Miliusa velutina

Miliusa velutina · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Miliusa velutina is a botanical species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse pharmacological potential. Recent investigations have focused on the plant's antimalarial activities, highlighting its importance in traditional and modern medicine. Researchers have specifically examined the chemical profiles of the flower, fruit, and stem to identify bioactive compounds. Through the use of petroleum ether extract, studies aim to isolate specific constituents responsible for therapeutic effects. Notably, this plant is being explored for its efficacy in addressing conditions related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Uvaria Velutina · Guatteria Velutina
Common names
Not available
Family
Annonaceae
Distribution
Not available
Plant Parts
Flower · Fruit

Classification

Common Names

Miliusa velutina is a unique botanical species known by several different regional names. In certain contexts, it is referred to by the common name miliusa aksamietová. Locally, the plant is also recognized by the Thai name ขางหัวหมู. These diverse naming conventions highlight the various linguistic and cultural connections associated with the species. Understanding these relationships helps researchers and enthusiasts identify the plant across different parts of the world.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Miliusa velutina is a botanical species that has been identified under several different scientific names throughout history. In various taxonomic records, it is recognized by the synonym Guatteria velutina. Researchers have also documented the plant under the alternative name Uvaria velutina. These shifting classifications highlight the complex nature of botanical nomenclature and species identification. Understanding these synonymous relationships is essential for accurate plant study and documentation.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Miliusa velutina belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, marking its place among the diverse life forms on Earth. Within this expansive group, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Magnoliales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to ancient flowering plants. As a member of the family Annonaceae, it shares distinct botanical characteristics with its relatives. Finally, this specific plant is defined by its placement within the genus Miliusa.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Magnoliales
Family Annonaceae
Genus Miliusa

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Miliusa velutina is a notable species primarily distributed throughout the tropical regions of Asia. Its presence is particularly concentrated within the Indian Subcontinent, where it flourishes in diverse environments. Specifically, this plant can be found spanning across India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It also maintains a significant ecological foothold within the Assam region. Furthermore, its range extends into the unique landscapes of the West Himalaya, highlighting its adaptability to varied subtropical climates.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Miliusa velutina is a self-supporting species that takes the form of a sturdy tree. This growth habit allows it to stand firmly within its natural ecosystem.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Miliusa velutina is a Thai medicinal plant that has yielded significant pharmacological potential through its fruit and flower extracts. Researchers have successfully isolated several rare homogentisic acid derivatives, including new compounds such as miliusanal and miliusanones A-D. Notably, the study identified that compounds 2, 3, 6, and 7 possess potent antimalarial activity. These specific derivatives demonstrated effectiveness with IC50 values ranging between 3.3 and 5.2 μg/mL. This discovery highlights the plant's importance in the search for new bioactive agents to combat malaria.

Compounds

Conditions

Miliusa velutina contains bioactive compounds that demonstrate significant therapeutic potential through various biological activities. Specifically, certain derivatives from its fruits and flowers exhibit potent antimalarial activity against specific targets. The plant also provides compounds that show activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, addressing critical bacterial threats. Furthermore, extracts from the stem bark and various isolated metabolites demonstrate measurable antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Finally, the plant displays notable cytotoxicity against multiple cell lines, including KB, MCF-7, NCI-H187, and Vero cells.

Preparations

Miliusa velutina is prepared as a petroleum ether extract to facilitate the isolation of specific bioactive compounds. This extraction process from the stem bark allows researchers to identify key components such as goniothalamusin and various acetogenin mixtures. By utilizing petroleum ether, scientists can successfully isolate acetogenins-A and acetogenins-B from the plant material. These isolated substances are then tested to determine their specific biological properties. Consequently, the petroleum ether extract serves as the essential medium for studying the plant's antibacterial and cytotoxic activities.

Parts used

Miliusa velutina is a Thai medicinal plant that possesses several chemically significant components. Researchers have successfully isolated various bioactive homogentisic acid derivatives from the plant's flowers and fruits. These specific parts have yielded compounds that demonstrate notable antimalarial, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties. Additionally, the stem bark of the species serves as a valuable source of acetogenins and goniothalamusin. Through the study of these diverse parts, the plant continues to show great potential for pharmaceutical development.