Icacina oliviformis
Icacina oliviformis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Icacina oliviformis is a unique botanical species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its specific chemical profile. Researchers have identified the presence of the chemical compound Acrenol within this plant, marking it as a subject of pharmacological study. Investigations into the plant's medicinal potential often focus on the leaf and the various preparations derived from its tubers. Current studies are specifically exploring how these components might influence biological conditions such as colorectal cancer. Understanding these relationships offers a promising pathway for developing new therapeutic interventions.
- Synonyms
- Hirtella Oliviformis
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Icacinaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Icacina oliviformis is a unique plant that is recognized by several distinct common names across different regions. It is frequently referred to by locals as the bankanas, highlighting its specific botanical identity. In other areas, the species is known as the false yam, a name that reflects its physical characteristics. It also carries the name ikacina olivovitá, which serves as a direct linguistic variation of its scientific classification. Furthermore, the plant is identified in Arabic as إيكاسينا زيتونية الشكل, demonstrating its diverse nomenclature in global botanical contexts.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Icacina oliviformis is a botanical species that has historically been identified through various taxonomic classifications. In many scientific records, you will find that it is listed under the synonym Hirtella oliviformis. This nomenclatural overlap often occurs as researchers refine the evolutionary lineage and categorization of specific plants. Understanding these naming connections is essential for botanists tracking the formal history of the species. Consequently, recognizing both names ensures accuracy when studying the plant's unique biological characteristics.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Icacina oliviformis is a unique botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this expansive group, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. This specific plant is a member of the order Icacinales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. It further finds its place within the Icacinaceae family, showcasing its distinct biological characteristics. Ultimately, this species is identified by its specific genus, Icacina, marking its unique position in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Icacinales |
| Family | Icacinaceae |
| Genus | Icacina |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Icacina oliviformis is a plant species with a diverse distribution spanning across the African continent and the Macaronesia region, including Cape Verde. Its presence is notably established in Northeast Tropical Africa, specifically within the areas of Sudan and South Sudan. The species also thrives throughout much of West Tropical Africa, making significant appearances in countries like Benin and the Gambia. Furthermore, it maintains a consistent footprint in Ghana, illustrating its wide geographic reach. This broad range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various tropical environments across the African landscape.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Icacina oliviformis is a unique herb characterized by its self-supporting growth form. This plant typically maintains a modest stature, with a maximum height reaching approximately 0.91 meters. While some specimens may be found as small as 0.61 meters, others can reach a minimum height of 1 meter in optimal conditions. These varying dimensions highlight the flexible physical structure of the species within its habitat. Overall, its compact size makes it a distinct feature of its local ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Icacina oliviformis serves as a significant source of diverse chemical compounds found within its tubers. During the isolation of eleven pimarane-type diterpenoids, researchers identified several unique structures including various icacinolactones. Notably, the chemical analysis also revealed the presence of acrenol, which appeared as an artifact during the process. This discovery adds to the known profile of the plant, which already contains previously identified substances like icacinol. Understanding these specific chemical relationships helps clarify the complex secondary metabolites produced by this species.
Conditions
Icacina oliviformis contains bioactive compounds that demonstrate significant potential in treating colorectal cancer. Phytochemical investigations of its leaves led to the discovery of several novel seco-(9β-H)-pimarane diterpenoids. Specifically, compound 9 showed superior potency and selectivity against HT-29 and SW620 colorectal cancer cell lines compared to the standard drug 5-fluorouracil. This compound also exhibited strong synergistic effects with 5-FU in both cell lines and patient-derived organoids, suggesting it could help reduce required medication dosages. Furthermore, the mechanism of action involves inducing apoptosis in cancer cells through the selective activation of the ATF6-CHOP pathway.
Preparations
Icacina oliviformis is prepared as tubers to facilitate the isolation of various chemical compounds. These tubers serve as the primary source for eleven pimarane-type diterpenoids, including several newly identified substances. Researchers utilized the plant's tuberous parts to discover icacinlactone M, H, and N. The extraction from these specific plant structures also revealed previously unknown compounds like icacinlactone A and B. Ultimately, the chemical constituents derived from the Icacina oliviformis tubers demonstrate moderate cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines.
Parts used
Icacina oliviformis serves as a significant source of structurally diverse chemical compounds, particularly through its leaf components. Recent phytochemical investigations of these leaves have led to the isolation of numerous previously undescribed (9β-H)-pimarane derivatives and seco-diterpenoids. These leaf-derived isolates include unique frameworks such as rearranged 3-epi-17-nor-(9β-H)-pimaranes and novel 2-oxaspiro[4.5]decan-3-one cores. Beyond their structural complexity, the compounds extracted from the leaves exhibit remarkable biological potential, specifically regarding cytotoxic activities. Most notably, certain leaf isolates have demonstrated superior potency against colorectal cancer cell lines and show promising synergistic effects when paired with standard treatments.