Simarouba berteroana
Simarouba berteroana · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Simarouba berteroana is a botanical species recognized for its diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites. The plant is notably characterized by the presence of important chemical compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, and naphthoquinone. Scientific investigations into its properties often utilize various forms of crude extracts to isolate these active constituents. Researchers frequently employ specialized methods to produce distinct fractions, such as hexane and hydroalcoholic fractions, to study specific biological activities. Through these detailed preparations, the therapeutic potential of this species can be more thoroughly evaluated.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Simaroubaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Simarouba berteroana is a versatile species known by several distinct regional names. Depending on the local area, it is frequently referred to as Aceituna or Aceituno. In certain French-speaking contexts, the plant is commonly identified as Bois Frêne or Bois frene. Additionally, the name Daguilla is often used to describe this specific botanical specimen. These varied common names highlight the diverse cultural connections associated with the plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Simarouba berteroana is a distinguished member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The species belongs to the order Sapindales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. It is further nested within the family Simaroubaceae, showcasing its specific botanical characteristics. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its placement in the genus Simarouba.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus | Simarouba |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Simarouba berteroana is a distinctive plant species with a notable presence across several tropical regions. Its natural distribution spans throughout Southern America and the various islands of the Caribbean. Within these maritime territories, the species can be found thriving in the specific landscapes of the Dominican Republic. It also maintains a consistent presence in Haiti, contributing to the local biodiversity of the area. These diverse geographic ranges highlight the plant's ability to adapt to the unique environments of the Caribbean basin.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Biological Activities
Compounds
Simarouba berteroana is an endemic plant from Hispaniola that possesses a complex chemical profile useful for phytotherapeutic research. Chemical analyses of the plant's extracts reveal high concentrations of important secondary metabolites, including flavonoids and tannins. Furthermore, the composition of the plant is characterized by the presence of naphthoquinone, which contributes to its diverse chemical makeup. These specific phenolic compounds are believed to be responsible for the plant's ability to inhibit larval exsheathment. Ultimately, these bioactive constituents highlight the potential of the species in developing new treatments for gastrointestinal nematode infections.
Conditions
Simarouba berteroana extracts and fractions demonstrate significant anthelmintic activity against the multidrug-resistant nematode Haemonchus contortus. By inhibiting egg hatching and larval exsheathment, this plant provides a potential phytotherapeutic method to treat such resistant infections. The presence of bioactive compounds like phenolic compounds and quassinoids allows the plant to target the parasite's life cycle effectively. These findings highlight its potential role in managing broader gastrointestinal nematode infections that cause economic losses in small ruminants. Consequently, the plant serves as a promising natural alternative for addressing drug-resistant gastrointestinal parasitic burdens.
Preparations
Simarouba berteroana is prepared as crude extracts to investigate its chemical composition and anthelmintic properties. The plant is also prepared as various fractions to test their specific biological activities. Among these, Simarouba berteroana is prepared as hydroalcoholic fractions and iso-butanol fractions, which demonstrated the strongest egg hatching inhibition. Additionally, Simarouba berteroana is prepared as hexane fractions, although these were found to be less effective in the study. These different preparation methods allow for a detailed assessment of the plant's potential in managing gastrointestinal nematodes.