Maclura tricuspidata
Maclura tricuspidata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Maclura tricuspidata is a versatile medicinal plant known for containing significant bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and cudraxanthone L. Various parts of the plant, such as the fruit, root, leaf, and stem, are utilized to create therapeutic preparations like root bark and leaf extracts. Scientific studies have highlighted its potent biological activities, specifically demonstrating cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. These chemical profiles, including specific xanthen-9-one derivatives, suggest efficacy in treating conditions such as contusions, gout, and hemoptysis. Through specialized preparations like CH2Cl2-soluble extracts and MT-GNPs, this species continues to show immense potential in pharmacological research.
- Synonyms
- Cudrania Tricuspidata · Cudrania Triloba · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Moraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Root
Classification
Common Names
Maclura tricuspidata is a versatile species recognized by a wide variety of local and traditional names. It is most commonly identified as the Chinese Mulberry, a name that highlights its botanical lineage. In different regions, enthusiasts may also refer to the plant as Cudrane or cudrang. Some collectors specifically call it the Storehousebush, reflecting its various historical uses. Regardless of which name is used, this plant remains a distinctive member of its genus.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Maclura tricuspidata is a botanical subject that has been documented under several different scientific names throughout history. Within various taxonomic records, this species is frequently identified by the synonyms Cudrania tricuspidata and Cudrania triloba. Researchers may also encounter it listed as Morus integrifolia depending on the specific botanical classification being used. Furthermore, the plant is recognized under the names Vanieria tricuspidata and Vanieria triloba in certain academic contexts. Understanding these diverse synonyms is essential for accurately identifying the plant across different scientific literatures.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Maclura tricuspidata is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this diverse group, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized into the order Rosales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. This plant is a member of the genus Maclura, which helps botanists identify its specific traits. Ultimately, its taxonomic journey concludes within the Moraceae family, placing it among its close botanical relatives.
| 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 tricuspidata exhibits a widespread presence across several key regions within the Asian continent. Its distribution spans much of China, encompassing the North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast territories. Beyond the Chinese borders, the species is also found throughout the Eastern Asia region, specifically within Korea. The plant's reach extends into more tropical environments as well, including parts of Indo-China such as Vietnam. This diverse geographical range highlights the adaptability of the species across both temperate and tropical climates.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Maclura tricuspidata typically develops a shrub-like growth form. This species is characterized as a self-supporting plant that maintains its structure without external assistance.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Maclura tricuspidata, also known as Cudrania tricuspidata, has demonstrated a wide range of significant biological activities in recent scientific studies. Research into its stem bark revealed that certain dihydroflavonols isolated from the plant possess potent cytotoxic properties against various human tumor cell lines. Furthermore, the plant's extracts have shown measurable antibacterial effects, particularly when tested against oral streptococci such as Streptococcus mutans. Beyond these properties, the plant also exhibits strong antioxidant activity, with various extracts performing well in chemical assays. These combined findings suggest that the various components of Maclura tricuspidata may offer valuable medicinal benefits for human health.
Compounds
Maclura tricuspidata is a medicinal plant of the Moraceae family that is characterized by a rich profile of bioactive phytochemicals. Research indicates that the plant contains significant amounts of flavonoids, which contribute to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Specific chemical constituents identified within the plant include important compounds such as quercetin and kaempferol. Additionally, studies have isolated specialized molecules like cudraxanthone L and 6-prenylapigenin from its various parts. These diverse chemical relationships highlight the plant's potential for significant therapeutic applications in modern medicine.
Conditions
Maclura tricuspidata, also known as Cudrania tricuspidata, contains constituents that inhibit mouse brain monoamine oxidase (MAO). The plant's compounds demonstrate neuroprotective effects by treating cell death induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Furthermore, it effectively treats cell death caused by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+)) and oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). Certain dihydroflavonols isolated from the species exhibit cytotoxicity against the CRL 1579 skin cell line. Finally, the plant displays significant DPPH radical-scavenging activity, making it a useful agent for scavenging free radicals.
Preparations
Maclura tricuspidata is prepared as root bark to isolate various prenylated xanthones and neuroprotective compounds. The plant is also prepared as leaf extracts, which are frequently utilized in traditional oriental medicines and studied for their potential herb-drug interactions. Researchers have utilized a CH2Cl2-soluble extract of the root bark to identify specific chemical constituents such as cudratricusxanthones. Furthermore, the species is prepared as MT-GNPs, which are green-synthesized gold nanoparticles used to evaluate anti-metastatic properties in cancer cells. Finally, the plant is prepared as cell suspension cultures to facilitate the isolation and purification of specific flavonoids and xanthones.
Parts used
Maclura tricuspidata, also known as Cudrania tricuspidata, is a versatile medicinal plant that contains various bioactive components across its different anatomical structures. Scientific research has identified significant phytochemicals within its fruit, which has shown potential in suppressing breast cancer cell viability and providing neuroprotective benefits. The plant's root and stem are also highly valued, as they contain specific flavones and xanthones that exhibit anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties. Furthermore, the leaf extracts are recognized for their therapeutic roles in addressing inflammation and obesity, as well as their potential for herb-drug interactions. By utilizing the entire plant—including the fruit, root, leaf, and stem—researchers continue to uncover new applications for this species in modern pharmacology.