Macaranga occidentalis
Macaranga occidentalis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Macaranga occidentalis is a botanical species that has garnered scientific interest due to its significant therapeutic potential. Research focusing on the plant's leaves has revealed a diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites, including coumarine, flavonoids, isomacarangin, and schweinfurthin B. These chemical constituents are typically investigated through various preparations, such as crude extracts and specific ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions. Through the isolation of these metabolites, the plant has demonstrated notable antibacterial and antimicrobial activities. Consequently, studying these isolated compounds provides essential insights into the medicinal properties of this species.
- Synonyms
- Tanarius Occidentalis · Macaranga Preussii · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Synonyms
Macaranga occidentalis is a botanical species that is frequently identified through various taxonomic synonyms in scientific literature. Researchers may encounter this plant listed under the name Macaranga preussii depending on the specific database being used. Similarly, the plant is recognized by the synonym Mappa occidentalis in certain historical botanical records. Another common alternative name used to describe this species is Tanarius occidentalis. Understanding these various nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate identification and classification within the plant kingdom.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Macaranga occidentalis is a notable species belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological kingdom, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Malpighiales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. It is a prominent member of the genus Macaranga, which defines its unique morphological characteristics. Finally, its botanical identity is solidified by its placement within the family Euphorbiaceae.
| 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 occidentalis is a plant species with a notable distribution concentrated within the African continent. Its presence is specifically documented across West Tropical Africa, including regions such as Nigeria. Furthermore, the species extends into West-Central Tropical Africa, with significant populations found in Cameroon. The geographical reach of this plant also encompasses the islands of the Gulf of Guinea. Together, these locations define the primary natural habitat for this distinctive species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Macaranga occidentalis is a robust, self-supporting tree that serves as a significant structural element in its ecosystem. This species exhibits a versatile growth form, allowing it to establish a commanding presence in its natural habitat. Depending on its environmental conditions, the tree typically reaches a height ranging from approximately 9.14 meters to a maximum of 18.29 meters. Such substantial vertical growth highlights its role as a prominent feature within the forest canopy.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Macaranga occidentalis is a Cameroonian medicinal plant that has long been used in traditional practices to treat various microbial infections. Recent scientific investigations have evaluated the antimicrobial potential of its leaves, isolating seventeen different secondary metabolites including flavonoids and stilbenoids. While the natural compounds showed no activity against Candida strains, they demonstrated significant antimicrobial properties during screening. Specifically, the plant's extracts and isolated compounds exhibited varying levels of antibacterial activity against several tested bacterial strains. Notably, the compound schweinfurthin B showed the most potent antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus.
Compounds
Macaranga occidentalis is a Cameroonian medicinal plant known for its traditional use in treating various microbial infections. Recent chemical investigations of its leaves have led to the successful isolation of several secondary metabolites, including specific stilbenoids and flavonoids. Among these identified compounds are isomacarangin and schweinfurthin B, both of which are found within the plant's chemical profile. Notably, schweinfurthin B demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus during laboratory testing. Isomacarangin also contributed to the plant's therapeutic potential by exhibiting moderate activity against the same bacterial strain.
Conditions
Macaranga occidentalis is a Cameroonian medicinal plant that is traditionally utilized for the treatment of microbial infections. Scientific evaluations of its leaf extracts have confirmed its potential to combat various bacterial pathogens. While the plant showed no activity against Candida strains, its crude extracts and fractions demonstrated varying levels of antibacterial properties. Specifically, the n-butanol fraction proved highly effective against Escherichia coli, while the isolated compound schweinfurthin B showed strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus. These findings validate the plant's traditional use by identifying specific secondary metabolites capable of inhibiting microbial growth.
Preparations
Macaranga occidentalis is prepared as a crude extract to evaluate its antimicrobial potential. The plant is also prepared as various fractions, specifically including ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions. Through repeated column chromatography, Macaranga occidentalis is prepared as isolated secondary metabolites, such as steroids, flavonoids, and stilbenoids. Among these preparations, the n-butanol (n-BuOH) fraction was identified as the most active against Escherichia coli. These different forms of the plant are all screened to determine their varying levels of antibacterial properties.
Parts used
Macaranga occidentalis is a Cameroonian medicinal plant that holds significant promise for treating various microbial infections. Scientific investigations have focused specifically on the chemical constituents found within its leaves to identify potential therapeutic agents. Through repeated column chromatography, researchers successfully isolated seventeen distinct secondary metabolites from these leaf extracts. These compounds, which include flavonoids and stilbenoids, demonstrated varying levels of antibacterial properties against several tested strains. Ultimately, the study highlights how the leaf components of Macaranga occidentalis can serve as a rich source for discovering new antimicrobial compounds.