Simarouba tulae
Simarouba tulae · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Simarouba tulae is a botanical species that has gained significant scientific interest due to its diverse pharmacological potential. Researchers have focused on the plant's leaves, specifically utilizing crude extracts and chloroform extracts for various medicinal studies. A key chemical compound identified within this plant is Simalikalactone D, which plays a crucial role in its biological efficacy. Investigations into these preparations have revealed potent anticancer, antitumor, and cytotoxic activities. Furthermore, the plant has demonstrated promising antimalarial properties, highlighting its importance in natural drug development.
- Synonyms
- Quassia Tulae
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Simaroubaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Simarouba tulae is a botanical species known by several distinct regional names. It is frequently referred to as Aceitillo Cimarrón in various local contexts. In other areas, the plant is commonly called Aceitillo Falso. This specific name is also used throughout Puerto Rico to identify the species. These various common names help illustrate the plant's diverse identity across different landscapes.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Simarouba tulae is a botanical species that is frequently identified in scientific literature by its synonym, Quassia tulae. Understanding this nomenclatural connection is essential for researchers tracking the plant's distribution and characteristics across different databases. While the names may differ depending on the historical context of the study, they refer to the exact same organism. Recognizing these linguistic variations ensures that botanical data remains consistent and accessible to the scientific community. Consequently, navigating these synonymous relationships allows for a more precise classification of the species within its genus.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Simarouba tulae is a distinct botanical species that belongs to the expansive kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, representing its fundamental biological structure. The plant is further organized into the order Sapindales, a group that shares specific evolutionary traits. It resides within the family Simaroubaceae, which highlights its unique chemical and physical characteristics. Ultimately, this species is a member of the genus Simarouba, placing it firmly within its specific lineage.
| 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 tulae is a distinctive plant species that thrives within specific tropical environments. Its natural distribution is primarily centered across the lush landscapes of Southern America. Additionally, the species can be found throughout various regions of the Caribbean, showcasing its adaptability to island ecosystems. Puerto Rico serves as another significant location where this plant establishes its presence. Together, these geographical areas form the core range for this notable botanical specimen.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Simarouba tulae typically presents as a shrubby growth form within its natural habitat. This species is characterized by its ability to remain entirely self-supporting as it matures.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Simarouba tulae, an endemic plant species from Puerto Rico, has demonstrated significant potential in pharmacological research. Recent studies have highlighted its potent anticancer and antitumor activities, particularly through the identification of bioactive quassinoid compounds. One such isolated compound, simalikalactone D, has exhibited high cytotoxicity against various breast and ovarian cancer cell lines. Furthermore, crude extracts from the plant have shown remarkable growth inhibition, marking them as strong candidates for further medicinal study. These findings suggest that the chemical constituents of Simarouba tulae merit closer investigation for their ability to combat malignancy.
Compounds
Simarouba tulae is an endemic plant species found in Puerto Rico that has become a focal point for pharmacological research. Studies into this plant have led to the successful isolation of a specific oxygenated terpene known as simalikalactone D. This quassinoid compound was identified through the purification of chloroform extracts derived from the plant's leaves. Once characterized, simalikalactone D demonstrated significant potential as an anticancer agent due to its high cytotoxicity. Specifically, the compound showed remarkable effectiveness in inhibiting various ovarian and breast cancer cell lines.
Conditions
Simarouba tulae exhibits significant anticancer activities through its potent quassinoid compounds. Specifically, the plant's derivative simalikalactone D shows high cytotoxicity in treating the A2780CP20 ovarian cell line. Research also demonstrates that it effectively treats breast cancer cell lines, including MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435. These findings highlight the plant's broader potential for anticancer applications in various cancer models. Consequently, the extracts from this species demonstrate strong growth inhibition that underscores its therapeutic value.
Preparations
Simarouba tulae is utilized as the source material for scientific study, specifically through the use of its leaves. These leaves are processed to undergo various extraction methods to isolate bioactive compounds. One of the primary forms used in these studies is the crude extract, which is evaluated for its general cytotoxic effects. Among the different solvent preparations, the chloroform extract is identified as a highly significant component due to its potent antiproliferative activity. This specific chloroform extract is eventually purified to yield the anticancer compound simalikalactone D.
Parts used
Simarouba tulae is an endemic plant species found in Puerto Rico that has become a subject of significant medicinal interest. Researchers focused their investigation on the plant's leaves to identify potential therapeutic compounds. By processing these leaves with various solvents, they successfully isolated a group of oxygenated terpenes known as quassinoids. One specific compound identified from the leaf extracts is simalikalactone D, which demonstrates potent anticancer properties. This discovery highlights how specific plant parts can serve as vital sources for developing new treatments against cancer cell lines.