Leichhardt tree
Nauclea orientalis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (15 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Leichhardt tree, scientifically known as Nauclea orientalis, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its bioactive properties, various parts of the tree are utilized in traditional medicine to treat ailments ranging from skin infections to digestive issues, offering significant potential for modern pharmacological research and development.
Names
Common Names
- Cape York leichardt
- Leichhardt-pine
- Leichhardt-tree
- burtree
- canary cheesewood
- canary-wood
- soft leichhardt
- yellow cheesewood
- Leichhardt tree
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Nauclea orientalisSynonyms
- Bancalus orientalis
- Adina orientalis
- Nauclea coadunata
- Nauclea leichhardtii
- Cadamba nocturna
- Sarcocephalus cordatus var. pubescens
- Sarcocephalus orientalis
- Platanocarpum cordatum
- Nauclea annamensis
- Sarcocephalus cordatus var. glabra
- Sarcocephalus ovatus
- Nauclea orientalis var. pubescens
- Sarcocephalus cordatus var. mollis
- Sarcocephalus ovoideus
- Sarcocephalus glaberrimus
- Nauclea lutea
- Sarcocephalus papagola
- Sarcocephalus undulatus
- Nauclea elmeri
- Sarcocephalus undulatus var. buruensis
- Sarcocephalus buruensis
- Sarcocephalus coadunatus
- Sarcocephalus cordatus
- Nauclea ovoidea
- Sarcocephalus annamensis
- Nauclea roxburghii
- Cephalanthus orientalis
- Nauclea undulata
- Bancalus grandifolius
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further organized into the order Gentianaales and the family Rubiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is found within the genus Nauclea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Rubiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Nauclea | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread presence across various regions of South and Southeast Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Its distribution extends significantly into the Indo-China region as well. Specifically, it is documented in the countries of Cambodia and Laos. Finally, the species also inhabits the tropical landscapes of Myanmar.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Laos | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
| Malesia | Borneo | WCVP |
| Malesia | Jawa | WCVP |
| Malesia | Lesser Sunda Is. | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Nauclea orientalis, is a versatile medicinal resource where various components are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The sturdy stems provide the structural framework for the tree, while the broad, green leaves serve as a vital site for photosynthetic activity. In traditional medicine, dried Nauclea orientalis leaves are often processed and prepared into specific remedies or infusions. Additionally, the bark is highly valued and frequently harvested to extract bioactive compounds used in various healing applications.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | Planta medica (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | Natural product research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Nauclea orientalis has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Strictosamide, Vincosamide, 10-Hydroxyangustine, 10-Hydroxystrictosamide, Kelampayoside A.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Strictosamide | 2 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Vincosamide | 2 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 10-Hydroxyangustine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 10-Hydroxystrictosamide | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Kelampayoside A | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pumiloside | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sitosterol | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sitosteryl beta-D-glucoside | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Strictosamide
- Journal of natural products
- Planta medica
Vincosamide
- Journal of natural products
- Planta medica
10-Hydroxyangustine
- Planta medica
10-Hydroxystrictosamide
- Planta medica
Kelampayoside A
- Journal of natural products
Pumiloside
- Journal of natural products
Sitosterol
- Journal of natural products
Sitosteryl beta-D-glucoside
- Journal of natural products
Activities
Nauclea orientalis has 1 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antitumor.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antitumor | Journal of medicinal plant research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| bark | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |