Polylepis racemosa
Polylepis racemosa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Polylepis racemosa is a botanical species that has garnered scientific interest due to its diverse chemical composition. Research focusing on the stem and bark preparations has revealed the presence of several significant bioactive compounds. These include 2-oxopomolic acid, 3-O-acetylpomolic acid, pomolic acid, and ursolic acid. Investigations into these bark and stem extracts have specifically highlighted their potential cytotoxic activities. Consequently, the plant serves as a valuable subject for studying natural substances with medicinal implications.
- Synonyms
- Polylepis Incana Subsp. Micranthera · Polylepis Incana Var. Primovestita · 4 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Common Names
Polylepis racemosa is a remarkable tree species known by several different common names depending on the region. It is frequently referred to as Queuña, a name that captures its essential identity in local landscapes. Depending on regional dialects and phonetic variations, it may also be called Cceuña or Quiñuar. Some communities prefer the spelling queñua to denote this unique high-altitude flora. Regardless of the specific term used, these names all point to the same vital botanical entity.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Polylepis racemosa is a complex species that is frequently associated with several botanical synonyms. Taxonomic literature identifies it as being closely related to Polylepis incana subsp. icosandra and Polylepis incana subsp. micranthera. Furthermore, the plant is linked to various other forms, including Polylepis incana var. connectens and Polylepis incana var. primovestita. It is also recognized under the synonym Polylepis villosa in certain scientific contexts. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for accurate botanical classification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Polylepis racemosa is a remarkable species belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is a member of the order Rosales, which connects it to many other significant flowering species. It further belongs to the diverse family Rosaceae, showcasing its botanical lineage. Ultimately, this species is defined by its placement within the specific genus Polylepis.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Polylepis |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Polylepis racemosa is a notable plant species primarily found within the diverse landscapes of Southern America. Its distribution spans across the rugged terrains of Western South America, where it plays a vital role in the local ecosystem. Specifically, this species can be located throughout the high-altitude regions of Bolivia. It also maintains a significant presence within the borders of Ecuador. Furthermore, the plant's range extends into the mountainous areas of Peru, highlighting its widespread regional importance.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Polylepis racemosa is a self-supporting species that takes the form of a distinct tree. It typically reaches a maximum height of 9 meters as it matures in its natural habitat. This growth habit allows the plant to establish a sturdy presence within its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Polylepis racemosa is a Peruvian medicinal plant that has demonstrated significant biological potential through its cytotoxic properties. Research involving the fractionation of its bark and stem extracts has led to the identification of several potent triterpene acids. Among these compounds, pomolic acid emerged as the most cytotoxic component discovered during the study. This specific acid showed remarkable effectiveness against M-14 melanoma and ME180 cervical carcinoma cell lines. These findings highlight the importance of studying this species for its potential contributions to cancer research and pharmacology.
Compounds
Polylepis racemosa is a Peruvian medicinal plant that serves as a rich source of various cytotoxic triterpene acids. Through cytotoxicity-guided fractionation of its bark and stem extracts, researchers have identified several key chemical constituents. Specifically, the plant contains ursolic acid and pomolic acid. Detailed analysis further reveals the presence of both 2-oxopomolic acid and 3-O-acetylpomolic acid within its composition. These findings highlight the complex chemical profile that contributes to the plant's biological activities.
Conditions
Polylepis racemosa contains specific triterpene acids that exhibit potent cytotoxic properties against certain cancer cell lines. The plant's bark and stem extracts contain pomolic acid, which serves as the most cytotoxic component identified. This particular compound demonstrates targeted effectiveness in treating M-14 melanoma. Additionally, the plant shows significant activity against ME180 cervical carcinoma. These therapeutic relationships are supported by GI50 values of 6.9 and 8.3 micrograms/mL for the melanoma and cervical carcinoma cells, respectively.
Preparations
Polylepis racemosa is prepared as a bark and stem extract to facilitate the study of its chemical properties. Through cytotoxicity-guided fractionation of this specific preparation, researchers identified several triterpene acids. Among the components found in the extract, pomolic acid was determined to be the most cytotoxic element. This substance demonstrated high specificity for M-14 melanoma and ME180 cervical carcinoma cells. Consequently, the extraction of the bark and stem provides a direct method for isolating these potent medicinal compounds.
Parts used
Polylepis racemosa is a medicinal plant recognized for its significant pharmacological potential. Research has specifically focused on the chemical properties found within its stem and bark extracts. Through cytotoxicity-guided fractionation, scientists have successfully isolated several bioactive triterpene acids from these parts. Notable compounds identified include ursolic acid and pomolic acid, the latter of which demonstrates potent activity against specific cancer cell lines. These findings highlight the importance of studying the plant's stem in the search for new therapeutic agents.