Sideroxylon obtusifolium
Sideroxylon obtusifolium · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Sideroxylon obtusifolium is a botanical species recognized for its significant therapeutic potential, particularly through the use of its leaf components. Various preparations, including infusions and hydroalcoholic extracts, have been studied to uncover a rich profile of bioactive chemicals such as Catechin, flavonoids, Gingerglycolipid A, and NMP. These compounds contribute to essential biological activities, most notably antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Scientific investigations have demonstrated the plant's ability to address diverse conditions, ranging from inflammation and Candida albicans infections to hypoglycemic states. Furthermore, the application of specific preparations like the N-methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-l-proline-enriched fraction (NMP) highlights its complex pharmacological versatility.
- Synonyms
- Lyciodes Obtusifolium · Bumelia Obtusifolia Subsp. Typica · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Sapotaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Sideroxylon obtusifolium is a versatile botanical species known by a wide array of regional common names. Depending on the local area, you might encounter this plant referred to as Coca or Coronilha. In certain traditional contexts, it is also frequently called Guaraniná. Other communities identify the tree as Maçaranduba-de-praia, highlighting its specific environmental associations. Finally, the name Miri serves as yet another distinct way to recognize this unique plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Sideroxylon obtusifolium is a botanical species that has been identified under several different scientific names throughout history. It is formally recognized as a synonym of Bumelia obtusifolia, reflecting shifts in taxonomic classification. Furthermore, the plant is also associated with the specific name Bumelia obtusifolia subsp. typica. Researchers have also encountered this species documented as Lyciodes obtusifolium in older botanical records. Understanding these various synonyms is essential for maintaining accurate scientific communication regarding this plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Sideroxylon obtusifolium belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing the diverse life forms found within the botanical world. As a member of the class Equisetopsida, it follows a specific evolutionary lineage shared by many flowering plants. This species is further classified under the order Ericales, which connects it to a wide array of related woody plants. Within this order, it is situated in the family Sapotaceae, a group known for its distinct botanical characteristics. Ultimately, the plant is defined by its placement in the genus Sideroxylon, which serves as its primary scientific identifier.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Genus | Sideroxylon |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Sideroxylon obtusifolium exhibits a diverse geographic range that stretches across multiple continents. In North America, the species is widely distributed throughout various regions of Mexico, including the Central, Gulf, Southeast, and Southwest areas. This extensive presence in Mexico highlights the plant's ability to adapt to different regional climates. Beyond the northern continent, the species also establishes itself in South America. Specifically, it can be found thriving within the Northeast region of Brazil.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Sideroxylon obtusifolium is a self-supporting plant that takes the form of a tree. It reaches impressive dimensions as it matures within its natural habitat. Depending on environmental conditions, the species can achieve a maximum height of 14 m or even extend up to 20 m. This structural stability makes it a significant component of its local ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Sideroxylon obtusifolium has emerged as a plant of significant medicinal interest due to its diverse therapeutic properties. Research indicates that derivatives from this species, specifically N-methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline, exhibit potent antioxidant activity by reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing glutathione levels. These antioxidant actions are integral to its ability to enhance the wound healing process and mitigate inflammation. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates impressive neuroprotective capabilities, particularly in safeguarding hippocampal cell viability against injury. These combined biological activities suggest that Sideroxylon obtusifolium holds great promise for future applications in both wound management and neurological health.
Compounds
Sideroxylon obtusifolium is a medicinal tree native to Central and South America that has been utilized in Brazilian folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. Comprehensive metabolite profiling of its leaves has revealed that saponins and flavonoids serve as the primary constituents of the species. Research further identifies specific bioactive compounds within the plant, including the glycerogalactolipid gingerglycolipid A and the polyphenol catechin. Additionally, the leaves contain N-Methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-Hydroxy-L-Proline, known as NMP, which has demonstrated significant potential in improving the wound healing process. These diverse chemical components offer a foundation for using these specific metabolites as markers for quality control in herbal medicine.
Conditions
Sideroxylon obtusifolium treats inflammation and demonstrates significant antioxidant actions through its N-methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-l-proline (NMP) component. The plant extracts show potent antifungal properties that treat Candida albicans by disrupting cell membrane permeability. Furthermore, specific fractions of the species effectively treat Candida biofilms by compromising their morphology and viability. Finally, NMP acts as a neuroprotective agent that treats GAT1 expression by preventing its upregulation in the hippocampus during injury models.
Preparations
Sideroxylon obtusifolium is prepared as infusions of its bark and leaves for use in Brazilian folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy. The plant is also prepared as an N-methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-l-proline-enriched fraction (NMP), which has shown promise as a neuroprotective agent in protecting the hippocampus. Various fractions of the species are utilized in research, including those screened for hormonal influences on prostate cancer cells. Additionally, the plant is prepared as hydroalcoholic extracts/fractions to investigate their antifungal potential against Candida albicans. These diverse preparation methods allow for the study of the plant's specific chemical constituents and their various biological activities.
Parts used
Sideroxylon obtusifolium is a medicinal tree native to Central and South America that has long been utilized in Brazilian folk medicine. Research has specifically focused on the plant's leaves, which are frequently prepared as infusions to serve as anti-inflammatory remedies. Detailed metabolite profiling of these leaves has identified key constituents, including various saponins and flavonol glycosides. Furthermore, the leaf-derived compound N-Methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-Hydroxy-L-Proline has demonstrated significant potential in promoting wound healing through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. These findings suggest that the chemical compounds found within the leaves could eventually serve as vital markers for quality control and therapeutic management.