Simmondsia chinensis
Simmondsia chinensis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Simmondsia chinensis is a remarkable botanical species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic potential. Researchers have focused on utilizing plant extracts from its leaves to develop various medicinal preparations. These extracts demonstrate a wide range of biological activities, including acting as an ACE-inhibitor, an Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker, and an antiBPH agent. Furthermore, the plant shows promise in treating multiple conditions through its antioxidant, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. Its multifaceted pharmacological profile suggests that this species could play a vital role in future drug development.
- Synonyms
- Brocchia Dichotoma · Celastrus Obtusatus · 4 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Simmondsiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Simmondsia chinensis is a versatile plant known most frequently by its common name, jojoba. Depending on the region and language, it is also referred to as goatnut or jojoba kalifornská. In certain cultural contexts, the species carries the distinct names jojoobipõõsas and qawnaxal. These varied monikers reflect the plant's diverse linguistic presence across different parts of the world. Understanding these various names helps botanists and enthusiasts identify this unique shrub globally.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Simmondsia chinensis is a botanical species that has been associated with a variety of different taxonomic names throughout history. Scientific literature reveals that it has been linked to synonyms such as Brocchia dichotoma and Buxus californica. Furthermore, the plant has been categorized under the names Buxus chinensis and Celastrus obtusatus in various records. It is also frequently identified by its synonym, Simmondsia californica. These shifting nomenclatures highlight the complex evolutionary and historical classification of the species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Simmondsia chinensis belongs to the kingdom Plantae, marking its place within the diverse world of living vegetation. As a member of the class Equisetopsida, this species exhibits the specialized structural traits characteristic of flowering plants. It is classified under the order Caryophyllales, a group that encompasses a wide variety of unique botanical forms. Within this order, the plant is uniquely identified by its membership in the family Simmondsiaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the specific genus Simmondsia, which defines its distinct evolutionary lineage.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Simmondsiaceae |
| Genus | Simmondsia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Simmondsia chinensis exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across several continents and unique island ecosystems. This plant is notably found in Africa and the Macaronesia region, specifically within the Canary Islands. In North America, its presence is heavily concentrated throughout Mexico, encompassing both the northeastern and northwestern territories. The species also extends its reach into the South-Central United States, with notable populations in New Mexico. Finally, its distribution continues through the Southwestern United States, particularly across the state of Arizona.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Simmondsia chinensis is a distinctive shrub characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This resilient plant typically reaches a modest maximum height of 4 meters in optimal conditions. Depending on its environment, its stature can vary significantly, with minimum heights ranging from 1 meter to as much as 2.05 meters. Such structural versatility allows it to adapt to various ecological niches within its habitat. Understanding these physical dimensions provides essential insight into its presence in the natural landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Simmondsia chinensis exhibits significant antioxidant activity, which is utilized in various pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations. The plant also demonstrates potent antibacterial properties against several multidrug-resistant pathogens, including Acinetobacter spp. and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Furthermore, its extracts have been shown to effectively treat infections caused by E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These medicinal benefits are particularly evident in ethanolic extracts, which show high inhibition percentages against these clinical isolates. Such antimicrobial capabilities position the plant as a potential therapeutic solution to combat antibiotic resistance.
Preparations
Simmondsia chinensis is prepared as plant extracts to investigate its potent antibacterial and medicinal properties. Researchers utilized both ethanolic and methanolic methods to derive these extracts for testing against various multidrug-resistant pathogens. The ethanolic extract of Jojoba specifically demonstrated a high inhibition percentage of 90.9% against the tested clinical isolates. Phytochemical analysis via gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry further identified key components within these prepared extracts, such as pinitol. These extracted compounds serve as critical subjects for molecular docking studies to combat antibiotic resistance.
Parts used
Simmondsia chinensis, commonly known as jojoba, serves as a significant source of bioactive compounds within the plant kingdom. Recent scientific investigations have focused specifically on the chemical properties found in the leaf of this species. Researchers successfully identified two new noncyanogenic cyanoglucoside dimers, named simmonosides A and B, from an aqueous extract of these leaves. These unique molecules feature a novel four-membered ring structure that distinguishes them from previously known dimers. Furthermore, the study highlights that these leaf-derived compounds exhibit promising inhibitory activity against the COX-2 enzyme.