Nectandra angustifolia
Nectandra angustifolia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Nectandra angustifolia is a botanical species primarily utilized for its bioactive potential found within its leaves. Research into various preparations, including essential oils and crude ethanol extracts, has revealed significant medicinal properties. The plant exhibits notable antibacterial and antiproliferative activities, proving effective against pathogens such as Bacteroides fragilis, Prevella nigrescens, and Leishmania braziliensis. These biological effects are driven by key chemical constituents, most notably acetogenins, (E,E)-farnesene, alpha-pinene, and beta-pinene. Furthermore, certain extracts from this species have demonstrated functional potential as a coagulant.
- Synonyms
- Nectandra Angustifolia Var. Falcifolia · Oreodaphne Tweediei Var. Cymulosa · 15 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Nectandra angustifolia is a botanical species recognized by a wide variety of local names across different regions. It is frequently referred to as Canela-cheirosa or Canela-de-cheiro, highlighting its distinctive aromatic qualities. Depending on the area, people may also call it Canela-fedorenta or Canela-ferrugem to describe its specific characteristics. Furthermore, the plant is sometimes known as Canela-imbuia, demonstrating the linguistic diversity used to identify it. This collection of common names underscores the significant cultural and regional importance of the species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Nectandra angustifolia is a taxonomically complex species that is recognized by several different scientific synonyms. Botanists have historically identified this plant under various names, including Nectandra falcifolia and Nectandra angustifolia var. falcifolia. Its diverse nomenclature also encompasses Nectandra laurel-hu and Nectandra megapotamica in various botanical records. Furthermore, the specific form Nectandra membranacea f. floribunda is frequently linked to this species within academic literature. Understanding these overlapping designations is essential for accurate classification and study within the genus.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Nectandra angustifolia belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of multicellular organisms. Within this realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida, highlighting its fundamental botanical structure. It further resides in the order Laurales, a group that shares distinct evolutionary characteristics. As a member of the genus Nectandra, it displays specialized traits unique to its immediate lineage. Finally, this plant is nested within the family Lauraceae, a well-known group that helps scientists understand its biological connections.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Laurales |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Genus | Nectandra |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Nectandra angustifolia is widely distributed across various regions of South America, showing a significant presence throughout the continent. In Brazil, this species can be found spanning from the Northeast to the Southeast, as well as across the South and West-Central territories. Its reach extends beyond Brazilian borders into the southern reaches of the continent. Specifically, the plant is known to inhabit the northeastern regions of Argentina. This broad geographic range highlights the plant's ability to thrive in diverse South American ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Nectandra angustifolia is a robust, self-supporting plant that takes the form of a tree. This species is characterized by its impressive vertical reach in the forest canopy. Depending on its specific environmental conditions, it can reach a maximum height of 20 meters. However, under optimal growth circumstances, these trees can eventually soar to a height of 30 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Nectandra angustifolia demonstrates significant potential in pharmacological research due to its diverse biological properties. Specifically, studies have highlighted that this species possesses notable antibacterial activity against various pathogens. Furthermore, the plant has also exhibited antiproliferative effects when tested against several human cancer cell lines. These findings suggest that the essential oils derived from the plant contain bioactive compounds of great medicinal interest. Consequently, this species serves as a promising natural source for the development of new therapeutic substances.
Compounds
Nectandra angustifolia is a plant species characterized by a diverse profile of chemical constituents found within its essential oils and extracts. Detailed analysis has revealed that this species contains alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, which contribute to its unique chemical characterization. Furthermore, the plant is known to contain bicyclogermacrene, adding to its complex molecular makeup. Beyond these terpenes, the species also hosts specific neolignans such as ganschisandrin and galgravin. Together, these various compounds highlight the significant medicinal potential inherent in the chemical composition of Nectandra angustifolia.
Conditions
Nectandra angustifolia exhibits significant medicinal potential through its diverse biological activities. The plant demonstrates the ability to treat Bothrops neuwiedi diporus snake venom by neutralizing its hemolytic and coagulant activities. Additionally, Nectandra megapotamica, a closely related species, shows antibacterial effectiveness against Bacteroides fragilis. This plant also displays antileishmanial activity against Leishmania amazonensis. Finally, its antiproliferative effects are evidenced by its interaction with HeLa human cervical adenocarcinoma and GM07429A normal cells.
Preparations
Nectandra angustifolia is prepared as various specialized substances including leaves extracts and essential oil. Scientific investigations have also utilized the plant as a crude ethanol extract to study its medicinal properties. Specifically, the species is processed as an ethanol extract to evaluate its ability to neutralize snake venom. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as an ethanolic extract of leaves for chemical analysis and testing. These different preparation methods allow for a comprehensive characterization of the plant's biological activities.
Parts used
Nectandra angustifolia utilizes its leaves as a primary source for extracting bioactive compounds and essential oils. Recent studies have focused on the medicinal potential of these leaf extracts, particularly regarding their ability to neutralize the venom of the Bothrops neuwiedi snake. Through the use of ethanol extracts and essential oils, researchers have successfully inhibited both the hemolytic and coagulant activities of the venom. Chemical analysis of the essential oil derived from the leaves has identified key components such as alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and limonene. These findings highlight the significant pharmacological importance of this plant species and its specific botanical parts in potential therapeutic applications.