Swietenia macrophylla
Swietenia macrophylla · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Swietenia macrophylla is a significant botanical species known for its diverse medicinal properties, particularly its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimalarial activities. Researchers have identified key bioactive compounds within the plant, such as febrifugin and swietenolide, which drive its therapeutic potential. By utilizing the seeds and fruits, scientists can develop various preparations including methanol and water extracts. These extracts have shown particular promise in addressing complex medical conditions like Diabetes Mellitus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Consequently, this plant serves as a vital subject for pharmacological studies aimed at discovering new treatments.
- Synonyms
- Swietenia Candollei · Swietenia Macrophylla Var. Marabaensis · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Swietenia macrophylla is a remarkable species known by a diverse array of regional and linguistic names. In various contexts, it is frequently referred to by the common name Acajou or the descriptive Acajou à grandes feuilles. German speakers may recognize the tree as Amerikanischer Mahagoni or Amerikanisches Mahagoni, highlighting its significant timber value. It is also widely identified as Caoba de Honduras in regions like Cuba, where its presence is culturally notable. Furthermore, the plant is known by the specific name Araputangá, showcasing the wide variety of nomenclature used across different territories.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Swietenia macrophylla is a complex species known to encompass several important taxonomic synonyms. Botanical classifications include names such as Swietenia belizensis and Swietenia candollei within its broader identity. Additionally, the plant is frequently associated with Swietenia krukovii and the specific variety Swietenia macrophylla var. marabaensis. It is also recognized under the synonym Swietenia tessmannii in various scientific contexts. Understanding these various designations is essential for accurate identification and study of the species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Swietenia macrophylla is a remarkable biological entity belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further belongs to the order Sapindales, which connects it to various other woody plants. As a member of the genus Swietenia, it represents a unique lineage of tropical trees. Finally, this species is firmly rooted in the family Meliaceae, showcasing its specific botanical identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Swietenia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Swietenia macrophylla exhibits a wide geographical presence that spans across several diverse ecological zones. In Africa, this species can be found throughout the Western Indian Ocean, including the Comoros and the Seychelles. Its reach extends into the Asian continent, where it thrives within the tropical climates of the Indian Subcontinent and the Andaman Islands. Furthermore, the plant is established within the Indo-China region and reaches into the temperate landscapes of Eastern Asia, specifically Taiwan. This broad distribution highlights the remarkable adaptability of the species across different global environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Swietenia macrophylla is a distinguished tree characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This species can reach impressive proportions in the wild, often achieving a maximum height of 26.5 meters. However, under optimal conditions, it is capable of stretching even higher to a maximum height of 40 meters. Such significant vertical development makes it a prominent feature within its natural ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Swietenia macrophylla, commonly known as big leaf mahogany, is a plant species recognized for its diverse medicinal properties. Traditionally, this plant has been utilized for its potent antibacterial and antifungal activities. Recent scientific investigations further highlight its therapeutic potential by demonstrating how its seed extracts can enhance host resistance against bacterial infections. Beyond its antimicrobial capabilities, the plant also exhibits significant antimalarial activity. Specifically, studies have shown that extracts of Swietenia macrophylla can achieve high inhibition rates against Plasmodium falciparum.
Compounds
Swietenia macrophylla is a highly valued medicinal plant recognized for its diverse range of bioactive constituents. It is particularly rich in limonoids, which are chemical compounds known to exhibit significant therapeutic potential in human health. Among these constituents is febrifugin, a mexicanolide-type limonoid found within the edible nut that has been identified for its potential toxicity in certain biological models. Additionally, the plant contains swietenolide, a specific limonoid that has shown promise in scientific studies. Recent research suggests that swietenolide may serve as a potent natural α-glucosidase inhibitor, offering new possibilities for antidiabetic drug development.
Conditions
Swietenia macrophylla seed ethyl acetate extract demonstrates the ability to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection by enhancing host resistance and promoting survival in Caenorhabditis elegans. Specifically, the plant treats PA14 infection by boosting the expression of genes pivotal for innate immunity rather than through direct bactericidal action. Beyond its anti-infective properties, Swietenia macrophylla exhibits significant anti-colorectal cancer activity through its chloroform extracts and isolated limonoids. These compounds, such as swietenolide, provide anti-CRC activity by inhibiting the Mouse Double Minute 2 (MDM2) homolog in human colon carcinoma cell lines. Consequently, the plant serves as a source of bioactive agents capable of treating both bacterial challenges and colorectal cancer cells.
Preparations
Swietenia macrophylla is prepared as an extract to investigate its anti-infective properties in models of bacterial infection. Specifically, the plant is prepared as an ethyl acetate extract to promote survival in organisms facing pathogen challenges. In pharmacological studies, Swietenia macrophylla is prepared as a methanol extract to facilitate the chromatographic separation and isolation of limonoids like swietenolide. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as water extracts to evaluate its traditional medicinal efficacy against malaria and babesiosis. These various preparation methods allow researchers to explore the diverse therapeutic potential of the species.
Parts used
Swietenia macrophylla, commonly known as big leaf mahogany, is a significant medicinal plant that contains various bioactive components within its different structures. Research highlights that the seeds of this species are particularly rich in limonoids, such as swietenolide, which show promise as natural α-glucosidase inhibitors for diabetes treatment. Furthermore, seed extracts have demonstrated the ability to enhance host immunity and survival against certain bacterial infections in biological models. Beyond the seeds, the fruit of the plant is also recognized for its historical value in treating hypertension and diabetes. However, studies into the edible nut of the fruit have identified specific toxic components like febrifugin, emphasizing the need for cautious medicinal use.