Monotes engleri
Monotes engleri · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Monotes engleri is a distinct plant species that serves as a subject of interest in phytochemical research. Scientific investigations into this plant have focused specifically on the chemical constituents found within its leaf. Analysis of these leaves has revealed the presence of specialized compounds such as 6,8-Diprenyleriodictyol and 6-(1,1-Dimethylallyl)eriodictyol. Furthermore, the plant contains important bioactive molecules like 6-(1,1-dimethylallyl)naringenin and Hiravanone. Understanding these chemical profiles contributes significantly to the broader study of botanical secondary metabolites.
- Synonyms
- Monotes Tomentellus
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Dipterocarpaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Synonyms
Monotes engleri is a notable botanical species that requires careful classification within its specific genus. In taxonomic literature, researchers often encounter the name Monotes tomentellus, which serves as a synonym for this particular plant. Recognizing these nomenclatural connections is essential for maintaining accuracy in biodiversity databases. Understanding such relationships ensures that scientists can track the plant's distribution without confusion caused by shifting names. Consequently, studying these botanical synonyms provides a clearer picture of the complex history of plant identification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Monotes engleri belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a unique branch of the natural world. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the order Malvales. It is further categorized into the genus Monotes, which helps scientists identify its specific evolutionary lineage. This plant is also a member of the diverse Dipterocarpaceae family. Through these systematic relationships, researchers can better understand the biological place of Monotes engleri in the ecosystem.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Dipterocarpaceae |
| Genus | Monotes |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Monotes engleri is a plant species primarily found throughout the diverse landscapes of South Tropical Africa. Its geographical reach extends across several key nations, including Angola and Malawi. Furthermore, this species maintains a significant presence within the borders of Mozambique. The distribution continues into Zambia, where it plays its part in the local ecosystem. Finally, the range of Monotes engleri concludes its regional footprint in Zimbabwe.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Monotes engleri is a self-supporting plant that exhibits a tree-like growth form. This species is characterized by its sturdy structure, which allows it to stand independently in its habitat. Reaching a maximum height of 5 meters, it can become a significant presence within its local ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Monotes engleri serves as a rich source of bioactive chemical compounds within its leaf structure. Recent phytochemical investigations have successfully isolated several prenylated flavanones from this plant species. Among these identified substances, the known flavanone hiravanone was specifically highlighted. This compound belongs to a group of constituents that have demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against various human cancer cell lines. Such findings underscore the potential pharmacological importance of the secondary metabolites found in Monotes engleri.
Conditions
Monotes engleri contains specific prenylated flavanones that demonstrate cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines. Researchers isolated five distinct substances from the leaves of this plant that display these tumor-fighting properties. Among these active compounds, three novel substances were identified as 6-(1,1-dimethylallyl)naringenin, 6-(1,1-dimethylallyl)eriodictyol, and 3'-O-methyl-6-(1,1-dimethylallyl)-eriodictyol. These new compounds work alongside known flavanones like 6,8-diprenyleriodictyol and hiravanone to target the cancer cells. The structural identification of these potent chemical constituents was achieved through detailed 1D- and 2D-NMR spectral analysis.
Preparations
Parts used
Monotes engleri serves as a significant source of bioactive compounds, particularly when examining its specific plant parts. Researchers have focused on the leaves of this species to isolate various specialized chemical constituents. Within these leaves, five distinct prenylated flavanones were identified for their unique properties. Among these substances, three novel compounds demonstrated notable cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines. This discovery highlights the pharmaceutical potential inherent in the leaf structure of Monotes engleri.