Macaranga tanarius
Macaranga tanarius · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Macaranga tanarius is a versatile plant species known for its significant biochemical profile. The leaves of this plant are particularly rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and polyphenols. Recent scientific interest has focused on utilizing various preparations, such as fallen leaves and concentrated leaf extracts, for medicinal research. Specifically, these Macaranga extracts are being investigated for their potential efficacy against conditions related to SARS-CoV-2. This ongoing study highlights the importance of exploring plant-based chemical constituents in the fight against emerging viral threats.
- Synonyms
- Croton Laccifer · Rottlera Tomentosa · 7 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Distribution
- Pacific
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Macaranga tanarius is a versatile plant recognized by a wide variety of regional and descriptive names. It is commonly referred to as Binunga or Mara, depending on the local context. In many areas, people also call it bingabing to identify this specific species. Its striking foliage has earned it the descriptive common name Elephant's Ear. Finally, it is frequently known simply as Macaranga, reflecting its primary botanical identity.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Macaranga tanarius is a complex species that has been identified by several different scientific names throughout botanical history. It is recognized under various synonyms, including the names Croton laccifer and Mappa moluccana. Taxonomic studies also link it to the designation Macaranga molliuscula. Furthermore, the species encompasses specific varieties such as Macaranga tanarius var. glabra and Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa. Understanding these overlapping classifications is essential for accurate plant identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Macaranga tanarius is a distinctive biological entity that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Malpighiales, showcasing its specific evolutionary placement. As a member of the genus Macaranga, it displays unique characteristics shared by its close relatives. Finally, this plant is categorized under the family Euphorbiaceae, completing its formal taxonomic profile.
| 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 tanarius exhibits a broad geographical range that spans both temperate and tropical regions of Asia. In the temperate zones, this species is commonly found throughout China, including Southeast China, and across the Nansei-shoto islands of Eastern Asia. Its presence extends further to Taiwan, marking a significant part of its eastern distribution. Moving into tropical climates, the plant is widely distributed throughout Indo-China, specifically within Myanmar. Additionally, its reach includes the Andaman Islands, highlighting its adaptability across diverse Asian ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Macaranga tanarius is a self-supporting plant that takes the form of a tree. This species exhibits a versatile growth habit depending on its environment. Its height can reach a minimum of 1 meter, while other specimens may grow to a minimum of 15 meters. Typically, the plant maintains a maximum height of approximately 10 meters under standard conditions. These varying dimensions highlight the dynamic structural nature of the species.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Macaranga tanarius is a pioneer plant species known for its significant medicinal and pharmacological properties. Phytochemical analysis of its leaf extracts reveals that the plant contains essential secondary metabolites, including flavonoids and polyphenols. These specific compounds are noted for contributing to the plant's antioxidant activity. Additionally, the study identified that Macaranga tanarius contains terpenoids, though these particular substances do not exhibit antioxidant properties. Ultimately, the presence of these diverse chemical constituents remains consistent regardless of whether the plant grows in post-coal mining or non-mining areas.
Conditions
Macaranga tanarius leaf extracts exhibit non-toxic properties during acute toxicity assessments in both mining and non-mining areas. The plant also demonstrates significant antiviral efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant. Furthermore, Macaranga tanarius shows strong virucidal activity against the Beta variant of the virus. Its medicinal potential extends to the successful inhibition of the Delta variant through dose-dependent mechanisms. Finally, the plant's extracts are effective in treating the Omicron variant, proving to be a promising candidate for antiviral therapy.
Preparations
Macaranga tanarius is utilized in various scientific studies through several different preparation methods. It is prepared as Macaranga extracts to test for significant antiviral activity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants. In other research contexts, Macaranga tanarius is prepared as extracts to evaluate acute toxicity, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant properties. The plant is also prepared as fallen leaves for the isolation of allelopathic prenylflavanones. Finally, Macaranga tanarius is prepared as leaf extracts to compare chemical profiles and toxicity levels between different environmental mining areas.
Parts used
Macaranga tanarius is a pioneer plant species that plays a vital role in the ecological reclamation of post-coal mining areas. Research focuses heavily on the leaf of this plant, as these extracts are rich in secondary metabolites like flavonoids and polyphenols. These leaf components have demonstrated significant antioxidant activities and various medicinal properties across different studies. Furthermore, the leaves serve as a source for discovering unique chemical constituents, including new prenylflavanones. Interestingly, certain compounds isolated from fallen leaves also exhibit allelopathic effects by inhibiting the growth of other seedlings.