Machilus thunbergii
Machilus thunbergii · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Machilus thunbergii is a significant botanical species currently under investigation for its diverse range of bioactive chemical constituents. Research has identified key compounds within the plant, including (+)-Galbacin, (-)-Acuminatin, (-)-sesamin, and 5,7,3'-tri-o-methyl (-)-epicatechin. Studies focusing on these substances often utilize various preparations, such as boiled water extracts and CH2Cl2 fractions, to isolate their properties. Recent scientific interest has specifically directed attention toward the plant's potential efficacy against conditions involving Clonorchis sinensis. This ongoing exploration highlights the importance of the species in the search for novel therapeutic agents.
- Synonyms
- Persea Thunbergii · Machilus Thunbergii Var. Kwashotensis · 11 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Machilus thunbergii is a versatile species known by a variety of different names across various regions. It is frequently referred to by the common names hong nan and tabu. In certain contexts, it is also recognized as tabu-no-ki. Furthermore, the plant is identified through its Chinese characters, appearing as both 紅楠 and 红楠. These diverse names reflect the rich linguistic history associated with this specific tree.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Machilus thunbergii is a botanical species characterized by a complex taxonomic history involving several recognized synonyms. Within scientific literature, this plant is frequently identified by the name Machilus arisanensis. Further variations in classification include the specific designations of Machilus arisanensis var. nanshoensis and Machilus macrophyllus var. arisanensis. Additionally, the species has been documented under the names Machilus kwashotensis and Machilus nanshoensis. Understanding these overlapping nomenclatures is essential for accurate identification and consistent botanical research.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Machilus thunbergii 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 order Laurales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. Further narrowing its identity, it is situated within the family Lauraceae. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its placement in the genus Machilus.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Laurales |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Genus | Machilus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Machilus thunbergii is a species widely distributed throughout the Asia-temperate regions. Its presence is notable across various parts of China, including both the North-Central and Southeast territories. The plant also maintains a strong foothold in Eastern Asia, where it thrives in Japan and Korea. Furthermore, its range extends to the Nansei-shoto islands, showcasing its adaptability to different island environments. This broad geographic spread highlights the significant ecological role the species plays across the East Asian landscape.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Machilus thunbergii is a distinctive tree species characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This botanical specimen typically reaches a height of at least 10 meters as it matures in its natural habitat. Depending on environmental conditions, the tree often climbs to a more substantial height of 12.5 meters. For those observing its full development, the maximum height generally caps at around 15 meters. These height ranges and structural traits define the impressive presence of this tree within its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Machilus thunbergii has been identified as a rich source of several bioactive lignans and flavans. Research indicates that this plant contains specific compounds such as acuminatin and licarin A. Furthermore, the chemical profile of the species includes machilin A and machilin G. Analysis also confirms the presence of sesamin within its structure. These identified constituents are particularly noted for their ability to inhibit phospholipase Cgamma1, offering potential applications in cancer chemotherapy.
Conditions
Machilus thunbergii contains antioxidant lignans that protect primary cultures of rat hepatocytes from CCl4-induced injury. This plant also exhibits effects on the structure of the parasite Clonorchis sinensis, specifically causing widening in the bladder and seminal receptacle. Certain compounds isolated from the plant serve to inhibit cancer cell proliferation by targeting PLCgamma1. These inhibitory actions suggest that Machilus thunbergii may have potential applications in treating human cancer cells through chemotherapeutic mechanisms. However, when evaluating egg-laying capacity in infected rabbits, Machilus thunbergii was found to be less effective than other tested herbs.
Preparations
Machilus thunbergii is prepared as boiled water extracts to investigate its effects on the structure of Clonorchis sinensis in rabbits. These boiled water extracts were found to cause a visible widening of the bladder to the lower level of the seminal receptacle in the worms. Additionally, Machilus thunbergii is prepared as a CH2Cl2 fraction to facilitate the isolation of specific bioactive compounds. From this fraction, thirteen compounds including lignans, neolignans, and flavans were successfully isolated. These isolated substances serve as potent inhibitors of phospholipase Cgamma1, offering potential applications in cancer chemotherapeutic research.