Myrcianthes pungens
Myrcianthes pungens · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Myrcianthes pungens is a botanical species that has gained scientific interest due to its diverse chemical profile. The plant is known to contain bioactive compounds such as acetogenins, flavonoids, and lignans. Research has specifically focused on the medicinal potential of its fruit and leaf components. When prepared as ethanolic extracts of the fruit or leaf, these parts demonstrate biological activity. Notably, these preparations have been investigated for their effects against the pathogen Leishmania braziliensis.
- Synonyms
- Acreugenia Pungens · Eugenia Pungens · 2 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Myrcianthes pungens is a botanical species known by several distinct local names depending on the region. It is frequently referred to as Guabiju-guaçu, a title that highlights its specific identity within its habitat. Many people also recognize the plant as Guabira-guaçu or Guabiroba-açu, showcasing the linguistic diversity surrounding its classification. Additionally, it is commonly called Guavira-guaçu in certain areas. In some contexts, the plant is simply known by the name Mato.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Myrcianthes pungens is a botanical species that is frequently identified through various taxonomic synonyms. Depending on the scientific literature consulted, this plant may be referred to as Acreugenia pungens or Eugenia pungens. It is also documented under the name Eugenia ybaviyu, reflecting different historical classifications. Furthermore, the species has been associated with the name Luma pungens in certain botanical contexts. These overlapping designations highlight the complex naming history inherent in studying this particular plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Myrcianthes pungens is a fascinating botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant further belongs to the order Myrtales, showcasing its specific evolutionary placement. It is a proud member of the Myrtaceae family, a group known for diverse and important species. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its taxonomic identity within the genus Myrcianthes.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Myrcianthes |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Myrcianthes pungens is a plant species with an extensive distribution throughout Southern America. Within Brazil, it can be found across several diverse regions, including the Southeast, West-Central, and various southern territories. Its range also extends into the southern reaches of the continent, specifically covering parts of Argentina. In Argentina, the species is established in both the Northeast and Northwest regions. This broad geographic footprint highlights the plant's adaptability to different South American environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Myrcianthes pungens is a self-supporting tree that establishes a significant presence within its natural habitat. This species typically exhibits a robust growth form, reaching impressive proportions as it matures. While its stature can vary, the plant generally maintains a height of at least 8 meters. In many instances, it reaches a more consistent minimum height of 15 meters. Ultimately, this tree can achieve a maximum height of 15 meters, making it a prominent feature of the landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Myrcianthes pungens was investigated for its potential antileishmanial activity against both Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis. The study utilized ethanolic extracts from the fruits and leaves of this medicinal plant to test for growth inhibition. While the extracts showed some effect, they yielded IC50 values greater than 170 μg mL⁻¹ for L. amazonensis. For the L. braziliensis species, the IC50 values for the Myrcianthes pungens extracts were recorded at over 200 μg mL⁻¹. These results indicate that while the plant interacts with these parasites, it was less potent than other species tested in the study.
Preparations
Myrcianthes pungens is prepared as an ethanolic extract of both its fruit and its leaf for medicinal study. These specific preparations were utilized to investigate the in vitro anti-leishmanial activity of the plant species. Researchers analyzed these ethanolic extracts to determine their effectiveness against promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis. The study noted that the ethanolic extracts of the fruit and leaf of M. pungens showed an IC50 greater than 170 μg mL⁻¹ for L. amazonensis and greater than 200 μg mL⁻¹ for L. braziliensis. This testing process also included evaluating the cytotoxicity of these extracts in J774.A1 macrophages.
Parts used
Myrcianthes pungens was among the six medicinal plant species evaluated in a recent study regarding antileishmanial activity. Researchers specifically utilized ethanolic extracts derived from both the leaf and the fruit of this plant to test its efficacy. These extracts were analyzed to identify various chemical components, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, through advanced mass spectrometry. The investigation focused on how these specific plant parts inhibit the growth of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis. Ultimately, the study provided valuable data on the biological potential and cytotoxicity of the Myrcianthes pungens fruit and leaf extracts.