Ocotea leucoxylon
Ocotea leucoxylon · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ocotea leucoxylon is a botanical species recognized for its unique chemical profile and medicinal potential. Research into this plant has identified key bioactive compounds, specifically dicentrine and dicentrinone. These specialized chemicals are often studied for their specific biological activities within various scientific frameworks. Scientists frequently utilize the crude extract of the plant to facilitate these complex chemical analyses. Understanding the properties of this species provides valuable insights into its diverse phytochemical composition.
- Synonyms
- Persea Leucoxylon · Oreodaphne Leucoxylon Var. Elongata · 14 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Ocotea leucoxylon is a versatile species known by several distinct common names depending on the region. It is frequently referred to as Black Cedar, Dockwood, or Duckwood in various botanical contexts. Some enthusiasts also recognize the plant as Laurel geo. In Trinidad and Tobago, it is specifically called Laurier Caca Poule, though it is also known simply as Cacaillo. These diverse naming conventions highlight the widespread recognition of this unique tree.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Ocotea leucoxylon is a botanical species that has been identified through various taxonomic classifications over time. Due to historical shifts in nomenclature, it is recognized by several important synonyms, including Cinnamomum parviflorum and Ocotea duotincta. Researchers have also cataloged the plant under different varieties of Laurus, such as Laurus exaltata var. lancifolia and Laurus leucoxylon. Additionally, the name Laurus parviflora appears in scientific literature as another synonym for this specific taxon. Understanding these various designations is essential for maintaining clarity in botanical studies and ecological research.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Ocotea leucoxylon is a distinctive biological entity that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Laurales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. This plant is a member of the genus Ocotea, a group known for its specific botanical characteristics. Ultimately, it is nested within the family Lauraceae, completing its complex taxonomic profile.
| 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 leucoxylon exhibits a broad geographical presence that spans across both North and South America. In North America, the species is widely distributed throughout various regions of Mexico, including the Central, Gulf, Southeast, and Southwest territories. This extensive coverage ensures the plant thrives across diverse Mexican landscapes. Beyond the northern continent, its reach extends deep into Southern America. Specifically, it can be found flourishing within the northern reaches of Brazil.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Ocotea leucoxylon is a self-supporting tree that establishes a sturdy presence within its ecosystem. This species typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 15 meters during its development. However, under certain environmental conditions, it can grow even larger to reach a height of up to 16.5 meters. As a standalone tree, its structural form provides essential stability and canopy cover.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Ocotea leucoxylon serves as a significant source of unique phytochemicals, specifically the aporphine alkaloids dicentrine and dicentrinone. Through a bioassay-directed fractionation approach, researchers identified these specific compounds within crude extracts of the plant. While both alkaloids were isolated, they exhibit distinct biological properties during testing. Notably, dicentrinone was identified as a major bioactive component that acts as an inhibitor of the human topoisomerase I enzyme. In contrast, the related compound dicentrine was found to be inactive in the same assays.
Conditions
Ocotea leucoxylon contains crude extracts that exhibit selective activity against DNA-damaging agents by inhibiting the enzyme topoisomerase I. Through bioassay-directed fractionation, researchers identified the major bioactive compound as the aporphine alkaloid dicentrinone. This specific compound demonstrated targeted bioactivity against the rad52 repair-deficient yeast strain during testing. Further biochemical studies confirmed that dicentrinone acts as an inhibitor of the recombinant human topoisomerase I enzyme. Ultimately, the plant's chemical properties allow for a mechanism of toxicity that distinguishes it from other known agents like camptothecin.
Preparations
Ocotea leucoxylon is prepared as a crude extract to facilitate the search for potential tumor inhibitors. This specific preparation demonstrated selective activity typical of topoisomerase I inhibitors during yeast assays for DNA-damaging agents. Researchers utilized a bioassay-directed fractionation approach on the crude extract to isolate its major bioactive components. Through this process, the aporphine alkaloid dicentrinone was identified as the primary compound responsible for the observed effects. The study ultimately confirmed that this extracted component acts as an inhibitor of the human topoisomerase I enzyme.