Picrasma javanica
What's the taxonomical classification of Picrasma javanica?
Picrasma javanica belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the taxonomic order Sapindales. This plant is further categorized into the family Simaroubaceae and is situated within the genus Picrasma, ultimately reaching its specific designation as the species javanica.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus | Picrasma |
| Species | javanica |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Picrasma javanica has pinnately compound leaves that typically consist of 7 to 15 leaflets arranged oppositely along a central rachis. These leaflets are elliptical or lanceolate in shape and possess entire or slightly serrated margins. The plant is a deciduous tree that produces small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers in terminal panicles. Its fruit is a fleshy, globose drupe that transitions to a yellowish or brownish color upon maturity. The bark is generally greyish and smooth, providing a structural contrast to the dense foliage.
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 like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It typically inhabits lowland areas and thrives in moist, shaded environments such as evergreen forests and riverbanks. The species is often distributed along the edges of tropical rainforests where it can access adequate moisture. Its range is primarily concentrated within the humid zones of the Indochina peninsula and the Malay Archipelago. This specific ecological niche helps maintain its population across various island and mainland habitats.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Picrasma javanica grows best in moist, well-drained soils within subtropical or temperate forest environments where it can access partial shade.
Cultivators should ensure the soil remains consistently damp but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Propagation is typically achieved through seeds or stem cuttings during the active growing season. Because it thrives in shaded understories, it requires protection from intense, direct sunlight which can scorch its foliage.
Regular monitoring for pests and maintaining organic mulch around the base will support healthy development.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant, Picrasma javanica, utilizes its bark, leaves, seeds, stem, and wood for various medicinal applications. The bitter bark and stem are frequently harvested to extract compounds used in treating intestinal parasites and digestive issues. Its leaves are often processed into decoctions to help reduce fever or manage inflammatory conditions. The seeds contain concentrated bitter principles that act as potent emetics or stomachic agents. Additionally, the wood can be utilized in traditional preparations to address systemic ailments.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural medicines", the bark and wood of Picrasma javanica are used for medicinal purposes. Quassinoids were previously isolated from the bark collected in Myanmar to report antiproliferative activities. During a phytochemical investigation of the CHCl3 soluble portion of the MeOH extract of the wood, two new quassinoids, (16R)-methoxyjavanicin B (1) and (16S)-methoxyjavanicin B (2), and seven known compounds (3-9) were isolated. Compound 8 showed moderate activities against the human lung (A549), breast (MCF7), and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 48.6 to 65.9 μM. Additionally, compounds 1 and 2 demonstrated the highest antibacterial activities against B. subtilis with an MIC value of 1.6 μM each, while 5 and 3 had MIC values of 3.1 and 6.3 μM, respectively.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- leaves
- seeds
- stem
- wood
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Picrasma javanica, has been traditionally used in East Asian medicine as a potent bitter tonic and anthelmintic to treat intestinal parasites and digestive ailments.
Its intense bitterness is attributed to high concentrations of quassinoids, which were historically utilized to stimulate appetite and improve metabolic function. In various regional folk practices, the root bark was decocted into a medicine to address fevers and inflammatory conditions. Local healers also applied its extracts topically to manage skin infections and minor wounds.
These historical applications highlight its long-standing role as a multipurpose botanical remedy in traditional pharmacopoeias.
What are the pharmacological activities of Picrasma javanica?
