Picrasma quassioides
Picrasma quassioides · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Picrasma quassioides is a versatile botanical species known for containing bioactive compounds such as 4,5-dimethoxycanthin-6-one, 5-hydroxy-4-methoxycanthin-6-one, Annuionone H, and dehydrocrenatidine. Derived from the stem, leaf, and fruit, various preparations including 95% EtOH extracts and dried stems are utilized for their medicinal potential. The plant exhibits significant biological activities, serving as an amebicide, anthelmintic, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. Research highlights its pharmacological importance in addressing conditions like cancer through apoptosis induction and its efficacy against bacteria. Additionally, its antiandrogenic and antialopeic properties make it a subject of interest for diverse therapeutic applications.
- Synonyms
- Picrasma Quassioides Var. Glabrescens · Simaba Quassioides · 9 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Simaroubaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Stem · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Picrasma quassioides is a plant recognized by a diverse array of names across different cultures and languages. In Czech, it is known by the common names horkavec kvasiovitý and hořčina hořkoňová. Its global presence is further reflected in various regional terminologies used in Asia. For instance, it is referred to as ku shu and shurni in certain contexts. Additionally, the plant is frequently identified by the name nigaki, highlighting its widespread botanical identity.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Picrasma quassioides is a botanical species known to be associated with several different taxonomic synonyms. It is frequently identified in various scientific literatures as Nima quassioides or Picrasma ailanthoides. Furthermore, the plant is linked to the specific variety known as Picrasma ailanthoides var. dasycarpa. Other recognized names for this species include Picrasma japonica and the form Picrasma quassioides f. dasycarpa. Understanding these overlapping designations is essential for accurate botanical classification and research.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Picrasma quassioides is a unique botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized into the order Sapindales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. This species resides within the genus Picrasma, distinguishing it from other related plants. Finally, its taxonomic placement is completed by its membership in the family Simaroubaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus | Picrasma |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Picrasma quassioides is a plant species widely distributed across various temperate regions of Asia. Within China, its presence is particularly notable, spanning from the North-Central territories to the Southeast. The species also thrives in the South-Central provinces, showcasing a broad adaptability to different climates. Its range extends northward into the Manchuria region, demonstrating a significant longitudinal reach. Additionally, the plant can be found as far south as the island of Hainan, completing its diverse geographic footprint.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Picrasma quassioides is a self-supporting plant that takes the form of a tree. It grows with a sturdy structure, reaching a maximum height of 10 meters. This distinctive growth habit makes it a notable feature in its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Picrasma quassioides is a plant of significant pharmacological interest due to its diverse biological properties. Research indicates that this species possesses notable antitumor activity, which can be predicted through advanced chemometric fingerprinting methods. Specifically, studies have utilized mass defect filters and regression models to identify the active alkaloids responsible for these therapeutic effects. Furthermore, the plant contains various quassinoids that are evaluated for their potential cytotoxic and NO production-inhibitory activities. Understanding these chemical relationships is essential for advancing the development of new medicinal compounds derived from its stems.
Compounds
Picrasma quassioides is a medicinal plant known to contain a diverse array of bioactive chemical constituents. Among its many components, the canthinone alkaloid 5-Hydroxy-4-methoxycanthin-6-one plays a significant role in its pharmacological profile. Research into the plant's twigs and leaves has also identified the presence of the norsesquiterpenoid annuionone H. Furthermore, the plant yields the beta-carboline alkaloid dehydrocrenatidine, which has shown potential in inhibiting cancer cell metastasis. Finally, the dried stems of the species are a source of several quassinoids, including kumulactone F and kumulactone G.
Conditions
Picrasma quassioides contains compounds that treat the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama through potent insecticidal activity. The plant also demonstrates an inhibitory effect against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. Its derivatives, such as dehydrocrenatidine, effectively treat cancer metastasis by decreasing MMP-2 expression. Additionally, specific quassinoids from the plant provide neuroprotective treatment for SH-SY5Y cells that have been pretreated by H2O2. Finally, the leaves of Picrasma quassioides exhibit significant anthelmintic activity.
Preparations
Picrasma quassioides is prepared as dried stems to isolate various quassinoids. These stems can also be processed as a 95% EtOH extract to identify specific chemical compounds. The plant is further utilized as a medicinal extract for the treatment of inflammation through its characteristic alkaloids. Additionally, Picrasma quassioides is prepared as a medicated serum to study its inhibitory effects on hepatocellular carcinoma. These diverse preparation methods allow for the investigation of the plant's various biological and pharmacological activities.
Parts used
Picrasma quassioides is a versatile medicinal plant that contains a diverse array of bioactive chemical constituents across its various anatomical parts. Scientific investigations have successfully isolated numerous quassinoids from the plant's stems, which are often utilized for their neuroprotective and insecticidal properties. The leaves of the species also provide a rich source of quassinoids and offer unique antimicrobial and anthelmintic activities. Additionally, the relatively understudied fruits have been found to yield potent compounds effective against the larvae of the citrus pest Diaphorina citri. By exploring the stems, leaves, and fruits of this plant, researchers continue to uncover new potential for developing plant-derived insecticides and therapeutic agents.