Maclura tinctoria
Maclura tinctoria · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Maclura tinctoria is a notable botanical species recognized for its diverse biological potential. Recent scientific investigations have highlighted the plant's significant antifungal activities when processed into an organic extract. This therapeutic potential is largely attributed to its unique chemical profile, which includes specific bioactive compounds. Key constituents such as Dihydrocudraflavone B, Macluraxanthone B, and Macluraxanthone C play a crucial role in these medicinal properties. Understanding these elements provides valuable insights into the plant's application in natural pharmacology.
- Synonyms
- Fusticus Glabra · Ioxylon Mora · 51 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Moraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Maclura tinctoria is a versatile plant recognized by a wide array of regional identifiers. Depending on the local tradition, it is frequently referred to by the common name Amarelinho. It is also widely known as Amora-amarela or Amora-branca in various botanical contexts. In some areas, the species is distinguished by the name Amora-brava. Finally, it is often identified as Amora-de-espinho, showcasing the rich linguistic diversity surrounding this single species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Maclura tinctoria is a botanical species that has been identified by a variety of different scientific names throughout history. It is recognized under several synonyms, including the classifications Broussonetia plumeri and Broussonetia tinctoria. Further taxonomic variations link the plant to the names Broussonetia zanthoxylon and Chlorophora tinctoria. Researchers also frequently encounter it documented as Chlorophora mora in older botanical literature. These multiple designations reflect the complex evolving nature of how this specific plant is categorized by botanists.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Maclura tinctoria is a distinguished member of the kingdom Plantae. This plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida and belongs to the order Rosales. Within this botanical hierarchy, it is specifically nested in the family Moraceae. Furthermore, it is identified by its unique genus, Maclura. Understanding these systematic relationships provides essential insight into the biological identity of this species.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Maclura |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Maclura tinctoria is a resilient species with an extensive geographic footprint throughout Northern America. Its presence is particularly prominent across various regions of Mexico, stretching from the northwest to the southeast. The plant can be found thriving in the central territories, ensuring its widespread reach within the country. Furthermore, its distribution extends into the Gulf regions, highlighting its adaptability to diverse coastal environments. This broad range demonstrates the plant's ability to inhabit a variety of distinct ecological niches.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Maclura tinctoria is a self-supporting plant that adopts a distinct tree growth form. This species is known for its impressive stature, typically reaching a minimum height of 10 meters. In many environments, the tree commonly grows to a more substantial height of at least 20 meters. Ultimately, these specimens can reach a maximum height of 30 meters as they mature. This structural development allows the plant to establish a commanding presence within its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Maclura tinctoria, also referred to as Chlorophora tinctoria, has been identified as a valuable source of compounds with potential antifungal activity. Through bioactivity-guided fractionation, researchers isolated various chemotypes including isoflavones, flavones, and triterpenoids from the plant. Specific compounds like 3'-Formylgenistein were found to exhibit significant inhibitory effects against fatty acid synthase, a key fungal target. These isolated substances were subsequently evaluated for their efficacy against pathogens such as Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Ultimately, the study highlights the plant's diverse chemical profile and its role in the search for new antifungal agents.
Compounds
Maclura tinctoria serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive phenolic derivatives, including several newly identified compounds. Research indicates that this plant contains the prenylated xanthones macluraxanthone B and macluraxanthone C, as well as dihydrocudraflavone B. In addition to these novel findings, the species is known to harbor established flavanones such as naringenin. The chemical profile of the plant also includes eriodictyol 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, contributing to its complex organic makeup. Together, these various constituents highlight the significant pharmacological potential of Maclura tinctoria.
Conditions
Maclura tinctoria demonstrates significant medicinal potential through its various biological activities. Research indicates that organic extracts of this plant exhibit moderate anti-HIV activity, specifically through the presence of prenylated xanthones and flavones. The plant also possesses antimicrobial properties that contribute to its effectiveness in treating antifungal activity. Furthermore, species within the Maclura genus are utilized for medicinal purposes such as dental infection treatments. These diverse therapeutic applications are largely attributed to the bioactive phenolic and flavonoid compounds found within the plant.
Preparations
Maclura tinctoria is prepared as an organic extract to explore its biological properties. This specific organic extract of the plant has been shown to exhibit moderate anti-HIV activity. Researchers utilized this preparation to isolate seven distinct prenylated phenolic derivatives. Through spectroanalytical methods, these derivatives were characterized to identify their chemical structures. The process successfully led to the identification of new compounds such as macluraxanthone B, macluraxanthone C, and dihydrocudraflavone B.