Manilkara zapota
Manilkara zapota · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Manilkara zapota is a versatile botanical species utilized for its diverse therapeutic activities, including antioxidant, absorbent, and acetylcholinergic properties. The plant's medicinal potential is driven by key chemical constituents such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and MYR. Researchers frequently study various plant parts, specifically the leaves, fruits, and seeds, to address conditions like inflammation and arthralgia. These components are often processed into aqueous or ethanolic extracts to harness their potent antioxidant activity. Consequently, the various preparations of this plant offer significant promise in managing diverse health concerns through natural biochemical pathways.
- Synonyms
- Achras Calderonii · Achras Breviloba · 61 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Sapotaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Manilkara zapota is a versatile tropical tree known by a variety of distinct names across different regions. In many parts of the world, it is affectionately called Chico or Chicozapote. It also carries the name Chaté, reflecting its diverse cultural presence. Depending on the local language, you might even encounter it referred to as Breiaapelbuum or Breiapfelbaum. Regardless of the name used, this plant remains a significant and recognizable species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Manilkara zapota is a botanical species that has been identified through several different scientific names in various historical records. Throughout its taxonomic history, it has been documented under the synonym Achras mammosa. The plant is also closely associated with the name Achras breviloba in certain botanical contexts. Furthermore, researchers have previously categorized this species as Achras calderonii or Achras conzattii. Finally, the name Achras coriacea serves as another recognized synonym within its complex lineage.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Manilkara zapota is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Ericales, showcasing its unique evolutionary placement. As a member of the genus Manilkara, it displays distinct characteristics shared by its close relatives. Finally, this plant is a prominent representative of the Sapotaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Genus | Manilkara |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Manilkara zapota is a widely distributed species found across several diverse tropical regions of the world. In Africa, its presence spans West-Central Tropical Africa and reaches the Gulf of Guinea Islands. The plant also flourishes throughout the Asian tropics, specifically within the Indian Subcontinent, Bangladesh, and the Indo-China regions. Its reach extends to various island territories, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Finally, the species maintains a significant foothold in Northern America, particularly throughout Central Mexico.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Manilkara zapota is a self-supporting plant that takes the form of a sturdy tree. This species is characterized by its impressive stature, reaching a maximum height of up to 12 meters in some environments. Under optimal conditions, however, it can grow even larger to achieve a peak height of 17.5 meters. This versatile growth habit allows it to establish a significant presence within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Manilkara zapota has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential through its diverse pharmacological activities. Research into Yucatecan flora indicates that both traditional preparations and ethanolic extracts of this plant exhibit notable antioxidant properties via DPPH reduction. Furthermore, studies on Indian medicinal plants have confirmed that Manilkara zapota possesses high levels of antioxidant activity compared to other screened species. Beyond its ability to scavenge free radicals, the plant's leaves have also been evaluated for their medicinal effects on pain management. Specifically, studies on Swiss albino mice revealed that extracts of the leaves possess significant antinociceptive activity, making the plant a promising candidate for treating pain and diarrhoeal diseases.
Compounds
Manilkara zapota is a significant plant in ethnomedicine known for its diverse array of bioactive compounds and therapeutic benefits. Research indicates that the plant contains essential phytochemicals such as tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. Notably, the leaves of the sapodilla are a primary source of the antioxidant myricitrin (MYR), which shows promise in managing oxidative stress and inflammation. These various components contribute to the plant's potential roles in treating bacterial infections and addressing chronic conditions. Consequently, the unique chemical profile of Manilkara zapota makes it a compelling subject for further medicinal study.
Conditions
Manilkara zapota exhibits significant therapeutic potential by treating inflammation through the reduction of NLRP3 inflammasome expression and associated cytokines. The plant's bioactive components, specifically myricitrin, have demonstrated the ability to treat MCF7 breast cancer cells by inducing cytotoxicity. In models of reserpine-induced fibromyalgia, the plant effectively treats RSP-induced changes in miR-320 and miR-107 gene expressions. It also treats RSP-induced imbalance in brain monoamine neurotransmitters, helping to restore chemical equilibrium. Furthermore, Manilkara zapota treats RSP-induced nociceptive stimulation, providing a significant anti-nociceptive effect.
Preparations
Manilkara zapota is prepared as aqueous extracts to evaluate its antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial activities. The plant is also prepared as ethanolic extracts, which have demonstrated significant activity in DPPH reduction assays. Research indicates that Manilkara zapota is prepared as traditional preparations used in Yucatecan medicine to address conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, Manilkara zapota is prepared as extracts that show potential for pharmaceutical and agricultural utilization. In ethnoveterinary practices, the seeds of Manilkara zapota are specifically prepared to help control ectoparasites in dogs.
Parts used
Manilkara zapota is a versatile plant species that offers various biological components for medicinal and nutritional use. Research indicates that its leaves possess significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antinociceptive properties, making them useful for treating inflammation and pain. Beyond the foliage, the plant produces a nutrient-rich fruit pulp that is characterized by its unique metabolite profile and potential for enzyme inhibition. The seeds of the species also play a role in traditional practices, specifically being utilized in ethnoveterinary medicine to control ectoparasites in animals. Collectively, these different parts highlight the extensive therapeutic and practical value of the species across various industries.