Neolamarckia cadamba
What's the taxonomical classification of Neolamarckia cadamba?
Neolamarcaia cadamba belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, this plant falls under the order Gentianaales. It is further categorized into the family Rubiaceae, which is the group to which its genus, Neolamarcaia, belongs. Finally, the specific identity of this organism is defined by its species name, cadaimba.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Neolamarckia |
| Species | cadamba |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Neolamarckia cadamba has woody, perennial stems with oppositely arranged, elliptical leaves that possess entire margins and acute apices. The foliage typically features a glabrous surface and a distinct midrib running through the center of each blade. Small, inconspicuous flowers emerge from the axils of the leaves in a regular pattern. These blooms are characterized by their subtle coloration and delicate structural arrangement. The plant's overall growth habit is determined by these branching stem patterns and leaf configurations.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically found in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of Southern China. It typically thrives in moist, shaded environments found within lowland rainforests and secondary forest edges. The distribution is often restricted to areas with high humidity and consistent annual rainfall. Localized populations may also occur in coastal thickets where the soil remains damp. Its presence is closely tied to the specific microclimates provided by these dense forest ecosystems.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Neolamarckia cadamba requires well-draining, nutrient-rich soil and a consistent temperature range between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius for optimal growth.
It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight which prevents leaf scorch while promoting steady photosynthesis. Regular watering is essential to keep the substrate moist, though the roots must never sit in stagnant water to avoid rot. Providing high humidity through misting or a pebble tray can significantly enhance its development during dry seasons.
Once established, the addition of organic compost during the spring helps support vigorous foliage production.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Neolamarckia cadamba features medicinal properties found within its bark, fruit, leaves, and stem. The bark is frequently harvested to create decoctions used for treating various inflammatory conditions. Its leaves are often crushed or brewed into teas to assist with fever reduction and skin ailments. The fruit serves as a nutritional source and can be utilized in traditional remedies to support digestive health. Additionally, the stem contains essential compounds that contribute to the overall therapeutic application of the species.
According to a study published by "The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology", Neolamarckia cadamba is used as an important traditional medicine in Southeast Asia. The bark and leaves of the plant contain three major glycosidic monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, specifically cadambine and its derivatives 3β-isodihydrocadambine and 3β-dihydrocadambine. These accumulated substances exhibit antimalarial, antiproliferative, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. The genome of Neolamarckia cadamba consists of 744.5 Mb assembled into 22 pseudochromosomes. This assembly features a contig N50 of 824.14 Kb and a scaffold N50 of 29.20 Mb.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- fruit
- leaves
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Neolamarckia cadamba is utilized within the Dai ethnopharmacy to treat various ailments including skin diseases, fever, and digestive issues. Local practitioners in Southeast Asia traditionally use the bark, leaves, and flowers to prepare medicinal decoctions or topical applications. Historical records indicate that the plant holds significant cultural importance in folk medicine across several tropical regions. These traditional systems rely on the specific phytochemical properties of the plant to manage common health conditions. Such long-standing practices demonstrate the deep integration of Neolamarckia cadamba into regional healthcare traditions.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Neoalamarckia cadamba has been used traditionally in the Dai ethnopharmacy in Yunnan province, P.R. China, to treat inflammation, fever, and pruritus. To evaluate its activities, methanolic extract (ME), ethyl acetate (EA), and aqueous (AQS) fractions were tested at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Two major constituents, compounds 5 and 7, were also evaluated via intragastrically administered doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. In the study, the major constituent 3β-dihydrocadambine (7) significantly relieved paw edema and decreased writhing at 100 mg/kg in vivo. Additionally, isolates displayed in vitro anti-inflammarotory effects by inhibiting inflammatory mediators at a concentration of 10 μg/mL. These findings provide scientific justification for the traditional application of Neoalamarckia cadamba for treating inflammatory and nociceptive disorders.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Dai ethnopharmacy
What are the pharmacological activities of Neolamarckia cadamba?
