Polyalthia obliqua
Polyalthia obliqua · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Polyalthia obliqua is a significant medicinal plant known for its diverse therapeutic potential in traditional medicine. Research focusing on the leaf components has identified key bioactive compounds such as Friedelin and Stigmasta-4-en-3,6-dione. To isolate these essential constituents, scientists often utilize an ethanol extract to ensure high solubility and potency. This specific preparation allows for a concentrated study of the plant's chemical profile and biological activities. Understanding these chemical markers is crucial for advancing the pharmacological applications of this species.
- Synonyms
- Goniothalamus Lanceolatus · Polyalthia Similis · 5 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Annonaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Polyalthia obliqua is a distinctive plant known by several different local names depending on the region. In certain areas, it is commonly referred to as 沙煲暗罗. It is also widely recognized by the name 滑桃 among local communities. These various names highlight the diverse linguistic connections people have with this specific species. Understanding these common names can be essential for identifying the plant in different cultural contexts.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Polyalthia obliqua is a botanical subject frequently identified through a diverse array of taxonomic synonyms. Scientific literature often refers to this species as Goniothalamus lanceolatus or Phaeanthus lanceolatus depending on the classification system used. It is also recognized under the name Polyalthia consanguinea, including the specific variety Polyalthia consanguinea var. laichauensis. Furthermore, researchers may encounter this plant labeled as Polyalthia lopadantha in various herbarium records. Navigating these overlapping names is essential for ensuring accuracy when studying the plant's complex botanical relationships.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Polyalthia obliqua is a distinctive species belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this expansive biological realm, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Magnoliales, reflecting its evolutionary lineage. It serves as a member of the genus Polyalthia, a grouping that defines its unique structural characteristics. Finally, this species is nested within the family Annonaceae, marking its place in the diverse world of flowering plants.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Annonaceae |
| Genus | Polyalthia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Polyalthia obliqua exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across various Asian climates and regions. In temperate zones, the species can be found specifically within China and the Hainan province. Its tropical distribution is equally extensive, covering significant portions of the Indian Subcontinent, including Assam, Bangladesh, and the East Himalaya. Furthermore, the plant extends its reach into the Indo-China region, with documented presence in Vietnam. This broad distribution highlights the species' adaptability to both temperate and tropical environments throughout Asia.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Polyalthia obliqua is a self-supporting tree characterized by its sturdy and upright growth form. This species typically reaches a maximum height of 10 meters as it matures. Its structural stability makes it a reliable addition to diverse landscapes.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Polyalthia obliqua serves as a significant source of diverse chemical compounds within the lanostane triterpenoid family. During the analysis of ethanol extracts from its branches and leaves, researchers successfully isolated several notable substances. Among these identified components, the plant was found to contain the specific triterpenoid known as friedelin. This discovery was made alongside the identification of two previously unknown compounds and several other known derivatives. Ultimately, these findings provide a foundation for testing the antibacterial potential of the various compounds found within the species.
Conditions
Preparations
Polyalthia obliqua is prepared as an ethanol extract to facilitate the isolation of specific chemical compounds. This extraction process was applied to both the branches and the leaves of the plant. Through this method, researchers successfully identified two new lanostane triterpenoids alongside four known triterpenoids. The resulting ethanol extract served as the primary source for these diverse bioactive molecules. Consequently, the preparation of the extract was essential for conducting subsequent spectroscopic analysis and antibacterial testing.
Parts used
Polyalthia obliqua serves as a rich source of diverse chemical compounds, particularly within its various biological structures. Researchers have successfully isolated several lanostane triterpenoids from the plant's branches and leaves. Specifically, the leaf of Polyalthia obliqua contains unique substances such as 20-hydroxyeuphorbol-7-one and 15α-hydroxyeuphorbol-7,11-dione. These new compounds were identified through detailed spectroscopic analysis and compared against known triterpenoids. Furthermore, testing has demonstrated that both the newly discovered and existing compounds possess significant antibacterial activities.