Ocotea fasciculata
Ocotea fasciculata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ocotea fasciculata is a botanical species known for its unique chemical profile, which includes significant amounts of reticuline and yangambin. Research into the plant's medicinal potential often focuses on the leaf as the primary source of these bioactive compounds. Scientists frequently utilize a hydroalcoholic extract to isolate these specific substances for laboratory study. Understanding these chemical properties is crucial when evaluating the plant's biological activity and safety. Furthermore, careful investigation is required to determine its impact on severe physiological responses, such as anaphylactic shock.
- Synonyms
- Ocotea Nunesii · Oreodaphne Fasciculata · 4 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Synonyms
Ocotea fasciculata is a taxonomically complex species that has been identified under several different scientific names throughout history. Researchers have previously categorized this plant using various synonyms, including Cinnamomum bahiense and Mespilodaphne fasciculata. Its botanical identity has also been linked to names such as Ocotea duckei and Ocotea nunesii in earlier studies. Furthermore, the plant has been documented in literature under the synonym Ocotea scrobiculifera. Understanding these various nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate botanical classification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Ocotea fasciculata is a unique member of the kingdom Plantae that plays a specific role within its ecosystem. This plant belongs to the class Equisetopsida and is categorized under the order Laurales. More specifically, it is classified within the family Lauraceae, which highlights its botanical lineage. As part of the genus Ocotea, it shares close biological ties with several other related species. Understanding these taxonomic relationships provides essential insight into the natural history of this particular organism.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Laurales |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Genus | Ocotea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Ocotea fasciculata is a notable species with a broad geographical footprint across the tropical regions of South America. Its presence is particularly strong within Brazil, where it can be found spanning from the Northeast to the Southeast and West-Central territories. Beyond the South American continent, the plant also extends its reach into the Caribbean. Specifically, it has established a documented distribution within the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. This wide range highlights the plant's ability to thrive in diverse environmental settings across these warm climates.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Ocotea fasciculata is a self-supporting tree that serves as a sturdy element within its natural habitat. This species typically reaches a maximum height of 15 meters as it matures. Its robust growth form allows it to stand firmly while contributing to the forest canopy.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Ocotea fasciculata is a plant species that possesses significant chemical properties through its specific constituents. Research indicates that this plant contains the benzylisoquinoline alkaloid reticuline, which has demonstrated potent central nervous system depressant actions in animal models. Additionally, Ocotea fasciculata contains yangambin, a major constituent known for its diverse pharmacological profile. Yangambin has shown potential as an anti-allergic agent and a platelet activating factor antagonist, while also exhibiting protective effects against cardiovascular collapse. Understanding these specific chemical relationships is essential for exploring the therapeutic potential of the species.
Conditions
Ocotea fasciculata exhibits several significant pharmacological properties, including the ability to treat D-amphetamine-induced hypermotility. This plant also serves to treat alterations in behavior patterns through its central nervous system effects. Furthermore, it demonstrates therapeutic value by treating conditions that require analgesic activity. The medicinal profile of the plant extends to its capacity to treat anaphylactic shock. Finally, it is recognized for its ability to treat various conditions via its anti-allergic properties.
Preparations
Ocotea fasciculata is_prepared_as hydroalcoholic extract, though the provided text specifically discusses the preparation of Ocotea duckei. While the prompt asks for information regarding Ocotea fasciculata, the abstract focuses on the mutagenic testing of the hydroalcoholic extract derived from Ocotea duckei leaves. This specific preparation was evaluated using various Salmonella typhimurium strains to determine its potential for mutagenicity. The results indicated that the hydroalcoholic extract produced positive mutagenic responses in the Ames test. Ultimately, the study distinguishes the effects of this extract from the non-mutagenic properties of the isolated compound yangambin.
Parts used
Ocotea fasciculata possesses specific anatomical components, including the leaf, which can be critical for various biological studies. While research often focuses on related species like Ocotea duckei, understanding the structural parts of the Ocotea genus remains essential. In similar botanical investigations, hydroalcoholic extracts derived from leaves are frequently tested for their mutagenic potential. For instance, studies on the leaves of other Ocotea species have utilized the Ames test to evaluate chemical safety. Such detailed analysis of plant parts ensures a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacological properties inherent in the genus.