Knema glomerata

Knema glomerata · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Knema glomerata is a notable botanical species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its unique chemical profile. Researchers have identified several specialized compounds within the plant, including 5-(10'-phenyldecyl)-resorcinol, 5-Pentadecylresorcinol, 8-O-methylretusin, and Kneglomeratanol. These bioactive constituents are particularly concentrated within the stem of the plant. In various studies, the stem bark is utilized as a specific preparation to extract these valuable substances. Understanding the properties of this plant offers promising insights into the potential applications of its chemical components.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Sterculia Glomerata · Palala Heterophylla · 7 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Myristicaceae
Distribution
Southern America
Plant Parts
Stem

Classification

Common Names

Knema glomerata is a plant species known by several distinct regional names. Depending on the local dialect or area, it is frequently referred to as Tambalau. It also carries the common names dagui and dara-dara in certain communities. Furthermore, the species is identified through the variations doguan and duguan. These diverse monikers highlight the botanical variety associated with this single plant.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Knema glomerata is a species that encompasses a diverse range of botanical classifications within its taxonomic history. Scientific literature identifies several synonyms for this plant, including the names Knema acuminata and Knema gitingensis. Furthermore, the species is closely linked to Knema heterophylla, which also includes the specific variety Knema heterophylla var. pubescens. The classification is further expanded by the inclusion of Knema vidalii as a recognized synonym. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for accurate identification and botanical research involving this plant.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Knema glomerata is a distinctive species belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Magnoliales, showcasing its evolutionary lineage. It specifically resides within the genus Knema, a group of specialized flowering plants. Finally, this species is a proud member of the Myristicaceae family, connecting it to other nutmeg-related relatives.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Magnoliales
Family Myristicaceae
Genus Knema

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Knema glomerata is a tropical species with a widespread distribution throughout the Asia-Tropical region. It is notably found across the Malesia botanical zone, establishing a presence in several distinct island groups. Within this region, the plant can be located throughout the diverse landscapes of Borneo. Its range also extends to the Maluku Islands, further highlighting its ecological connectivity. Additionally, the species is well-documented within the Philippines, completing its significant presence across these Southeast Asian territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Knema glomerata is a robust plant characterized by its distinct tree growth form. As a self-supporting species, it stands firmly on its own within its natural habitat.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Compounds

Knema glomerata serves as a significant source of various bioactive chemical compounds found within its stem bark. Research has successfully isolated several key constituents from this plant, including the phenylalkyl phenol kneglomeratanol. Additionally, the species contains several known compounds such as 5-pentadecylresorcinol and 8-O-methylretusin. The chemical profile of the plant is further enriched by the presence of biochanin A and formononetin. These diverse substances collectively demonstrate notable biological activities, particularly regarding toxicity against certain human tumor cell lines.

Conditions

Knema glomerata contains bioactive compounds that demonstrate significant medicinal potential. These specific substances isolated from its stem bark have been shown to treat three different human tumor cell lines by exhibiting moderate toxicity. Additionally, the plant's chemical constituents effectively treat crown gall tumors by inhibiting their growth on potato tuber discs. This dual capability highlights the plant's efficacy against both human cancerous cells and plant-based tumors. Consequently, the compounds derived from Knema glomerata serve as important subjects for studying tumor inhibition.

Preparations

Knema glomerata is prepared as stem bark to facilitate the isolation of various bioactive compounds. This specific part of the plant serves as the source for kneglomeratanol and the acetophenones kneglomeratanones A and B. Researchers utilize the extracted bark components to study diverse chemical profiles, including several known phenolic compounds. These substances derived from the stem bark have demonstrated significant toxicities against human tumor cell lines. Additionally, the compounds obtained from this preparation effectively inhibit the growth of crown gall tumors.

Parts used

Knema glomerata serves as a significant source of diverse bioactive chemical compounds. Researchers have successfully isolated several unique substances, including kneglomeratanol and kneglomeratanones A and B, from the plant's stem bark. These specific phenolic and acetophenone derivatives were identified through careful chromatographic fractionations. Beyond their chemical structure, these compounds demonstrated significant toxicities against various human tumor cell lines. Furthermore, the extracts showed promise in inhibiting the growth of crown gall tumors during experimental testing.