Myrica rubra
Myrica rubra · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (11 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Myrica rubra is a versatile plant species recognized for its significant pharmacological potential across various therapeutic applications. Research indicates that its leaves and stems contain bioactive compounds such as myricetin, myricanol, myricanone, and various flavonoids. These chemical constituents enable the plant to exhibit potent anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities. Specifically, preparations like 50% ethanolic extracts, MRF, ground bark, and leaf extracts are utilized to combat oxidative stress and manage antidiabetic conditions. Consequently, this plant serves as a promising natural resource for developing targeted medicinal treatments.
- Synonyms
- Morella Rubra F. Alba · Myrica Rubra Var. Alba · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Myricaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Synonyms
Myrica rubra is a plant species that is frequently identified by several different botanical synonyms in scientific literature. For instance, it is often referred to as Morella rubra, a name that highlights its taxonomic connections. The plant also encompasses specific variations, including the white-fruited forms known as Myrica rubra f. alba and Myrica rubra var. alba. Furthermore, the nomenclature includes Morella rubra f. alba and the distinct Myrica rubra var. acuminata. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for accurate identification and botanical study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Myrica rubra is a fascinating specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Fagales, connecting it to a diverse group of related species. As a member of the Myricaceae family, it exhibits unique botanical characteristics essential to its survival. Ultimately, this species is defined by its specific placement within the genus Myrica.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Myricaceae |
| Genus | Myrica |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Myrica rubra is a plant primarily distributed across the temperate regions of Asia. Within China, its presence is widespread, spanning the South-Central and Southeast provinces as well as the island of Hainan. Its reach extends beyond mainland China into other key parts of Eastern Asia. Specifically, the species is well-established in the natural landscapes of Japan and Korea. This broad geographic range highlights the plant's adaptability to various temperate environments across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Myrica rubra is a distinguished species characterized by its robust tree growth form. As a self-supporting plant, it stands firmly within its natural habitat to reach impressive proportions. These trees typically attain a maximum height of approximately 20 meters. Depending on environmental conditions, their stature generally ranges from a minimum of 10 meters to 15 meters. This structural stability and vertical presence make it a notable feature of its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Myrica rubra serves as a significant natural source of the bioactive flavonoid myricetin, which is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine. Scientific research highlights that the compounds derived from this plant exhibit powerful antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage. Furthermore, the medicinal potential of Myrica rubra includes notable anticancer and antidiabetic activities. Its pharmacological profile is further strengthened by its demonstrated antimicrobial and antiviral effects against various pathogens. Consequently, this plant remains a subject of intense study for its ability to contribute to the development of diverse therapeutic treatments.
Compounds
Myrica rubra is a plant species recognized for its rich chemical profile, containing a diverse array of bioactive compounds. Scientific investigations have identified key constituents such as myricetin, which is found in both the leaves and the bark of the plant. Further analysis reveals the presence of myricetin 3-O-rhamnoside, as well as other significant molecules like myricanol and myricanone. Additionally, research into the leaf extracts has confirmed the presence of myricetrin, highlighting the complex phytochemical makeup of the species. These various compounds contribute to the plant's potential therapeutic applications, ranging from skin whitening to neuroprotective effects.
Conditions
Myrica rubra contains bioactive compounds like myricitrin and myricetin that effectively treat oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities. These plant-derived flavonoids also serve as a promising treatment for B-cell malignancies by inhibiting BTK kinase and inducing apoptosis in lymphoma cells. Furthermore, the plant helps treat Dox-induced cell toxicity through its potent antioxidative properties. It specifically treats Dox-induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing myocardial apoptosis via the ERK/p53 pathway. Finally, Myrica rubra treats Dox-induced myocardial damage by reducing pathological injuries and stabilizing cardiac enzyme levels.
Preparations
Myrica rubra is prepared as a 50% ethanolic extract from its dried leaves and bark to investigate its inhibitory effects on melanin biosynthesis. This plant is also prepared as MRF, a flavonoid extract used to study protective mechanisms against cardiomyocyte injury. Different preparations include the ground bark, from which the natural flavonoid myricitrin is isolated for its antioxidative properties. Additionally, Myrica rubra is prepared as a leaf extract to facilitate the chemical profiling and neuroprotective evaluation of constituents like myricanol. Finally, various compounds such as myricanone and myricanol have been successfully isolated from the stem bark of the species.
Parts used
Myrica rubra contains various bioactive components that can be extracted from different parts of the plant. Research indicates that the leaves of this species are rich in constituents like myricetin and myricanol, which offer neuroprotective and skin-whitening benefits. Additionally, the stem and bark serve as important sources for isolating unique chemical compounds. Specifically, studies have identified myricanone and several new glycosides within the stem bark of the plant. These diverse plant parts collectively contribute to the complex chemical profile and therapeutic potential of Myrica rubra.