Microcos tomentosa
Microcos tomentosa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Microcos tomentosa is a botanical species of interest, particularly regarding the bioactive compounds found within its root system. Scientific investigations often utilize an 80% ethanol extract to isolate its diverse chemical constituents. Research has identified key compounds in these extracts, including 3beta-Taraxerol, 7-Hydroxycadalene, BETA-SITOSTEROL, and Mellein. Furthermore, the biological activity of these preparations is frequently evaluated under specific enzymatic conditions involving maltase, sucrase, and trehalase. Understanding these metabolic interactions provides valuable insight into the plant's complex chemical profile.
- Synonyms
- Grewia Paniculata · Grewia Cumingiana · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Common Names
Microcos tomentosa is a unique plant that is recognized by several different regional names across the globe. In certain areas, it is widely known by the common name Talok. Moving into different linguistic contexts, the species is also referred to as Микрокос войлочный. In Thailand, the plant is frequently identified by the local name พลับพลา. These diverse designations highlight the plant's widespread presence and cultural variety.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Microcos tomentosa is a botanical species characterized by a complex history of taxonomic classification. Throughout various scientific studies, this plant has been identified under several different names. It is recognized as a synonym for Grewia affinis, reflecting older or alternative naming conventions. Similarly, the species has been linked to the synonyms Grewia blumei and Grewia cumingiana in different contexts. Furthermore, the name Grewia paniculata is also documented as a synonym, highlighting the evolving nature of its botanical identity.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Microcos tomentosa is a distinct biological entity belonging to the expansive kingdom Plantae. Within this vast realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Malvales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to other flowering plants. This classification continues as it is nested within the specific family Malvaceae. Ultimately, the plant is defined by its placement in the genus Microcos, which distinguishes it from its botanical relatives.
| 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 tomentosa is a plant species primarily distributed throughout the tropical regions of Asia. Its natural habitat spans the vast landscapes of the Indian Subcontinent, including the nation of Bangladesh. The species is also widely established across the Indo-China peninsula, finding fertile ground in Cambodia and Laos. Furthermore, its presence extends through the territories of Myanmar and Thailand. This broad geographical range highlights the plant's adaptability to various tropical environments across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Microcos tomentosa is a self-supporting plant characterized by its distinct tree-like growth form. This species can reach a maximum height of 15 meters as it matures in its natural habitat. Its structural stability allows it to stand firmly as a significant feature of its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Microcos tomentosa serves as a rich source of diverse chemical compounds, particularly when analyzing its root structures. Research has successfully isolated several key constituents from the plant, including 3beta-Taraxerol and the sterol beta-sitosterol. Additionally, the plant contains 7-hydroxycadalene, which contributes to its complex phytochemical profile. Other notable substances identified within its roots are mellein and cholest-4-en-3-one. These findings highlight the significant chemical complexity of the species and its potential for further pharmacological study.
Conditions
Microcos tomentosa serves as a potent source of broad-spectrum α-glucosidase inhibitors. Specifically, the 80% ethanol extract of this plant inhibits maltase activity. It also demonstrates the ability to treat sucrase by significantly reducing its enzymatic activity. Furthermore, the extract effectively inhibits trehalase, showing consistent effects across all three major intestinal enzymes. This multifaceted inhibitory profile makes the plant a unique candidate for regulating postprandial glucose excursions.
Preparations
Microcos tomentosa is prepared as various plant extracts to evaluate their potential inhibitory effects on intestinal enzymes. Specifically, the study utilizes an 80% ethanol extract of the plant, referred to as MT80. This specific preparation was tested at concentrations of 100 and 250 µg/mL to measure its impact on disaccharidase activity. Results showed that the MT80 extract effectively inhibited maltase, sucrase, and trehalase. Consequently, the 80% ethanol extract of Microcos tomentosa stands out as a broad-spectrum inhibitor compared to other tested extracts.
Parts used
Microcos tomentosa serves as a significant source of diverse chemical compounds, particularly when studying its root system. Recent research has successfully isolated several substances from these roots, including a unique taraxerol derivative known as microcisin. Alongside this new discovery, researchers identified eight other known compounds such as beta-sitosterol and vanillin. Following the isolation process, the structures of these molecules were meticulously determined through extensive spectroscopic analysis. Finally, the study evaluated the biological potential of these isolated compounds by testing their cytotoxicity against KB and HeLa cell lines.