Maytenus undata
Maytenus undata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Maytenus undata is a botanical species recognized for its significant therapeutic potential in pharmacological research. This plant exhibits notable bioactive properties, specifically demonstrating both antifungal and antiplasmodial activities. Due to these characteristics, it has become a subject of interest for treating parasitic infections such as Leishmania donovani. Furthermore, its antiplasmodial nature suggests a valuable role in the combat against Malaria. Consequently, studying this species offers promising avenues for developing new medicinal treatments.
- Synonyms
- Aerisilvaea Serrata · Scolopia Platyphylla · 35 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Celastraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Synonyms
Maytenus undata is a taxonomically complex species that has been identified by several different scientific names throughout history. Researchers have previously categorized this plant under the synonyms Aerisilvaea serrata and Catha fasciculata. Its botanical classification also encompasses the specific variety known as Catha fasciculata var. parvifolia. Furthermore, the plant has been associated with the names Celastrus collinus and Celastrus cymatodes in various studies. Understanding these diverse synonyms is essential for maintaining accurate records within botanical literature.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Maytenus undata is a specialized organism that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The species is further organized into the order Celastrales, highlighting its evolutionary lineage. It is a distinguished member of the genus Maytenus, which defines its specific structural characteristics. Finally, this plant is nested within the Celastraceae family, marking its place among its closest botanical relatives.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Maytenus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Maytenus undata is a resilient plant species widely distributed across various regions of the African continent. It can be found throughout East Tropical Africa, specifically inhabiting the landscapes of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The species also extends its reach into Northeast Tropical Africa, establishing itself within the unique environments of Djibouti and Eritrea. This broad geographical range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to diverse ecological niches across the eastern part of the continent. Consequently, understanding its presence in these specific nations is essential for studying its regional biodiversity.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Maytenus undata is a self-supporting species characterized by its distinct tree growth form. This plant displays a versatile size range, typically reaching a minimum height of 1 meter. While some individuals may stay quite small, others can grow to a maximum height of 10 meters. Interestingly, certain specimens are known to reach even greater dimensions, sometimes exceeding 11 meters in height. This variation in stature allows the species to adapt effectively to its various environmental conditions.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Maytenus undata has emerged as a significant plant species due to its diverse pharmacological properties. Research indicates that this species possesses promising antifungal activity, specifically demonstrating effectiveness against the life-threatening pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Furthermore, studies evaluating traditional medicinal plants have confirmed that Maytenus undata also exhibits notable antiplasmodial efficacy against Plasmodium falciparum. These dual capabilities highlight the plant's potential in addressing both fungal infections and malaria. Consequently, this species serves as a strong candidate for further investigation in the search for new active therapeutic principles.
Compounds
Maytenus undata serves as a rich source of various bioactive triterpene acids found within its aerial parts. Among these chemical constituents is koetjapic acid, a known compound identified during the analysis of the plant. Research indicates that koetjapic acid possesses significant antimicrobial properties, specifically inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, the plant contains a related new derivative known as 20-epi-koetjapic acid. This derivative has demonstrated potent potential in inhibiting superoxide anion generation and thromboxane B(2) production in rat brain microglia.
Conditions
Maytenus undata demonstrates significant medicinal potential through its ability to treat various protozoal infections. In laboratory screenings, this plant showed notable activity against Leishmania donovani with an IC₅₀ value of 5.6 µg/mL. Furthermore, research into traditional remedies from the Kenyan Coast identifies the species as an effective antimalarial treatment. Specifically, it exhibited strong antiplasmodial efficacy with an IC₅₀ of less than 5 µg/mL against Plasmodium falciparum. These findings confirm that Maytenus undata serves as a valuable source for combating both malaria and Leishmaniasis.