Swietenia mahagoni
Swietenia mahagoni · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Swietenia mahagoni, commonly known as West Indian mahogany, is a significant botanical species valued for its diverse medicinal properties. Research indicates that the leaves and seeds possess potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, and astringent activities. Specifically, the crude methanolic (SMCM) seed extract contains key bioactive chemicals such as 2-Hydroxy-3-O-tigloylswietenolide and anthraquinone. These natural compounds are utilized in traditional practices to address various conditions, including anemia, backaches, colds, and diarrhea. Consequently, this plant remains a subject of intense pharmacological interest due to its complex chemical profile and therapeutic potential.
- Synonyms
- Swietenia Fabrilis · Swietenia Acutifolia · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Swietenia mahagoni is a remarkable species known by several distinct regional and traditional names. It is most widely recognized in global commerce as American Mahogany, reflecting its high value in timber production. In various locales, it is referred to as Acajou or simply Cajou, terms that highlight its cultural significance. Some historical or specific references may even identify it as Acajou a planches or Acajou de St. Domingue. Regardless of the name used, this plant remains a celebrated subject in both botanical and industrial circles.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Swietenia mahagoni is a botanical species that has been classified under several different names throughout its taxonomic history. Scientific literature frequently references it using synonyms such as Cedrela mahagoni and Cedrus mahagoni. Additionally, researchers may encounter this plant listed as Swietenia acutifolia or Swietenia fabrilis depending on the specific study. The nomenclature also extends to specialized variations, including Swietenia mahagoni var. praecociflora. Understanding these various synonyms is essential for accurately identifying the species across different biological databases.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Swietenia mahagoni is a distinguished species belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic journey continues through the order Sapindales, which connects it to a diverse array of related plants. Further refinement places the species within the specific genus Swietenia. Finally, it finds its botanical home within the Meliaceae family, marking its unique position in the natural world.
| 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 mahagoni exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across several distinct global regions. In the African continent, this species is notably distributed throughout the Western Indian Ocean, including the islands of Mauritius and Réunion. Moving toward the Asian-Temperate zones, the plant maintains a significant presence within various parts of China. Specifically, its reach extends through China South-Central and China Southeast, ensuring a wide ecological footprint. The distribution is further solidified by its established presence on the island of Hainan.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Swietenia mahagoni is characterized by its distinct growth form as a sturdy tree. As a self-supporting species, it maintains its structural integrity without the need for external assistance. This botanical specimen can reach a significant height, with a maximum vertical extent of approximately 19.31 meters. Ultimately, the species is recognized for its ability to grow to a peak stature of 20 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Swietenia mahagoni is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse and potent pharmacological properties. Research indicates that its leaf extracts possess significant antimicrobial activity, making it effective against various bacterial and fungal pathogens. Additionally, the plant demonstrates strong antioxidant capabilities, which are essential for neutralizing harmful free radicals. Studies have also highlighted its antitumor potential, suggesting its importance in the fight against cancer. Beyond these effects, the plant has been traditionally utilized for its astringent qualities to treat various ailments.
Compounds
Swietenia mahagoni is a highly valued tropical species known for its significant medicinal properties and commercial importance. Chemical analyses of its leaves have successfully isolated specific compounds, including the limonoid 2-hydroxy-3-O-tigloylswietenolide. Furthermore, research confirms that this plant also contains anthraquinone, a secondary metabolite found within its roots, stems, and leaves. Studies on the cryopreservation of its seeds indicate that while the production of anthraquinone may be initially delayed by storage stress, the plants eventually regain their ability to accumulate these essential compounds. Understanding these specific chemical relationships is vital for preserving the genetic and biosynthetic integrity of the species.
Conditions
Swietenia mahagoni serves multiple medicinal purposes, including the treatment of diabetes and the management of blood glucose levels. Specifically, the ethanolic extract of its seeds and the methanol extract of its bark have been shown to decrease blood sugar. Beyond metabolic health, this plant is also utilized to treat anemia and alleviate backaches. Additionally, it is used as a remedy for the common cold. These diverse pharmacological activities highlight the plant's significant role in traditional medicine.
Preparations
Swietenia mahagoni is prepared as a crude methanolic (SMCM) seed extract for pharmacological investigation. This specific extraction method allows researchers to study the plant's potential for treating conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and malaria. The resulting SMCM seed extract was subjected to brine shrimp lethality and acute oral toxicity testing in mice. Results indicated that the extract exhibits moderate cytotoxicity at high concentrations but maintains a high LD50 value. Such findings suggest that this prepared extract contains bioactive compounds that are relatively safe for medicinal use.
Parts used
Swietenia mahagoni is a versatile medicinal plant that has been utilized for centuries to treat various ailments such as diabetes, malaria, and diarrhea. Scientific research highlights that different parts of the plant contain unique bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic potential. Specifically, the seeds of Swietenia mahagoni have been found to produce ethanolic extracts capable of decreasing blood glucose levels. Furthermore, the leaves of the species serve as a rich source of specialized phytochemicals, including various types of limonoids. By exploring both the seeds and the leaves, researchers continue to uncover the diverse pharmacological properties that make this plant a valuable natural resource.