Lantana fucata
Lantana fucata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Lantana fucata is a botanical species that has garnered significant interest in pharmacological research due to its diverse therapeutic potential. Recent scientific investigations have focused specifically on the medicinal properties found within its leaves. Through the use of methanol extracts, researchers have been able to isolate key bioactive compounds from this plant. One such notable chemical identified in these studies is parvifloroside A. This compound is being closely examined for its promising anticancer activities in various experimental models.
- Synonyms
- Lantana Inconspicua · Lantana Lilacina Var. Parvifolia · 14 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Verbenaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Lantana fucata is a versatile plant known by several different names depending on the region. It is frequently referred to by the common names Camará-lilás and Camará-roxo. Many people also simply call the species Cambará to identify it. Further variations in nomenclature include the terms Cambará-lilás and Cambará-roxo. Understanding these various aliases is essential for anyone studying this distinctive shrub.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Lantana fucata is a taxonomically complex species that shares several botanical identities with Camara lilacina. This plant is frequently identified by the synonym Camara lilacina, which serves as its primary alternative name. Within this classification, several distinct varieties are recognized, including Camara lilacina f. albiflora and Camara lilacina var. grandifolia. Further botanical distinctions are made through the varieties Camara lilacina var. media and Camara lilacina var. parvifolia. Understanding these overlapping relationships is essential for accurate identification in both scientific and horticultural contexts.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Lantana fucata belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse branch of the living world. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Lamiales, which helps define its specific botanical characteristics. As a member of the genus Lantana, it shares close ties with several other well-known flowering plants. Ultimately, this species is a distinguished representative of the Verbenaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Genus | Lantana |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Lantana fucata boasts an expansive geographic footprint that spans across multiple continents. Its presence begins in Northern America and extends deeply into Mexico, including the southeastern regions. The species also maintains a significant stronghold throughout Southern America, particularly within the diverse landscapes of Brazil. Within Brazil, it can be found inhabiting the North, Northeast, South, and Southeast territories. This widespread distribution highlights the remarkable adaptability of the plant across various tropical and subtropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Lantana fucata grows in a sturdy shrub form that provides a lush, dense presence in any landscape. As a self-supporting plant, it maintains its upright structure without the need for external assistance or climbing supports.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Lantana fucata has demonstrated significant potential in recent studies evaluating the anticancer properties of Brazilian flora. During testing against various tumor cell lines, including human leukemia and breast cancer, extracts from this plant emerged as among the most active candidates. Unlike other potent species tested, Lantana fucata showed a unique profile by avoiding hemolytic activity in mouse erythrocytes. Furthermore, its lack of unspecific toxicity in brine shrimp lethality assays distinguishes it from other highly active extracts. These findings suggest that the plant is a particularly promising candidate for the development of novel anticancer therapeutics.
Compounds
Lantana fucata is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse chemical profile and significant biological activities. Phytochemical analyses of its dried leaves have led to the isolation of specific phenylethanoid glycosides, including parvifloroside A and the newly identified fucatoside C. The plant also contains a variety of flavonoids, which contribute to its complex chemical makeup. Additionally, the presence of triterpenoids plays a notable role in the plant's overall composition. Research suggests that the concentration of these secondary metabolites, particularly in hydroalcoholic extracts, may influence the plant's cytotoxic properties.
Conditions
Lantana fucata demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by treating various cancer cell lines, including B16 murine skin, HCT-8 human colon, HL-60 human leukemia, and MCF-7 human breast cells. Research indicates that its methanol extracts are among the most active against these specific tumor types. Furthermore, the plant exhibits notable anti-inflammatory activity, specifically through its ability to inhibit NO release in murine macrophage cell lines. These diverse biological properties suggest that the plant is a promising candidate for the development of new medicinal products. Its ability to target multiple disease models while maintaining low unspecific toxicity highlights its pharmacological importance.
Preparations
Lantana fucata is prepared as methanol extracts to evaluate its potential anticancer properties. These specific extracts were tested for cytotoxicity against various tumor cell lines, including human leukemia and breast cancer cells. Among the species studied, the methanol extracts of this plant exhibited significant inhibitory activity against tumor cells. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated a favorable safety profile because it showed no hemolytic activity in mouse erythrocytes. This lack of unspecific toxicity makes the methanol extracts of Lantana fucata a promising candidate for developing new anticancer products.
Parts used
Lantana fucata offers significant medicinal potential through the bioactive compounds found within its leaves. Phytochemical analysis of these dried leaves has successfully isolated unique phenylethanoid glycosides, such as fucatosides A-C, which demonstrate notable anti-inflammatory properties. Beyond inflammation, methanol extracts derived from the plant have also shown strong cytotoxic activity against various tumor cell lines. Notably, research indicates that while other plants may exhibit toxicity, the leaf extract of this species remains promising due to its lack of hemolytic activity. These combined findings suggest that the leaves of Lantana fucata could serve as a vital foundation for developing new anticancer and anti-inflammatory products.