This plant has antibacterial, antiproliferative, and cytotoxic pharmacological activities that make it a subject of significant medicinal interest. Its antibacterial properties allow it to inhibit the growth of various pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates antiproliferative effects by preventing the uncontrolled multiplication of certain cell types. These actions are closely linked to its observed cytotoxicity, which can lead to programmed cell death in specific target cells. Such biological mechanisms suggest potential applications in developing new therapeutic agents for infectious diseases and cancer management.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural medicines", Picrasma javanica wood contains two new quassinoids, (16R)-methoxyjavanicin B (1) and (16S)-methoxyjavanicin B (2), as well as seven known compounds (3-9). Cytotoxicity assays showed that compound 8 exhibited moderate activities against the human lung (A549), breast (MCF7), and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines and the normal fibroblast cell line, with IC50 values ranging from 48.6 to 65.9 μM. In antibacterial assays against the Gram-positive bacterium B. subtilis, compounds 1 and 2 demonstrated the highest activities with an MIC value of 1.6 μM each. Additionally, compounds 5 and 3 showed MIC values of 3.1 and 6.3 μM, respectively. Previous research also reported antiproliferative activities from quassinoids isolated from the bark of the plant.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antibacterial
- antibacterial activity
- antiproliferative
- cytotoxiicity
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several medicinal compounds including (16R)-methoxyjavanicin B, (16S)-methoxyjavanicin B, javaniciins A, javaniciins C, and picrasane quassinoids. These specific chemical constituents are classified as highly specialized limonoids known for their biological activity. The presence of picrasane quassinoids is particularly significant due to their unique structural framework. Researchers often study the javaniciins A and C for their potential therapeutic properties in pharmacological applications. Additionally, the stereoisomers (16R)-methoxyjavanicin B and (16S)-methoxyjavanicin B provide important insights into the plant's complex chemical profile.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural medicines", two new quassinoids, (16R)-methoxyjavanicin B (1) and (16S)-methoxyjavanicin B (2), were isolated from the CHCl3 soluble portion of the MeOH extract of Picrasma javanica wood along with 7 known compounds (3-9). A cytotoxicity assay showed that compound 8 had moderate activities against the human lung (A549), breast (MCF7), and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines, as well as the normal fibroblast cell line, with IC50 values ranging from 48.6 to 65.9 μM. In an antibacterial assay against the Gram-positive bacterium B. subtilis, compounds 1 and 2 demonstrated the highest activities with a MIC value of 1.6 μM each. This study also reported that compounds 5 and 3 followed with MIC values of 3.1 and 6.3 μM, respectively.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- (16R)-methoxyjavanicin B
- (16S)-methoxyjavanicin B
- javaniciins A
- javaniciins C
- javaniciins D
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating various forms of cancer including breast cancer, cervical cancer, and lung cancer, as well as combating B. subtilis infection. Researchers study its bioactive compounds to determine how they might inhibit tumor growth and cell proliferation. The chemical properties of the plant show potential in targeting specific malignant cells within the human body. Its antimicrobial properties are also being investigated for their effectiveness against bacterial pathogens like B. subtilis. These therapeutic applications highlight the plant's significance in ethnopharmacology and modern medical research.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural medicines", Picrasma javanica contains compounds with various biological activities. The plant's bark has been reported for its antiproliferative activities. During the investigation of the wood, compound 8 showed moderate activities against cancer cell lines including human lung (A549), breast (MCF7), and cervical (HeLa) cells, with IC50 values ranging from 48.6 to 65.9 μM. Additionally, antibacterial assays showed that compounds 1 and 2 had the highest activities against the Gram-positive bacterium B. subtilis with an MIC value of 1.6 μM each. Other compounds 5 and 3 also demonstrated activity against B. subtilis with MIC values of 3.1 and 6.3 μM, respectively.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- breast cancer
- cancer
- cervical cancer
- lung cancer
- B. subtilis infection
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Picrasma javanica, which is used to create medicinal herbal preparations including methanol extracts of leaves. These extracts are valued for their high concentration of bitter principles like quassinoids. Practitioners often utilize these compounds to stimulate digestion and treat various gastrointestinal ailments. The specific chemical profile of the leaf extract makes it a potent agent in traditional pharmacology. Careful processing is required to harness its therapeutic benefits while managing its intense bitterness.
According to a study published by "Fitoterapia", methanol extracts of Picrasma javanica were obtained from the leaves, seeds, stem and root barks. These extracts were partitioned using 4 different solvents, which were petrol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanol. All obtained extracts and fractions showed a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. However, none of the extracts or fractions was active against the tested moulds.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- methanol extracts of leaves
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe gastrointestinal distress including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain due to its potent bitter compounds. These symptoms often lead to significant gastric irritation as the plant interacts with the digestive lining. Such intense physical reactions can quickly result in dehydration if fluid loss is not managed. Furthermore, individuals may experience dizziness as a systemic response to these internal disturbances. Careful avoidance is necessary to prevent these various adverse health effects.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Gastric irritation
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
What herbs are paired with Picrasma javanica?
This plant, Picrasma javanica, is most effectively paired with bitter herbs like Gentiana lutea or Coptis chinensis to enhance its purgative and digestive properties.
These combinations work synergistically to stimulate bile production and support liver detoxification processes. Practitioners often mix the dried root with warming spices such as ginger or cinnamon to mitigate the intense bitterness and reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Such pairings are frequently utilized in traditional formulations aimed at treating intestinal parasites and chronic constipation.
Using these specific complementary herbs helps balance the plant's potent physiological effects.