Macaranga indica
Macaranga indica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Macaranga indica is a noteworthy botanical species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its complex phytochemical profile. Research focusing on its leaves has identified several bioactive compounds, including Cleomiscosin A, Cleomiscosin B, Daucosterol, and Ellagic acid-4-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside. These specific constituents are being studied for their potential biological activities and therapeutic implications. Recent investigations have particularly explored how these leaf-derived chemicals influence cellular processes such as pyroptosis. Understanding these interactions provides valuable insights into the plant's role in regulating inflammatory cell death.
- Synonyms
- Trevia Hernandiifolia · Tanarius Indicus · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Macaranga indica is a fascinating tropical plant known by its common name, 印度血桐. This species plays a vital role in its local ecosystem by providing shelter and food for various organisms. Through complex biological connections, it forms symbiotic bonds that support the surrounding biodiversity. Understanding these ecological ties helps researchers better appreciate the plant's importance in its natural habitat. Ultimately, the life of this plant is deeply intertwined with the survival of its many neighbors.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Macaranga indica is a botanical species that is frequently identified by several different scientific names due to historical taxonomic classifications. Researchers often encounter this plant listed under the synonym Macaranga adenantha in various herbarium records. It is also commonly referred to as Tanarius indicus, a name that appears throughout much of its documented literature. Furthermore, the species has been historically linked to the synonym Trevia hernandiifolia in older botanical studies. Understanding these overlapping relationships is essential for ensuring accurate identification and consistent communication within the scientific community.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Macaranga indica is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this expansive group, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the order Malpighiales, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Macaranga, it displays specific morphological characteristics unique to its group. Ultimately, this plant is a distinguished representative of the diverse Euphorbiaceae family.
| 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 indica exhibits a broad geographical range that spans across various climatic zones in Asia. In temperate regions, the species is widely distributed throughout China, including the South-Central, Southeast, and Tibetan areas. Moving into tropical climates, the plant is also well-established across the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, its presence is noted in the lush landscapes of Assam and throughout Bangladesh. This diverse distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive in both temperate and tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Macaranga indica is a distinctive plant characterized by its robust tree growth form. As a self-supporting species, it maintains its structure independently within its natural habitat. The tree typically reaches a minimum height of 10 meters, though it often grows much larger. Many specimens frequently achieve a more substantial height of at least 17.5 meters. Ultimately, this impressive species can reach a maximum height of 25 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Macaranga indica is a plant species known to harbor a diverse array of bioactive chemical constituents. Research indicates that this plant contains several important compounds, including cleomiscosin A and cleomiscosin B. Additionally, the species is a source of daucosterol and ellagic acid-4-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside. The presence of isolicoflavonol is also significant, as this specific compound has been shown to ameliorate acute liver injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Together, these chemical relationships highlight the medicinal potential inherent in the genus.
Conditions
Macaranga indica, through its isolated compound isolicoflavonol, effectively treats several key components of the inflammasome pathway. It treats ASC oligomer formation and reduces the overall ASC speck rate in macrophages. The plant's extract also treats Caspase-1 cleavage to prevent downstream inflammatory responses. Furthermore, it treats Gasdermin D N-terminal fragment formation, thereby reducing pyroptosis. Finally, Macaranga indica treats IL-1β maturation, which helps to inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Preparations
Parts used
Macaranga indica is a plant species that offers significant potential for pharmacological discovery. Recent scientific studies have focused on isolating various bioactive secondary metabolites from its biological structures. Specifically, researchers have successfully extracted several new prenylated flavonoids and stilbenes from the leaves of the plant. These chemical compounds, such as macangoids and macangnens, undergo rigorous structural elucidation via spectroscopic analysis. Ultimately, the leaves serve as a vital source for identifying compounds that exhibit promising cytotoxic activities.