Melicope pteleifolia
Melicope pteleifolia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Melicope pteleifolia is a versatile plant species valued for its diverse medicinal properties and chemical composition. Utilizing various parts such as the leaf, rhizome, and root, practitioners harness its therapeutic potential to treat several ailments. The plant contains significant bioactive compounds, including glycosides and Pteleifolol E, which contribute to its efficacy. It is primarily recognized for its powerful analgesic and antipyretic activities, making it effective in managing pain and fever. Furthermore, its medicinal profile extends to providing relief for anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic conditions.
- Synonyms
- Euodia Pteleifolia · Ilex Lepta · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Rhizome
Classification
Common Names
Melicope pteleifolia is a versatile plant recognized by a diverse array of names across different cultures and languages. In English-speaking regions, it is frequently referred to by the common name Thin-Evodia. It also carries the name san ya ku, a designation used in various local contexts. The species is known internationally through its Cyrillic name, Меликопе птелеелистная, and its Thai name, เพี้ยกระทิง. Additionally, in Japan, this botanical specimen is commonly identified as アワダンモドキ.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Melicope pteleifolia is a complex species that has been identified through various taxonomic synonyms in botanical literature. It is frequently referred to in historical records as Euodia gracilis and Euodia lepta. The plant's classification also encompasses specific varieties, such as Euodia lepta var. cambodiana and Euodia triphylla var. cambodiana. Furthermore, some botanical texts list the species under the name Euodia pteleifolia. Understanding these shifting nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Melicope pteleifolia is a fascinating botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Sapindales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. It resides within the diverse family Rutaceae, a group known for many aromatic species. Finally, this plant is identified by its unique placement within the genus Melicope.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Melicope |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Melicope pteleifolia is a versatile species found across diverse geographical regions throughout Asia. Its presence spans the temperate zones of China, including the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. The plant also extends its reach into Eastern Asia, specifically inhabiting the island of Taiwan. Moving into tropical climates, its distribution continues through the Indo-China region, notably in Cambodia. This wide-ranging habitat highlights the adaptability of the species across various Asian landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Melicope pteleifolia grows in a distinct tree form, establishing a sturdy presence within its ecosystem. This species is entirely self-supporting, allowing it to maintain its structural integrity without the need for external climbers or props.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Melicope pteleifolia is recognized as an important medicinal and horticultural plant within the Rutaceae family. Scientific research highlights that this species possesses significant therapeutic properties, including notable analgesic effects. In addition to pain relief, the plant also demonstrates effective antipyretic activity to help reduce fever. These medicinal qualities make it a subject of great interest for both traditional and modern pharmacological studies. Understanding these biological activities provides deeper insight into the plant's versatile role in natural medicine.
Compounds
Melicope pteleifolia serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive secondary metabolites. Chemical investigations of the plant's roots and rhizomes have led to the isolation of various glycosidic constituents, including several new diglycosidic compounds known as pteleifosides A-G. Furthermore, the leaves of the species contain a specialized group of acetophenone di-C-glycosides named pteleifolols A-D. Notably, research has also identified the presence of pteleifolol E, which is a unique benzopyran dimer. These findings highlight the complex chemical profile of the plant through detailed spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis.
Conditions
Melicope pteleifolia possesses a wide range of medicinal properties, including the ability to treat inflammation through its anti-inflammatory effects. The plant also provides analgesic relief and demonstrates significant anti-allergic capabilities. Research into its bioactive compounds, such as tHGA, further confirms its utility in treating asthma via anti-asthmatic actions. Additionally, the plant exhibits promising anti-cancer properties that make it a subject of pharmacological interest. These diverse therapeutic relationships highlight the plant's potential as a source for modern medical development.
Preparations
Parts used
Melicope pteleifolia is a chemically diverse plant species that yields unique secondary metabolites from several of its different anatomical structures. Research into the plant's foliage has led to the isolation of pteleifolols A-E, which are specialized compounds found specifically within the leaves. In addition to these leaf-derived substances, the subterranean portions of the plant also serve as significant sources of chemical constituents. Investigations into the roots and rhizomes have successfully identified various new diglycosidic constituents known as pteleifosides A-G. Ultimately, these findings highlight how the leaves, roots, and rhizomes of Melicope pteleifolia each contribute distinct glycosidic and benzopyran compounds to its chemical profile.