Pachylobus edulis
Pachylobus edulis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Pachylobus edulis is a medicinal plant recognized for its significant antioxidant and antiplasmodial activities. The leaves and fruits of this species contain vital chemical compounds, including flavonoids, kaur-15-ene, and saponins. Researchers utilize various preparations, such as aqueous, ethanolic, and hexane extracts, to study its therapeutic potential. These botanical extracts are being investigated for their ability to combat serious conditions like malaria, obesity, AIDS, and breast cancer. Consequently, this plant represents a promising subject in the search for new pharmacological treatments.
- Synonyms
- Pachylobus Edulis Var. Preussii · Pachylobus Saphu · 8 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Burseraceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Pachylobus edulis is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional names across different cultures. It is widely recognized by its common names, such as Atanga and Safou, which highlight its importance in various local diets. In certain areas, people also refer to this species as Ube or the eben tree. Furthermore, the plant is identified as safu jedlé in specific linguistic contexts. This variety of nomenclature reflects the global reach and cultural significance of the species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Pachylobus edulis is a taxonomically complex species that is frequently identified by several different scientific names. Within botanical literature, it is commonly recognized by its synonym Canarium edule. The plant is also linked to various other classifications, including Canarium mansfeldianum and Canarium mubafo. Furthermore, researchers often refer to it using the names Canarium saphu or Dacryodes edulis. Understanding these diverse synonyms is essential for accurately identifying the species across different studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Pachylobus edulis is a distinct member of the kingdom Plantae. This botanical specimen is classified under the class Equisetopsida and belongs to the order Sapindales. Within this order, the plant is specifically situated in the family Burseraceae. It is further identified by its unique classification within the genus Pachylobus. Through these systematic relationships, the plant's precise position in the natural world is clearly defined.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Burseraceae |
| Genus | Pachylobus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Pachylobus edulis is widely distributed across several key regions of the African continent. Within South Tropical Africa, this plant can be found thriving in both Angola and Zambia. Its presence extends into West Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Nigeria. Furthermore, the species occupies portions of West-Central Tropical Africa, including Cabinda. Finally, its range encompasses the lush environments of Cameroon, highlighting its diverse tropical habitat.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Pachylobus edulis is a distinguished tree species characterized by its robust, self-supporting growth form. This plant establishes a commanding presence in its environment, reaching significant vertical proportions. While specific measurements can vary, its height typically spans a range starting from approximately 9.14 meters. Some specimens are known to grow even larger, with certain individuals reaching heights of 20 meters or more. Ultimately, this tree serves as a substantial structural element within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Pachylobus edulis, also known as Dacryodes edulis, possesses significant medicinal properties that are increasingly recognized in scientific literature. Research has demonstrated that this plant exhibits notable antioxidant activity, which contributes to its traditional use in managing various health conditions. Furthermore, studies investigating the Cameroonian pharmacopoeia highlight its potent antiplasmodial potential. This specific activity makes the species a promising natural alternative for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Ultimately, the diverse biological activities of this plant suggest it could serve as a vital resource for developing new therapeutic agents.
Compounds
Pachylobus edulis, also known as Dacryodes edulis, is a plant rich in a diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals. Detailed screenings have confirmed that the plant contains significant amounts of flavonoids and saponins. Furthermore, the presence of tannins contributes to its complex chemical profile. Research into its exudates also reveals that it serves as a good source of the water-soluble vitamin ascorbic acid. Additionally, chemical analysis through GC-MS has identified the presence of Kaur-15-ene, highlighting the plant's potential for pharmaceutical applications.
Conditions
Pachylobus edulis is not mentioned in the provided abstracts, which instead focus on the medicinal properties of Dacryodes edulis. The research indicates that Dacryodes edulis possesses anti-diabetic and hypolipidaemic activities, specifically showing the potential to manage diabetes. Furthermore, the leaves of Dacryodes edulis demonstrate significant antiplasmodial activity, supporting its use in the treatment of malaria. This plant also shows promise in managing obesity and noncommunicable diseases through its nutritional and functional properties. Finally, aqueous extracts of Dacryodes edulis leaves have been shown to inhibit tumor growth in models of 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced breast cancer.
Preparations
Pachylobus edulis is prepared as various extracts to facilitate scientific study. These preparations specifically include hexane extracts used for testing metabolic potentials. Additionally, the plant is processed into leaf extracts to examine its phytochemical properties. Researchers also utilize aqueous and ethanolic extracts when evaluating its medicinal activities. Furthermore, the barks of Pachylobus edulis are prepared as a specific source for botanical analysis.
Parts used
Pachylobus edulis, also known as Dacryodes edulis, is a versatile medicinal plant that offers significant therapeutic potential through its various anatomical components. Research indicates that the leaves of this species possess potent antiproliferative properties that can inhibit the growth of estrogen-dependent breast tumors. Additionally, leaf extracts have demonstrated remarkable antiplasmodial activity, making the plant a promising candidate for malaria treatment. Beyond its foliage, the fruit of the plant provides further medicinal benefits, specifically through hexane extracts that exhibit anti-diabetic and hypolipidaemic effects. Together, these findings highlight how both the leaves and fruit of the species serve as vital natural resources for managing diverse health conditions.