Myrica rubra
What's the taxonomical classification of Myrica rubra?
Myrica rubra belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. The plant is further organized into the order Fagales and the family Myrricaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic position is defined by the genus Myrica and the species rubra.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Myricaceae |
| Genus | Myrica |
| Species | rubra |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Myrica rubra has an evergreen habit characterized by spreading branches, elliptical leaves with serrated margins, and small, fleshy red drupes. The leaves are typically leathery in texture and arranged alternately along the woody stems. During the flowering stage, the plant produces inconspicuous, wind-pollinated flowers that lack large petals. The most distinctive morphological feature is the fruit, which turns a bright crimson color when mature. These fruits are borne in clusters and serve as a primary attraction for various avian species.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the coastal and estuarine regions of eastern Australia, specifically ranging from central Queensland down through New South Wales to Victoria. It is commonly found growing in swampy areas, mangrove forests, and along the margins of tidal estuaries. The species thrives in subtropical and temperate climates where high moisture levels are consistently available. Within these habitats, it often forms dense thickets alongside other salt-tolerant vegetation. Its distribution is closely tied to low-lying coastal ecosystems that experience regular tidal influences.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant grows best in acidic, well-drained soils with high organic matter and requires consistent moisture without waterlogging.
It thrives in partial shade to full sun depending on the intensity of the local climate. Regular mulching helps maintain the necessary soil humidity and suppresses competing weeds. Providing adequate airflow is also essential to prevent fungal diseases in dense plantings.
Periodic fertilization with compost can further support vigorous growth and healthy foliage.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Myrica rubra provides medicinal value through the application of its bark, fruit, and leaves. The bark is often harvested to prepare decoctions used in treating various inflammatory conditions. Its small fruits are utilized in traditional remedies to address digestive ailments and systemic discomfort. Additionally, the leaves can be processed into topical applications or infusions to soothe skin irritations. Each of these components contains specific phytochemicals that contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic potential.
According to a study published by "Biological & pharmaceuctaical bulletin", a 50% ethanolic extract obtained from the dried leaves and the bark of Myrica rubra was investigated for its inhibitory effect on melanin biosynthesis. These extracts inhibited tyrosinase activity and the production of melanin from dopachrome by autooxidation, while also showing superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity. Through bioassay-guided fractionation, quercetin, myricetin, and myricetin 3-O-rhamnoside were isolated specifically from the leaves. Because these components showed an inhibitory effect on tyrosinase activity, the activity is partially attributable to them in the extract of Myrica rubra. These results suggested that the leaves or the bark of Myrica rubra might be used as a whitening agent for the skin.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- fruit
- leaf
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Myrica rubra has been utilized extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various inflammatory conditions and digestive ailments. Practitioners historically employed the bark and leaves of the species to formulate remedies for clearing heat and resolving toxins within the body. In several regional folk medicine traditions, preparations of the plant were also used to address skin irritations and promote wound healing. Beyond its medicinal applications, the plant held historical significance in local customs for its specific ecological properties. These long-standing uses demonstrate the deep integration of the species into the botanical knowledge of historical healthcare systems.
According to a study published by "Journal of biochemical and molecular toxicology", Myrica rubra is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant. The plant contains the flavonoid myricetin, which is a polyphenolic molecule. Modern research has investigated the plant's pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammation, antiviral, antidiaebetic, immunomodulation, and antineurodegenerative effects. Myricetin shows promise in the prevention and mitigation of health conditions like diabetes, cognitive decline, and various types of cancer in humans. The study summarizes both in vivo and in vitro investigations of the compound's interactions through the Nrf2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Myrica rubra?
This plant has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antimicrobial pharmacological activities. Its high concentration of bioactive compounds allows it to combat oxidative stress through its potent antioxidant properties. The plant also demonstrates significant antimicrobial and antibacterial effectiveness against various pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory actions help reduce swelling and pain in biological systems. Research into its chemical constituents suggests these properties could support its use in developing new therapeutic treatments for cancer and infections.
