Microcos paniculata
Microcos paniculata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Microcos paniculata is a versatile botanical species recognized for its diverse range of therapeutic activities, including antiangiogenic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties. The plant's chemical profile is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and tannins. Researchers have focused on various parts of the plant, specifically the leaves and stems, to isolate these medicinal constituents. Through the use of chloroform-soluble extracts from the leaves, branches, and stem bark, the plant has shown potential in addressing conditions like angiogenesis, Aspergillus fumigatus infections, diarrhea, and dyspepsia. Consequently, this species serves as a significant subject of study for developing natural pharmacological treatments.
- Synonyms
- Fallopia Nervosa · Microcos Mala · 7 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Microcos paniculata is a versatile plant recognized by several distinct regional and common names. In certain areas, it is widely known as Cò ke or simply by its scientific derivative, microcos. It also carries the common name bu zha ye, reflecting its traditional uses in various cultures. Depending on the linguistic context, you may encounter it referred to as po bu ye or the unique širal metlinatý. Understanding these diverse identities is essential for anyone studying the botanical relationships of this species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Microcos paniculata is a botanical subject characterized by a complex history of taxonomic classifications. Throughout various scientific studies, the species has been identified by several different synonyms, including Arsis rugosa and Fallopia nervosa. Its naming history further includes designations such as Grewia affinis and Grewia microcos var. rugosa. Additionally, researchers have previously referred to this plant as Grewia muenterii in older botanical literature. Understanding these diverse synonyms is essential for accurately tracking the plant's identity across different scientific records.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Microcos paniculata is a distinctive biological entity that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this expansive realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further follows the taxonomic order of Malvales, which helps scientists understand its evolutionary lineage. This species is a member of the specific genus Microcos, showcasing its unique structural characteristics. Finally, its biological identity is solidified by its placement within the family Malvaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Microcos |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Microcos paniculata exhibits a diverse geographical range that stretches across several distinct ecological zones. Within the Asia-Temperate region, the species is widely documented throughout various parts of China, including the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its presence is further confirmed by specific sightings in the island province of Hainan. Moving into the Asia-Tropical zone, the plant extends its reach into the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, it can be found thriving in the regions of both Assam and Bangladesh.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Microcos paniculata is a self-supporting tree that maintains a sturdy and upright growth form. This species typically reaches a maximum height of 15 meters as it matures. Its structural stability allows it to thrive as a prominent feature within its natural environment.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Microcos paniculata is a medicinal plant that possesses a diverse range of biological activities. Research has demonstrated that its leaf extracts exhibit significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against various pathogens. Furthermore, specific alkaloids isolated from the plant have shown potent antiangiogenic effects by inhibiting tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The plant also contains compounds with notable cytotoxic activity, particularly against human colon cancer cell lines. These combined pharmacological attributes highlight the significant therapeutic potential of this species.
Compounds
Microcos paniculata is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals. Phytochemical investigations of its ethanolic leaf extracts have revealed the presence of important compounds such as flavonoids, glycosides, and saponins. Beyond these general groups, specific alkaloids have also been isolated from the plant's stem bark, branches, and leaves. These include the known compounds liriodenine and microcosamine A, which contribute to the plant's complex chemical profile. Together, these constituents support the documented antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the species.
Conditions
Microcos paniculata demonstrates significant antimicrobial properties by effectively treating Aspergillus fumigatus and the Gram-negative bacteria Salmonella typhi. The plant's alkaloids also exhibit potent cytotoxic activity against the HT-29 human colon cancer cell line. Specifically, compounds such as microgrewiapine A act as selective cytotoxic agents that target colon cancer cells. Furthermore, certain piperidine alkaloids isolated from its leaves have been shown to treat angiogenesis by inhibiting tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Together, these findings highlight the plant's diverse therapeutic potential against various pathogens and cancer models.
Preparations
Microcos paniculata is prepared as chloroform-soluble extracts of the branches, leaves, and stem bark to isolate various alkaloids. These specific chloroform-soluble extracts of the branches, leaves, and stem bark were utilized to identify cytotoxic and nicotinic receptor antagonistic compounds. Additionally, the plant is prepared as chloroform to facilitate the extraction process for phytochemical investigation. Beyond chloroform methods, Microcos paniculata is also prepared as ethanol, specifically through an ethanolic leaf extract. This ethanolic preparation is used to evaluate the plant's antioxidant and antimicrobial efficacy against various bacteria and fungi.
Parts used
Microcos paniculata is a medicinal plant characterized as a large shrub or small tree found throughout South and Southeast Asia. Scientific investigations have focused extensively on its various anatomical components, specifically its leaves and stems. Researchers have successfully isolated diverse piperidine alkaloids from the leaves, demonstrating significant antiangiogenic properties. Furthermore, chloroform-soluble extracts derived from the stem bark, branches, and leaves have yielded compounds with notable cytotoxic and nicotinic receptor antagonistic activities. These findings highlight how different parts of the plant contribute to its complex profile of antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.