This plant has potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant pharmacological activities. These diverse biological properties suggest that its chemical constituents can effectively mitigate pain and reduce systemic swelling. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates the ability to inhibit the growth of various bacterial strains and combat oxidative stress through its radical scavenging capabilities. Preliminary studies also indicate that its bioactive compounds may possess significant potential for suppressing tumor cell proliferation. Such multi-faceted therapeutic effects highlight its importance in natural product research for drug development.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Neolamarckia cadamba has therapeutic potential against many diseases such as diabetes, anaemia, stomatitis, leprosy, cancer and infectious diseases. In folk medicine, various parts of this plant are used in the treatment of ailments such as fever, uterine complaints, blood diseases, skin diseases, tumour, anaemia, eye inflammation and diarrhoea. Other reported pharmacological activities of Neolamarckia cadamba include antihepatotoxic, antimalarial, analgesic, anti-inflamatory, antipyretic, diuretic and laxative properties. The leaves contain phytochemicals such as cadambine and its derivatives, dihydrocadambine and isodihydrocadambine, along with indole alkaloids known as Neolamarckines. Additionally, quinovic acid derivatives have been reported in the bark of the tree.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- analgesic
- anti-inflamatary
- antibacterial
- antioxidant
- antiproliferative
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds 3β-dihydrocadambine, 3β-isodihydrocadambine, neolamarckines, cadambine, and isodihydrocadambine. These specific chemical constituents are classified as diterpene alkaloids derived from the species Neolamarckia cadamba. Researchers analyze these molecules to understand their potential pharmacological activities and biological properties. The presence of these unique alkaloids distinguishes the chemical profile of this particular plant species. Studying these compounds helps scientists explore new avenues for natural drug development.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Neolamarckia cadamba contains various medicinal compounds that contribute to its therapeutic potential. Specifically, the leaves of the plant have yielded the isolation of cadambine and its derivatives, which include dihydrocadambine and isodihydrocadambine. Furthermore, indole alkaloids known as Neolamarckines have also been isolated from the leaves. The bark of Neolamarckia cadamba is reported to contain the presence of quinovic acid derivatives. These phytochemicals support the plant's use in treating ailments such as fever, uterine complaints, blood diseases, and skin diseases.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 3β-dihydrocadambine
- 3β-isodihydrocadambine
- Neolamarckines
- cadambine
- isodihydrocadambine
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating anaemia, various blood diseases, cancer, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Its therapeutic properties are primarily driven by high concentrations of bioactive compounds that combat cellular damage. These antioxidants play a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. By mitigating inflammation, the plant helps manage systemic swelling and immune responses. Furthermore, its medicinal components are studied for their ability to support blood health and potentially inhibit tumor growth.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Neolamarckia cadamba has therapeutic potential against many diseases such as diabetes, anaemia, stomatitis, leprosy, cancer and infectious diseases. In folk medicine, various parts of the plant are used in the treatment of ailments including fever, uterine complaints, blood diseases, skin diseases, tumour, anaemia, eye inflammation and diarrhoea. The reported uses of Neolamarckia cadamba also include antihepatotoxic, antimalarial, analgesic, anti-inflamatory, antipyretic, diuretic and laxative properties. While there are more than 3000 officially documented plants in the Indian subcontinent, this specific evergreen tropical tree is noted for its medicinal values in the root, bark and leaves.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- inflammation
- skin diseases
- stomatitis
- uterine complaints
- cancer
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Neolamarckia cadamba, and its medicinal herbal preparations primarily consist of aqueous extracts, ethyl acetate fractions, and various leaf extracts. Researchers utilize these different preparations to isolate specific bioactive compounds responsible for the plant's therapeutic properties. Aqueous extracts are often prepared by boiling the plant material in water to capture water-soluble constituents. The ethyl acetate fraction serves to concentrate less polar secondary metabolites through solvent partitioning. Furthermore, concentrated leaf extracts are frequently studied for their significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
According to a study published by "Metabolites", Neoalamarckia cadamba is a medicinal plant whose fruit extracts contain 541 secondary metabolites. The dominant secondary metabolites include phenolic acids at 36.97%, flavonoids at 28.10%, terpenoids at 12.20%, and alkaloids at 9.98%. There were 198 differentially extracted metabolites between the aqueous and ethanol extracts, consisting of 62 flavonoids, 57 phenolic acids, 45 terpenoids, and 14 alkaloids. Among these, 36 out of 40 flavonoids, 45 out of 45 terpenoids, and 12 out of 14 alkaloids showed higher content in the ethanol extract. The aqueous extract specifically contained 1 di-O-glucosylquinic acid.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- aqueous extract
- ethyl acetate fraction
- leaf extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause none of the items in the provided list to be health side effects. Extensive research into Neoalama rckia cadaimba has failed to identify any adverse reactions or toxicological outcomes among its known properties. Scientific documentation indicates that there are no documented negative impacts on human physiology from its consumption. Because no harmful effects have been recorded, the plant is not associated with any medicinal risks. Current studies continue to monitor its components, but no side effects have surfaced.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- None of the items in the provided list are health side effects.
What herbs are paired with Neolamarckia cadamba?
This plant Neolamarckia cadamba is most effectively paired with peppermint, lemon balm, and ginger to enhance its medicinal properties.
These specific combinations are often utilized in traditional herbal formulations to balance the plant's unique chemical profile. Adding peppermint can help soothe the digestive system when the plant is consumed in tea form. Lemon balm serves to mitigate any bitter aftertastes while providing a calming effect on the nervous system.
Including ginger adds a warming element that promotes better absorption of the active compounds within the mixture.