Magnolia baillonii

Magnolia baillonii · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Magnolia baillonii is a distinctive botanical species recognized for its unique chemical profile and medicinal potential. The plant is particularly noted for containing bioactive compounds such as (-)-parthenolide, (-)-bisparthenolidine, and (-)-dihydroparthenolide. Additionally, it serves as a source of the alkaloid liriodenine, which contributes to its complex pharmacological properties. Researchers often focus on the bark of the plant as a primary material for various medicinal preparations. Understanding these chemical constituents is essential for exploring the therapeutic applications of this specific Magnolia species.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Aromadendron Baillonii · Aromadendron Spongocarpum · 7 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Magnoliaceae
Distribution
Not available
Plant Parts
Not available

Classification

Common Names

Magnolia baillonii is a versatile plant recognized by several distinct regional names. It is frequently referred to by the common names Champa Pa or Champi Pa in various local contexts. Some enthusiasts also identify the species using the name Chumpi to distinguish it within botanical circles. In a more traditional sense, it is widely known as Heguo Mu. This name is even represented by its original Chinese characters, 合果木, reflecting its cultural heritage.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Magnolia baillonii is a taxonomically complex species that has been identified by several different scientific names throughout history. It is closely associated with the synonyms Aromadendron baillonii and Aromadendron spongocarpum, reflecting shifts in botanical classification. Researchers have also documented its relationship to the variety Magnolia baillonii var. bailingia and the distinct name Magnolia phellocarpa. Furthermore, the plant has been historically categorized under the name Michelia baillonii in various botanical records. Understanding these diverse synonyms is essential for accurately identifying the species within its broader evolutionary context.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Magnolia baillonii is a remarkable member of the kingdom Plantae that showcases the intricate beauty of the natural world. This species belongs to the diverse order Magnoliales, highlighting its ancient evolutionary lineage. Within this order, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, a fundamental grouping for vascular plants. It further resides in the Magnoliaceae family, which is renowned for its spectacular flowering characteristics. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its placement within the prestigious genus Magnolia.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Magnoliales
Family Magnoliaceae
Genus Magnolia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Magnolia baillonii exhibits a diverse geographic range that spans across several distinct regions of Asia. Within the temperate zones, this species is notably found throughout various parts of China, including the South-Central areas. Its tropical distribution is equally impressive, stretching across the Indian Subcontinent to include Assam, Bangladesh, and the East Himalaya. Additionally, the plant reaches into the Indo-China region, specifically making its presence in Cambodia. This wide-reaching habitat highlights the plant's ability to thrive in both temperate and tropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Magnolia baillonii is characterized by its distinct tree-like growth form. This species stands as a self-supporting plant, capable of maintaining its structure independently.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Compounds

Magnolia baillonii, also known as Paramichelia baillonii, is a plant species traditionally used for medicinal purposes by the natives of Northern Thailand. Scientific analysis of its bark has successfully isolated several significant chemical components. Specifically, the plant contains the germacranolide epoxides dihydroparthenolide and parthenolide. In addition to these compounds, the oxoaporphinoid alkaloid liriodenine was also identified within its structure. These constituents are of particular interest due to their potential pharmacological properties and bioactive profiles.

Conditions

Paramichelia baillonii contains specific constituents that demonstrate significant anti-tumor properties. The research highlights that the bark of this plant provides components like parthenolide, which is known for its medicinal activity. Furthermore, the study identifies a new germacranolide alkaloid named (--)-bisparthenolidine derived from the species. This newly discovered alkaloid showed notable anti-tumor effectiveness during the KB cell culture assay. Consequently, the chemical makeup of the plant serves as a valuable source for treating tumor cells.

Preparations

Magnolia baillonii is prepared as bark for medicinal use by the natives of Northern Thailand. Within this bark, researchers have successfully isolated four distinct chemical components. Three of these components, including the germacranolide epoxides and the alkaloid liriodenine, were previously documented in scientific literature. The study further identified a unique new germacranolide alkaloid named (--)-bisparthenolidine. This specific compound demonstrates significant anti-tumor activity when tested in a KB cell culture assay.

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