Shirakiopsis indica
Shirakiopsis indica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Shirakiopsis indica is a botanical species recognized for its diverse range of therapeutic potential. Research indicates that the plant possesses significant analgesic and antioxidant activities. Specifically, preparations derived from its fruits and saps or latex have demonstrated biological effects. These components are studied for their ability to address physiological concerns such as hemolysis and protein denaturation. Understanding these medicinal properties highlights the importance of this plant in pharmacological studies.
- Synonyms
- Excoecaria Indica · Excoecaria Diversifolia · 7 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Distribution
- Northern America
- Plant Parts
- Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Shirakiopsis indica is a distinctive plant recognized by various regional names across different cultures. In certain areas, it is commonly referred to as meskerekur. It is also widely known by the name širakiovec indický. In a different linguistic context, particularly in Japan, the plant is called マーブルハゼ. These diverse common names highlight the global reach and varied identities of this unique species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Shirakiopsis indica is a complex botanical species characterized by a wide range of taxonomic synonyms. Within botanical literature, this plant has been identified under various names, including Excoecaria diversifolia and Excoecaria indica. It is also frequently associated with different classifications within the Sapium genus. Specifically, researchers have utilized the synonyms Sapium bingyricum, Sapium diversifolium, and Sapium hurmais to describe the same organism. Understanding these shifting nomenclatures is essential for accurate identification and scientific consistency.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Shirakiopsis indica belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, marking its place among the diverse world of living plants. Within this biological realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized into the order Malpighiales, which connects it to a wide array of unique botanical relatives. As a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, it shares specific structural characteristics common to its kin. Finally, this plant is defined by its unique position within the genus Shirakiopsis.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Shirakiopsis |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Shirakiopsis indica boasts a wide geographical range that spans across various ecological zones in Asia. In temperate regions, the species can be found within China and its southeastern territories. Moving into tropical climates, its presence is firmly established across the Indian Subcontinent, including India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The plant also thrives within the Indo-China region, specifically extending to the Andaman Islands. This diverse distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to both temperate and tropical environments throughout the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Shirakiopsis indica is a self-supporting plant that establishes itself with a sturdy tree growth form. This species can reach a significant maximum height of up to 18 meters in the wild. Its robust structure allows it to stand prominently within its natural ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Shirakiopsis indica, a mangrove species from the Euphorbiaceae family, has demonstrated significant medicinal potential through recent pharmacological studies. Research into its fruit methanolic extract reveals that the plant possesses potent analgesic activity, which was confirmed through various in-vivo tests like the hot plate and acetic acid-induced writhing assays. Beyond pain relief, the extract also exhibits remarkable antioxidant properties, specifically showing strong scavenging activity in DPPH assays. These bioactive effects are supported by the presence of sixty different compounds identified through GC-MS/MS analysis. Ultimately, the plant's favorable pharmacological profile makes it a promising candidate for developing new analgesic and antioxidant treatments.
Compounds
Conditions
Shirakiopsis indica exhibits significant antioxidant potential through remarkable scavenging activity. This plant demonstrates its capacity to treat DPPH via a concentration-dependent reducing power. In terms of pain management, the extract treats analgesic activity by displaying significant anti-nociceptive effects in a dose-dependent pattern. It also treats the acetic acid-induced writhing test, showing a maximum activity of 43.47% at the highest dose. Furthermore, specific isolated diterpene esters from the plant treat anti-HIV activity, with some compounds showing highly potent inhibitory effects.
Preparations
Shirakiopsis indica serves as a source for various biological compounds derived from its specific plant parts. The fruits of this medicinal plant are utilized to isolate tigliane-type diterpene esters, such as shirakindicans A-D, which demonstrate significant anti-HIV activity. Additionally, the plant's saps/latex are identified as a relevant preparation for extracting chemical constituents. These different preparations facilitate the study of the plant's complex phytochemical profile and therapeutic potential. Consequently, both the fruits and the saps/latex are essential components for investigating the medicinal properties of Shirakiopsis indica.
Parts used
Shirakiopsis indica is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse chemical properties. Researchers have specifically focused on the fruits of this species to isolate unique biological compounds. Through detailed spectroscopic analysis, several new tigliane-type diterpene esters were identified within these fruit tissues. These isolated substances, such as shirakindicans A-D, have demonstrated significant potential in pharmacological studies. Most notably, these fruit-derived compounds exhibit promising anti-HIV activity, marking them as important subjects for future medical research.