compounds, including 12-Desacetylhaperforine A, Haperforine A, Haperforine E, and Perforamone C. Scientific interest in this plant focuses on its significant antimicrobial activities and potential applications in addressing conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease and Atopic Dermatitis. Researchers typically utilize various plant parts, such as the fruit, leaf, root, and stem, to derive essential medicinal properties. These components are processed into several preparations, including crude extracts, EtOAc extracts, and dichloromethane extracts. Through the study of these substances, the plant's influence on biological processes like glucosyltransferase inhibition continues to be explored.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Lasiolepis Bennetii Var. Multijuga · Lasiolepis Bennetii Var. Paucijuga · 11 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Rutaceae
Distribution
Africa
Plant Parts
Fruit · Leaf

Classification

Common Names

Harrisonia perforata is a unique botanical species known by a diverse array of regional names across different languages. In Russian-speaking regions, it is frequently referred to by the common name Гаррисония продырявленная. Its presence in East Asian contexts is marked by the Japanese designation ハネザンショウ. Furthermore, the plant is identified by the Chinese names 牛筋果 and 青鳞鱼. These varied linguistic labels reflect the wide geographic distribution and cultural significance of this plant.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Harrisonia perforata is a botanical subject characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms. Scientific literature identifies this plant under various alternative names, such as Anisifolium pubescens and Ebelingia paucijuga. It has also been historically categorized as Feroniella puberula or Feroniella pubescens in different studies. Furthermore, the name Harrisonia bennettii is recognized as another synonymous designation for this specific species. Understanding these overlapping relationships is essential for maintaining clarity in botanical classification.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Harrisonia perforata is a distinct biological entity belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It falls into the order Sapindales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. Furthermore, the plant is a member of the Rutaceae family, showcasing its specific botanical characteristics. Ultimately, it is identified by its unique placement within the genus Harrisonia.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Sapindales
Family Rutaceae
Genus Harrisonia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Harrisonia perforata exhibits a wide geographical range that spans across various climatic zones in Asia. In temperate regions, the species is specifically documented within China, including the southeastern provinces and the island of Hainan. Moving into tropical landscapes, the plant thrives throughout the Indian Subcontinent, with notable presence in Bangladesh. Its distribution also extends into the Indo-China region, encompassing areas such as Cambodia and the Andaman Islands. This diverse habitat profile highlights the plant's ability to adapt to both temperate and tropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Harrisonia perforata is a distinctive self-supporting plant characterized by its shrub-like growth form. This species typically maintains a modest stature, often reaching a minimum height of 1 meter. While many specimens stay within a compact range, they can consistently grow to a height of 2 meters. Interestingly, some exceptional individuals have been known to reach a maximum height of 2.75 meters. This variation in size allows the plant to adapt effectively to its specific environmental niche.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Harrisonia perforata stands out as a notable component of the Benchalokawichian remedy due to its demonstrated medicinal properties. Scientific investigations into this traditional Thai formula have revealed that its individual elements possess significant therapeutic potential. Specifically, water extracts of Harrisonia perforata were found to be capable of inhibiting various tested bacterial strains. This antimicrobial activity highlights the plant's importance in the broader study of natural agents used to combat infectious diseases. Such findings contribute essential basic knowledge that could eventually lead to the development of new medicinal products for treating bacterial infections.

Compounds

Harrisonia perforata serves as a rich source of diverse limonoid compounds found within its leaves and fruits. Chemical analyses of leaf samples collected in Central Vietnam have successfully isolated haperforine A and haperforine E. Additionally, researchers identified the minor compound 12-desacetylhaperforine A through chemical correlation methods. The fruits of the plant also yield specific constituents, including harrpernoid B and its C-9S epimer, harrpernoid C. These various phytochemical relationships highlight the complex chemical profile of this botanical species.

Conditions

Harrisonia perforata demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by treating 6-OHDA-induced PC12 cells through the action of specific C-20 quassinoids. The plant also shows promise in treating Alzheimer's disease, as evidenced by harpertrioate A's ability to reduce Aβ42 and Aβ40 production. Furthermore, its anti-Parkinson's effects are observed in the Drosophila PINK1B9 model, where certain compounds improve climbing ability and dopamine levels. In addition to neurological applications, the plant's extracts have been evaluated for their ability to treat HT29 colon adenocarcinoma cells. Finally, Harrisonia perforata has also been tested for its effectiveness in treating HepG2 hepatoma cells during cytotoxic activity screenings.

Preparations

Harrisonia perforata is prepared as an EtOAc extract to isolate compounds like Harpertrioate A for studying Alzheimer's disease. The plant is also prepared as crude extracts through ethanol extraction to test its inhibitory effects on Streptococcus mutans adherence. In other studies, Harrisonia perforata is prepared as a dichloromethane extract from its stems to isolate various chromones. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as a sample of leaves to facilitate the isolation and structural determination of new rearranged limonoids. These various preparation methods allow for the diverse chemical and biological profiling of the species.

Parts used

Harrisonia perforata is a plant species composed of several distinct morphological parts, including the fruit, leaves, stem, and roots. Scientific investigations into its fruits have led to the isolation of various limonoids and liposoluble components through specialized extraction methods. Research focused on the leaves has successfully identified several new rearranged limonoids, expanding the known chemical profile of the species. Additionally, the stems of the plant have been studied to discover unique chromones that exhibit varying degrees of cytotoxicity. Finally, the roots and stems have demonstrated significant antimicrobial potential, specifically showing bactericidal effects against certain bacterial strains in medicinal studies.