Melia dubia
Melia dubia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Melia dubia is a versatile botanical species that has gained significant scientific interest due to its diverse biological activities. Research into its bark and various extracts has revealed promising antineoplastic potential against certain cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates specialized efficacy in addressing complex biological challenges such as biofilm formation and quorum sensing. It also shows promise in managing conditions related to HSV-1 and processes involving hemolysis. These multifaceted therapeutic properties highlight the importance of studying the seed and other components for future pharmacological applications.
- Synonyms
- Azedarach Sempervirens Var. Dubia · Melia Birmanica · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Seed
Classification
Synonyms
Melia dubia is a plant species that is frequently identified by several different botanical names in scientific literature. It is widely recognized as a synonym for Azedarach sempervirens var. dubia, reflecting its complex taxonomic history. Additionally, the species has been classified under the name Melia birmanica in various botanical records. Researchers also encounter it referred to as Melia composita depending on the specific study or regional classification used. Understanding these overlapping synonyms is essential for accurate identification and consistent communication within the scientific community.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Melia dubia is a distinguished member of the kingdom Plantae, showcasing the diverse complexity of the natural world. Within this vast biological realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further belongs to the order Sapindales, a group that connects it to many other significant woody plants. This botanical specimen is nested within the genus Melia, which serves as its primary scientific grouping. Finally, its specific placement within the family Meliaceae highlights its unique evolutionary characteristics and relationships.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Melia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Melia dubia is widely distributed across the tropical regions of Asia, showcasing a significant presence throughout the Indian Subcontinent. Its natural range extends across various territories, including India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Beyond the subcontinent, the species also thrives within the Indo-China region, specifically in Myanmar. This broad geographical spread highlights the plant's ability to adapt to diverse tropical environments. Consequently, understanding these specific distribution patterns is essential for studying its ecological impact across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Melia dubia is characterized by its robust growth form as a tree. This species stands as a self-supporting plant, capable of maintaining its structure independently.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Melia dubia, commonly known as the giant neem tree, possesses significant medicinal potential due to its antineoplastic activity. Research conducted on its bark has successfully isolated eleven distinct euphane-type triterpenes. Among these, five newly identified compounds named meliastatins 1-5 demonstrated a strong ability to inhibit the growth of the P388 lymphocytic leukemia cell line. Other known compounds found within the tree, such as methyl kulonate and kulinone, also exhibited effective inhibitory properties against these cancer cells. Through advanced spectral techniques, scientists have been able to establish the precise structures of these promising bioactive molecules.
Compounds
Conditions
Melia dubia exhibits significant medicinal potential, including the ability to treat HSV-1 through partial antiviral activity. The plant's euphane-type triterpenes, such as meliastatins, have been shown to inhibit the growth of the P388 lymphocytic leukemia cell line. Additionally, certain compounds derived from the tree can treat the P388 cancer cell line by inhibiting its growth. Research into seed extracts demonstrates that Melia dubia can treat biofilm by inhibiting the quorum sensing-regulated factors of uropathogenic E. coli. Finally, traditional knowledge from the Irula tribes identifies the species as a highly agreed-upon cooling agent.
Preparations
Melia dubia is utilized as bark to isolate various euphane-type triterpenes, including the newly identified meliastatins 1-5. These specific compounds derived from the bark demonstrate significant inhibitory effects against the P388 lymphocytic leukemia cell line. Additionally, Melia dubia is prepared as extracts to test for medicinal properties against viral infections. Research indicates that these plant extracts exhibit partial antiviral activity against the Herpes simplex virus when applied at higher concentrations. Consequently, both the bark and the liquid extracts of this plant serve as important sources for investigating antineoplastic and antiviral agents.
Parts used
Melia dubia serves as a significant medicinal resource, particularly through the bioactive potential found within its seeds. Recent scientific investigations have focused on using extracts from these seeds to target uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Specifically, the ethanolic extracts have demonstrated a remarkable ability to inhibit biofilm formation by as much as 92.1%. Through GC-MS analysis, researchers identified numerous structurally unlinked compounds that act as potential inhibitors of quorum sensing. These findings suggest that the seeds of Melia dubia contain powerful natural ligands capable of attenuating bacterial communication and virulence.