Juglans sigillata
Juglans sigillata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Juglans sigillata, commonly known as the Mexican walnut, is a distinctive species within the walnut family. This plant is often recognized by its unique fruit characteristics and specialized ecological niche. For specific medicinal or culinary applications, the fresh pericarps are frequently harvested and utilized in various preparations. These outer husks contain potent compounds that are highly valued in traditional practices. Understanding the properties of these pericarps is essential for anyone working with this botanical specimen.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Juglandaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Juglans sigillata is a unique botanical species known by a wide variety of regional names across different languages. In English-speaking contexts, it is frequently referred to as the iron walnut. Its identity shifts as one travels through Asia, where it is called pao he tao in Chinese and 泡核桃 in other regional dialects. The plant also holds specific cultural designations such as テツグルミ in Japanese and 철호두 in Korean. These diverse common names highlight the widespread recognition and varying linguistic traditions associated with this specific walnut.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Juglans sigillata belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a unique branch of the living world. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Fagales, a group that connects it to various other woody plants. As a member of the family Juglandaceae, it shares important botanical traits with its relatives. Finally, its placement within the genus Juglans highlights its specific identity and evolutionary lineage.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Juglandaceae |
| Genus | Juglans |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Juglans sigillata exhibits a widespread geographical presence across diverse Asian landscapes. Within temperate regions, the species is found throughout China, specifically spanning from South-Central areas to the high altitudes of Tibet. Its reach extends into tropical climates as well, establishing roots across the Indian Subcontinent in locations such as Assam and the East Himalaya. Furthermore, the plant inhabits the Indo-China region, with documented populations in Myanmar. This broad distribution highlights the species' remarkable ability to adapt to varied ecological zones.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Juglans sigillata possesses bioactive compounds that provide neuroprotective effects against cellular damage induced by CoCl2. The plant also demonstrates the ability to mitigate cellular damage caused by H2O2. Furthermore, its constituents exhibit significant cytotoxic activities against human cancer cell lines. Specifically, these extracts are effective in treating the growth of HT-29 cancer cells. Finally, the plant also shows medicinal potential in treating the growth of MCF-7 human cancer cell lines.
Preparations
Juglans sigillata is prepared as fresh pericarps to facilitate the isolation of various bioactive chemical constituents. These fresh pericarps serve as the source for three specific new phenolic compounds, including 2,3,4-trihydroxy-1-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)benzoic acid. Additionally, the fresh pericarps provide a medium for extracting one new diarylheptanoid alongside eleven known ones. The chemical profiles obtained from these fresh pericarps demonstrate significant neuroprotective effects against cellular damage. Furthermore, the compounds derived from these fresh pericarps exhibit measurable cytotoxic activities against specific human cancer cell lines.