According to a study published by "Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)", Myrica rubra is a plant with high medicinal value used historically as folk medicine. The fruit is a rich source of cyanidin-3-glucoside, which can reach 64.8 mg/100 g fresh weight in the 'Biqi' cultivar. This specific compound accounts for at least 85 % of the anthocyanins found in the fruit. Extracts from the plant contain antioxidants that exhibit bioactivities counteracting inflammation, allergens, diabetes, cancer, bacterial infection, and diarrhea. Research continues to investigate the in vivo metabolism and bioavailability of these extracts.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-cancer
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- antioxidant
- antimicrobial
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds myricanol, myricanone, myricetin, myriciitrin, and myricetin 3-O-rhamnoside. These bioactive constituents contribute significantly to the diverse pharmacological properties attributed to the species. Specifically, the presence of various flavonoids and phenolic derivatives supports its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Research into these chemical profiles aims to uncover how these specific molecules interact with biological systems. Understanding the concentrations of these substances is essential for evaluating the plant's therapeutic potential.
According to a study published by "Food chemistry", the plant Myrica rubra contains the diarylheptanoiid compound myricanol. Through a virtual docking strategy, myricanol was identified as an AMP-activated protein kinase activator with high affinity for the γ subunit of AMPK. In 3T3-L1 cells, myricanol suppressed lipid accumulation during the initial stage of days 0-2 and during the terminal stage of days 4-7. This compound also enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and inhibited lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-fed zebrafish by suppressing adipogenic factors like PPARγ and C/EBPα. These results suggest myricanol could be a potential therapeutic agent against obesity.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Myricanol
- Myricanone
- Myricetin
- Myricitrin
- Myricetin 3-O-rhamnoside
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating cancer, inflammation, liver damage, microbial infections, and oxidative stress. Its bioactive compounds work to neutralize harmful free radicals that contribute to oxidative stress in the body. Researchers have investigated its potential to reduce cellular inflammation and prevent the progression of various types of cancer. Additionally, the plant exhibits antimicrobial properties that help combat diverse microbial infections. Studies also suggest that its extracts may offer protective benefits against liver damage caused by toxins.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", Myrica rubra contains myricetin (MYR), which is used for the treatment of lymphoma. The polyhydroxy flavone MYR exhibits selective anti-lymphoma activity by targeting bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) with an IC50 of 1.82 μM. In studies involving human diffuse large B lymphoma cell TMD-8, MYR was shown to induce G1/G0 cycle arrest and increase the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio to induce apoptosis. The compound also triggers autophagy by inhibiting mTOR activation and blocks BTK/ERK and BTK/AKT signal transduction cascades. In vivo tests using TMD-8 xenotransplanted mice demonstrated that oral administration of MYR significantly inhibits the growth of lymphoma tumors without toxic side effects.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cancer
- inflammation
- liver damage
- microbial infections
- oxidative stress
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations including 50% ethanolic extracts and water extracts for various therapeutic applications. The 50% ethanolic extract is often utilized to isolate specific bioactive compounds that are not fully soluble in water alone. In contrast, water extracts are frequently prepared through decoction or infusion to access hydrophilic constituents. These different preparation methods allow for the targeted extraction of the plant's chemical profile to suit specific medicinal needs. Researchers study these preparations to understand the pharmacological properties inherent in the Myrica rubra species.
According to a study published by "Biochemical and biophysical research communications", Myricae Cortex (Myrica rubra) was identified as one of the 267 tested medicinal plant extracts that showed potent inhibition of AANAT activity. The main component of Myricae Cortex is myricetin, which is chemically identified as 5,7,3',4',5'-pentahydroxyflavonol. This myricetin strongly inhibited the activity of AANAT and significantly decreased the nocturnal serum melatonin levels in rats. Furthermore, the locomotor activity of rats treated with myricetin decreased during the nighttime and slightly increased throughout the day. These findings suggest that myricetin could be used as a therapy to increase nighttime alertness by changing the circadian rhythm of serum melatonin and locomotor activity.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 50% ethanolic extract
- water extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal distress, and potential allergic reactions when consumed or touched. The essential oils present in the leaves may trigger contact dermatitis or redness in sensitive individuals. If ingested in improper amounts, people might experience nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. Some users have reported mild swelling of the throat or hives as part of an immune response. These physiological reactions vary depending on the concentration of the plant's active compounds.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Myrica rubra?
This plant Myrica rubra pairs best with aromatic woody herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to complement its distinctively pungent and peppery flavor profile.
The strong essential oils found in these Mediterranean herbs help balance the intense, spicy notes characteristic of the plant. When used in culinary applications, pairing it with citrusy elements like lemon balm can also soften its sharp bite. These combinations are particularly effective in savory meat rubs or infused oils where a complex herbal depth is desired.
Utilizing these specific pairings ensures that the unique character of the plant enhances rather than overwhelms a dish.