Myroxylon peruiferum
Myroxylon peruiferum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Myroxylon peruiferum is a significant botanical species known for its rich chemical profile, particularly its concentration of isoflavones. Researchers frequently utilize various plant parts, specifically the leaf, to study its diverse therapeutic potential. Through different preparation methods, such as essential oils (EO), aqueous extracts, and methanol extracts, the plant's bioactive properties are effectively isolated. Scientific investigations have highlighted its ability to influence specific biological conditions, including interactions with C. parapsilosis and Helicobacter pylori. Consequently, this plant serves as a vital subject in the search for new natural antimicrobial agents.
- Synonyms
- Toluifera Pubescens · Toluifera Balsamum Var. Peruifera · 11 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Myroxylon peruiferum is a botanical species known by several distinct local names across different regions. It is frequently referred to as Brejuí, a name that highlights its regional presence. Many people also identify the tree as Bálsamo-caboriba or simply Caboriba. Depending on the specific area, it might be called Caboreíba-vermelha or Cabraíba. These varied common names reflect the diverse linguistic heritage associated with this unique plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Myroxylon peruiferum is a botanical species that is known by several different scientific names within the taxonomic record. Throughout various studies, it has been identified under the synonym Myrospermum arboreum. The plant is also frequently referred to as Myrospermum erythroxylum or Myrospermum pedicellatum in different botanical contexts. Additionally, literature may list the species as Myrospermum peruiferum to denote its specific classification. Finally, the name Myrospermum pubescens serves as another recognized synonym for this complex organism.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Myroxylon peruiferum belongs to the expansive kingdom Plantae, showcasing the diverse biological complexity found in the natural world. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the order Fabales. Its botanical identity is further refined by its membership in the Fabaceae family. Specifically, this plant is a prominent representative of the genus Myroxylon. Through these hierarchical classifications, one can better understand its precise evolutionary placement.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Myroxylon |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Myroxylon peruiferum exhibits a broad geographical range that spans across both the Northern and Southern American continents. In North America, the species is widely distributed throughout various regions of Mexico, including the central, southeast, and southwest territories. Its presence extends significantly into South America, where it can be found inhabiting diverse landscapes. Specifically, within Brazil, the plant thrives in both the northeast and southern regions of the country. This widespread distribution highlights the adaptable nature of the species across multiple tropical and subtropical climates.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Myroxylon peruiferum is a robust, self-supporting tree that commands attention in its natural habitat. This species exhibits a versatile growth form, typically reaching a maximum height of 15 meters. However, under ideal environmental conditions, it can continue to ascend until it reaches a height of 30 meters. Such impressive stature makes it a significant component of its local ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Myroxylon peruiferum is a Brazilian medicinal plant that has shown significant pharmacological promise in recent studies. Through a process of bioassay-guided isolation using methanol extracts, researchers identified a potent active constituent within the species. This specific compound was determined to be cabreuvin, a derivative belonging to the isoflavone family. Notably, cabreuvin functions as a selective and potent agent against Helicobacter pylori. Further investigations into the structure-activity relationships of its analogues continue to highlight the therapeutic potential of this plant.
Conditions
Myroxylon peruiferum demonstrates significant antifungal activity against several pathogenic species of the Candida genus. The essential oils derived from this plant effectively treat C. albicans and C. glabrata. Furthermore, the oil shows potent inhibitory and fungicidal effects against C. krusei and C. parapsilosis. Research also indicates that Myroxylon peruiferum is capable of treating C. tropicalis. These findings suggest the plant holds strong potential for clinical applications in managing various forms of candidiasis.
Preparations
Myroxylon peruiferum is prepared as EO and essential oils to investigate its biological and antifungal activities against various pathogens. The species is also prepared as aqueous extracts, which have demonstrated antibiofilm activity against Ralstonia solanacearum isolates. Additionally, the plant is prepared as a methanol extract to facilitate the isolation and characterization of active compounds like cabreuvin. These diverse preparation methods allow for the study of the plant's chemical composition and its potential therapeutic applications.
Parts used
Myroxylon peruiferum serves as a significant subject in recent botanical research focusing on the medicinal potential of Brazilian flora. Specifically, scientists have investigated the chemical composition of the essential oils extracted directly from the plant's leaf. Through the process of hydrodistillation, researchers identified key compounds such as spathulenol, α-pinene, and caryophyllene oxide within these leaves. The study demonstrated that the oil derived from this part of the plant exhibits notable antifungal activity against various Candida species. Consequently, these findings suggest that the leaf of Myroxylon peruiferum could play a vital role in developing new clinical treatments for candidiasis.