Macaranga barteri
Macaranga barteri · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Macaranga barteri is a botanical species that has gained scientific interest due to its diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites. Research focused on the dichloromethane fraction of its leaves has revealed the presence of key chemical compounds such as 8-Prenylkaempferol, Acteoside, Apigenin-4'-glucoside, and Bastadin 11. These specific constituents contribute significantly to the plant's complex pharmacological profile. Recent studies have highlighted the potential therapeutic applications of these leaf extracts, specifically demonstrating potent antiviral and cytotoxic activities. Consequently, this plant serves as a promising subject for further investigation into natural drug discovery.
- Synonyms
- Macaranga Rowlandii · Macaranga Lancifolia · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Synonyms
Macaranga barteri is a botanical species that is associated with several different taxonomic synonyms. Within scientific literature, it is recognized under the name Macaranga heudelotii var. nitida. The plant is also identified by the synonym Macaranga lancifolia in various contexts. Additionally, the name Macaranga rowlandii serves as another formal designation for this taxon. Understanding these various nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate botanical identification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Macaranga barteri is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It belongs to the diverse order Malpighiales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. Furthermore, this plant is a part of the well-known family Euphorbiaceae. Ultimately, its specific identity is defined by its placement within the genus Macaranga.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Macaranga |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Macaranga barteri is a plant species with a widespread presence across the African continent. Its distribution spans from East Tropical Africa, specifically within Uganda, to the diverse landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Within the western regions, this species can be found flourishing in Benin and Ghana. It also maintains a notable presence in the natural habitats of Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Together, these locations highlight the broad geographic range that this plant occupies throughout Africa.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Macaranga barteri is a self-supporting plant that takes the form of a sturdy tree. This species is characterized by its impressive vertical presence in its natural habitat. While some specimens may reach a maximum height of approximately 15.24 meters, others can grow even larger. Ultimately, the tree can attain a substantial maximum height of up to 20 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Macaranga barteri has emerged as a significant subject of pharmacological interest due to its diverse biological activities. Recent computational studies have highlighted the plant's potential in combating viral infections, specifically by targeting the main protease and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2. Beyond its antiviral prospects, research into the plant's leaves has successfully isolated several novel and known compounds with potent cytotoxic properties. Specifically, stilbenes such as macabartebenes A-C and vedelianin have demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity against various human cancer cell lines. These combined findings suggest that Macaranga barteri serves as a rich source of bioactive metabolites for both antiviral and anticancer drug development.
Compounds
Macaranga barteri is a medicinal plant from Nigeria that has demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines. Chemical analysis of its leaves has revealed a diverse profile of bioactive secondary metabolites. Specifically, the plant contains several important prenylated and geranylated flavonols, including 8-prenylkaempferol, broussoflavonol F, and isomacarangin. Furthermore, HPLC studies have identified acteoside and bastadin 11 as major components within its dichloromethane fraction. These findings highlight the plant's potential as a rich source of natural compounds for developing new chemotherapeutic agents.
Conditions
Macaranga barteri exhibits potent antiviral activity against the echovirus serotypes E7 and E19. Research using computational approaches has identified its metabolites as potential inhibitory agents against the S-2 main protease (S-2 MP) and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (S-2 RP) of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, metabolites from this plant serve as potential novel inhibitors with broad-spectrum activity targeting the VP5 and VP8 spike proteins of rotavirus A (RVA). These various interactions demonstrate the plant's diverse therapeutic potential against multiple viral targets.
Preparations
Macaranga barteri is prepared as leaves to facilitate the bioassay-guided isolation of cytotoxic compounds. These leaves serve as the primary source for extracting various chemical constituents, including stilbenes and flavonols. Furthermore, Macaranga barteri is prepared as a dichloromethane fraction to test its potential anticancer properties. This specific fraction has demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity and high selectivity against the Rhabdomyosarcoma cell line. Through these two distinct preparation methods, the plant's therapeutic potential is effectively investigated.
Parts used
Macaranga barteri serves as a significant source of bioactive compounds, particularly when examining its leaf components. Research into these leaves has revealed that methanol extracts possess potent antiviral activity against specific echovirus serotypes, such as E7 and E19. Furthermore, bioassay-guided fractionation of the leaves has led to the isolation of several unique cytotoxic stilbenes and flavonols. These chemical constituents, including the newly described macabartebenes A-C, demonstrate notable antiproliferative properties against various human cancer cell lines. Ultimately, the diverse phytochemical profile found within the leaves of Macaranga barteri highlights its immense therapeutic potential in medical research.