Melicope semecarpifolia

Melicope semecarpifolia, commonly known as a significant medicinal shrub, holds profound value in traditional Southeast Asian medicine. Renowned for its diverse bioactive compounds, this plant is frequently utilized to treat various ailments, including skin infections and inflammatory conditions. Its unique phytochemical profile makes it a subject of intense pharmacological interest.

  • Scientific name: Melicope semecarpifolia
  • Family: Rutaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales, it is classified under the family Rutaceae. It is further identified by its specific genus, Melicope.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Rutaceae WCVP
Genus Melicope WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Melicope semecarpifolia, is known by several different common names depending on the language and region. In Chinese, it is referred to as 台湾蜜茱萸 (zh) and 台湾蜜茱萸 (zh-cn), while in Traditional Chinese as used in Taiwan, it is known as 山刈葉 (zh-tw).
Language Common Name Source
zh 台湾蜜茱萸 Wikidata
zh-tw 山刈葉 Wikidata
zh-cn 台湾蜜茱萸 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution spanning two distinct regions of Asia. In Eastern Asia, its presence is notably recorded within the territory of Taiwan. Furthermore, its range extends into the Malesia region, specifically encompassing the Philippines. These locations represent the primary natural habitats where the species can be found. Consequently, the distribution of Melicope semecarpifolia is concentrated within these specific island ecosystems.

Region Area Source
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP
Malesia Philippines WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Melicope semecarpifolia, possesses various components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties, most notably the root bark and the fruits. The root bark is often harvested for its specific chemical constituents, which are frequently studied for their potential pharmacological effects in traditional medicine. Additionally, the fruits serve as another significant part of the plant, containing bioactive compounds that contribute to its overall medicinal profile.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
root bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Melicope semecarpifolia has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (3R)-(--)-8,9-dimethoxygeibalansine, 2-acetylevolitrine, 2-acetylpteleine, cis-(+)-7,8-dimethoxymyrtopsine, semecarpifoline.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(3R)-(--)-8,9-dimethoxygeibalansine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
2-acetylevolitrine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
2-acetylpteleine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cis-(+)-7,8-dimethoxymyrtopsine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
semecarpifoline 1 ★☆☆☆☆