Homalium tomentosum
Homalium tomentosum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Homalium tomentosum is a botanical species recognized for its diverse range of biological properties and medicinal potential. Researchers have focused significant attention on the plant's leaves and bark as primary sources for extracting bioactive compounds. Scientific investigations have specifically highlighted the notable antioxidant activities present within these plant parts. By utilizing various preparations of both the bark and the leaf, studies aim to harness these protective chemical constituents. Understanding these natural mechanisms provides valuable insight into the plant's overall therapeutic value.
- Synonyms
- Blakwellia Tomentosa · Blakwellia Spiralis
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Salicaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Homalium totomosum is a distinctive botanical species known by several different regional names. In English-speaking contexts, it is frequently referred to as the Burma Lancewood. Moving into Southeast Asian territories, the plant is commonly identified by its Thai name, ขานาง. Local communities in Myanmar also recognize this species through the name မျောက်ချော. These diverse linguistic labels reflect the widespread geographical presence and cultural importance of the plant across different borders.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Homalium tomentosum is a botanical species that is frequently identified through several different scientific names. In various taxonomic records, this plant is recognized by the synonym Blakwellia spiralis. Furthermore, the name Blakwellia tomentosa is also used to describe the same organism. These overlapping designations highlight the complex history of botanical classification for this particular plant. Understanding these relationships is essential for researchers tracking the plant's lineage and distribution.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Homalium tomentosum is a distinct biological entity belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It falls specifically into the order Malpighiales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. Furthermore, it is a member of the Salicaceae family, which highlights its botanical lineage. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its placement within the genus Homalium.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Homalium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Homalium tomentosum is a species widely distributed across the diverse landscapes of tropical Asia. Its presence is firmly established within the Indian Subcontinent, spanning regions such as India and Bangladesh. The plant also extends its reach into the Indo-China peninsula, making a significant impact on local ecosystems. Specifically, it can be found thriving in the tropical environments of Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. This broad geographical range highlights the plant's adaptability to the various humid climates found throughout these regions.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Homalium tomentosum is a self-supporting tree characterized by its robust and sturdy growth form. This species can reach an impressive maximum height of 25 meters in the wild. Its impressive stature makes it a prominent feature within its natural ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Homalium tomentosum is an endangered medicinal plant species native to the Eastern Ghats hill ranges of India. Research into the genus has revealed that this specific plant possesses significant antioxidant potential within its chemical makeup. Through various extraction methods, scientists evaluated the scavenging abilities of its leaves and bark against free radicals. Among the species studied, H. tomentosum demonstrated substantial antioxidant behavior, supported by a notable presence of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. These findings highlight the biological importance of the species and its potential utility in medicinal applications.
Compounds
Homalium tomentosum is a highly valuable agroforestry species recognized for its industrial utility and medicinal potential. Research indicates that the leaves and bark of this plant are relatively rich in bioactive compounds, specifically phenols and flavonoids. These chemical constituents serve as powerful antioxidants that play a crucial role in neutralizing reactive oxygen species. Experimental studies have demonstrated that extracts containing these substances can significantly improve liver structural integrity and reduce inflammatory biomarkers. Consequently, the presence of these phytochemicals highlights the economic importance of the species for the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Conditions
Preparations
Homalium tomentosum is prepared as bark to evaluate its significant antioxidant potential. This specific part of the plant is subjected to successive extraction methods using solvents like hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol. In addition to the bark, Homalium tomentosum is also prepared as leaf for similar medicinal assessments. Studies show that the ethyl acetate extracts derived from the bark are particularly potent compared to those from the leaves. Both the bark and leaf preparations are utilized to investigate the plant's free radical-scavenging activities.
Parts used
Homalium tomentosum is an endangered medicinal species found within the Eastern Ghat hill ranges of India. Scientific investigations into this plant have focused on evaluating the antioxidant potential of its various components. Specifically, researchers have examined the chemical properties found within the leaf and the bark of the species. While both parts were tested, the ethyl acetate extracts of the bark proved to be more potent than those derived from the leaf. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates significant antioxidant behavior through its total phenolic and flavonoid contents.