Kielmeyera coriacea
Kielmeyera coriacea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Kielmeyera coriacea is a remarkable plant species known for its diverse therapeutic potential in medicinal applications. Research indicates that its leaf extracts, particularly the chloroform extract, possess significant antidepressant, antifungal, and antitumor activities. The chemical profile of this plant includes important compounds such as 1-docosanol, 1-eicosanol, and 2-nonadecanone. These bioactive constituents contribute to its ability to address serious health conditions, including Leishmaniasis, malaria, and schistosomiasis. Consequently, the crude extracts of this species serve as a valuable subject for developing new antidepressant drugs and other clinical treatments.
- Synonyms
- Bonnetia Coriacea · Kielmeyera Coriacea Var. Typica
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Calophyllaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Kielmeyera coriacea is a distinctive plant recognized by various names depending on the region. In certain areas, it is widely known by its common name, Pau-Santo. Alternatively, those speaking Slovak may refer to this species as krásnokvetka kožovitá. These diverse designations highlight the plant's presence across different linguistic and cultural landscapes. Understanding these various identities is essential for anyone studying its botanical characteristics.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Kielmeyera coriacea is a botanical species that is frequently identified through various taxonomic classifications. In many scientific databases, the plant is recognized by its synonym, Bonnetia coriacea. Researchers also refer to a specific variation of the plant known as Kielmeyera coriacea var. typica. These overlapping names reflect the complex history of botanical nomenclature and classification. Understanding these relationships is essential for ensuring accuracy in both academic study and field identification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Kielmeyera coriacea is a distinct botanical species that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, showcasing its fundamental biological structure. It is further organized into the order Malpighiales, a diverse group of flowering plants. As a member of the family Calophyllaceae, it shares specific evolutionary traits with its relatives. Finally, this plant is defined by its unique identity within the genus Kielmeyera.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Calophyllaceae |
| Genus | Kielmeyera |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Kielmeyera coriacea is a resilient species found throughout various regions of South America. Its presence is particularly widespread across Brazil, where it inhabits several distinct geographical zones. The plant can be found stretching from the Northeast to the Southeast, covering much of the country's diverse landscapes. Furthermore, it thrives in the South and the West-Central areas, showcasing its broad adaptability. This expansive distribution highlights the significant ecological role the species plays across the Brazilian territory.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Kielmeyera coriacea is a self-supporting species that adopts the structural growth form of a tree. Reaching a maximum height of approximately 10 meters, it establishes a sturdy presence within its ecosystem. This distinctive stature allows the plant to thrive effectively in its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Kielmeyera coriacea is a significant medicinal plant native to the Brazilian Cerrado that possesses a diverse range of therapeutic properties. Research indicates that this species exhibits notable antidepressant activity, providing a natural option for mental health support. Furthermore, its extracts have demonstrated potent antifungal potential, proving effective against dermatophytic infections such as Trichophyton rubrum. The plant also shows great promise in oncology due to its significant antitumor activity, which has been observed both in vitro and in vivo against various melanoma cell lines. These multifaceted biological activities highlight the importance of studying this plant as a source for developing new pharmaceutical treatments.
Compounds
Kielmeyera coriacea is a medicinal plant from the Brazilian Cerrado that shows significant promise in cancer therapy. Detailed chemical analysis of its chloroform extract has identified several key long-chain fatty compounds. Specifically, the plant contains 1-docosanol, 1-eicosanol, and 2-nonadecanone as its main constituents. These compounds are central to the extract's ability to exhibit strong cytotoxic activity against various melanoma cell lines. Ultimately, the presence of these substances contributes to the plant's demonstrated ability to inhibit tumor cell migration and reduce metastatic nodules.
Conditions
Kielmeyera coriacea demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by acting as an effective treatment for the fungus T. rubrum. This medicinal plant is also recognized for its ability to serve as an antidepressant drug. Furthermore, it is utilized by native populations to treat various fungal or bacterial infections. The plant's properties also extend to the management of tropical diseases such as leishmaniasis. Finally, Kielmeyera coriacea is employed in the treatment of malaria.
Preparations
Kielmeyera coriacea is utilized in various scientific studies through its preparation as different types of extracts. Research specifically evaluates the plant when it is prepared as a chloroform extract (CE) to investigate its strong cytotoxic and antitumor activities against melanoma cell lines. The plant is also frequently studied in the form of general extracts to assess its antifungal potential against pathogens like Trichophyton rubrum. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as a crude extract to examine its complex effects on hepatic energy metabolism and mitochondrial functions. Ultimately, these various preparations, including simple plant extracts, serve as essential tools for exploring the medicinal properties of the species.
Parts used
Kielmeyera coriacea is a medicinal plant widely utilized by the Brazilian Cerrado population to treat various parasitic, fungal, and bacterial infections. Recent scientific investigations have specifically focused on the therapeutic potential of its leaf constituents, particularly through the use of chloroform extracts. These studies demonstrate that the leaf extract exhibits strong cytotoxic activity against both murine and human melanoma cell lines. Beyond direct cell death, the components found in the leaves help inhibit tumor cell migration and induce cell cycle arrest. Ultimately, the administration of these leaf-derived compounds has been shown to significantly reduce metastatic nodules in vivo, marking the plant as a promising candidate for cancer therapy.