Parasol leaf tree
Macaranga tanarius · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (13 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Parasol leaf tree, scientifically known as Macaranga tanarius, is a versatile shrub native to tropical regions. Highly valued in traditional medicine, its leaves and roots possess significant anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. This plant serves as a crucial natural resource for treating various ailments across many diverse indigenous cultures.
Names
Common Names
- blush macaranga
- david's-heart
- hairy-mahogany
- heartleaf
- nasturtium-tree
- parasol-leaf-tree
- Elephant's Ear
- Macaranga
- bingabing
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Macaranga tanariusSynonyms
- Rottlera tanarius
- Croton laccifer
- Mappa tomentosa
- Ricinus tanarius
- Rottlera tomentosa
- Mappa tanarius
- Macaranga molliuscula
- Macaranga tanarius var. glabra
- Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Macaranga.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Macaranga | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across various parts of Asia. In Eastern Asia, its presence is noted in the Nansei-shotto islands and throughout Taiwan. The species can also be found within Southeast China. Its range extends into the Indo-China region, specifically encompassing Myanmar. Additionally, the plant is documented growing within the Andaman Islands.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Andaman Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Nicobar Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
| Malesia | Borneo | WCVP |
| Malesia | Jawa | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Macaranga tanarius, exhibits various parts that are utilized in traditional medicine, most notably its foliage. The large, heart-shaped leaves serve as a primary source of bioactive compounds, and a single leaf can often be applied topically to treat skin irritations or inflammation. Furthermore, the fallen leaves that accumulate on the forest floor are sometimes collected and processed for their medicinal properties, ensuring that every stage of the plant's vegetative life contributes to its therapeutic potential.| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fallen leaves | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | Narra J (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Macaranga tanarius has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-Nymphaeol C, Flavonoids, Tanariflavanone A, Tanarifuranonol, Terpenoids.
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| (-)-Nymphaeol C | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flavonoids | Narra J (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tanariflavanone A | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tanarifuranonol | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Terpenoids | Narra J (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | Narra J (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tanariflavanone B | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tanariflavanone C | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tanariflavanone D | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Macaranga tanarius has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include SARS-CoV-2.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| SARS-CoV-2 | Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Macaranga | Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Macaranga extracts | Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fallen leaves | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf extracts | Narra J (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |