Symphonia globulifera
Symphonia globulifera · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Symphonia globulifera is a versatile botanical species recognized for its significant therapeutic potential in traditional and modern medicine. Research has highlighted its diverse biological activities, including antifungal, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and antiplasmodial properties. The plant contains key bioactive chemicals such as stigmasterol, which contributes to its medicinal efficacy. Specifically, preparations like aqueous extracts, lyophilized aqueous extracts, and root bark extracts have demonstrated effectiveness against conditions such as malaria and Staphylococcus aureus. These potent therapeutic effects are primarily derived from the medicinal properties found within the plant's leaves and roots.
- Synonyms
- Aneuriscus Aubletii · Symphonia Gabonensis · 11 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Clusiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Root
Classification
Common Names
Symphonia globulifera is a versatile species known by a diverse array of regional names across different cultures. In many areas, it is commonly referred to as Boar wood, while in Haiti, it carries the name Bois a cochon. The plant also holds distinct local identities, such as Bulandi-amarelo and Golandim. Additionally, some communities have affectionately dubbed it the Hog doctor. These varied monikers highlight the widespread presence and cultural significance of this unique tree.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Symphonia globulifera is a species that has been documented under several different botanical names throughout scientific history. Its taxonomic complexity is evident in its various synonyms, including Aneuriscus aubletii and Aneuriscus exserens. Researchers have also identified the plant under the names Moronobea exserens and Moronobea globulifera. Furthermore, the name Symphonia esculenta serves as another recognized synonym for this specific plant. Understanding these overlapping nomenclatures is essential for accurate identification and botanical study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Symphonia globulifera is a fascinating botanical specimen belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this expansive biological realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Malpighiales, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Symphonia, it represents a distinct group of flowering plants. Finally, this species is specifically categorized under the family Clusiaceae, completing its detailed taxonomic profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Clusiaceae |
| Genus | Symphonia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Symphonia globulifera is a widespread botanical species found across several diverse regions of the African continent. Its distribution spans the lush landscapes of East Tropical Africa, including the nations of Tanzania and Uganda. The plant also makes its presence known in Northeast Tropical Africa within the borders of Chad. Moving toward the southern reaches, it thrives throughout the South Tropical Africa region. Specifically, this resilient species can be identified growing within the territories of both Angola and Zambia.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Symphonia globulifera is a self-supporting tree that plays a vital role in its native ecosystem. This species typically manifests as a robust growth form capable of reaching impressive proportions. Depending on environmental conditions, its height can vary significantly throughout its lifespan. While some individuals may reach a maximum of 15 m, others can grow to a height of up to 35 m.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Symphonia globulifera is recognized as a widespread source of complex metabolites that possess a diverse array of potent biological activities. Research into its secondary metabolites has confirmed its traditional medicinal value, specifically highlighting its effectiveness as an antimicrobial and antiparasitic agent. Furthermore, studies focusing on fatty acid synthase inhibitors have identified compounds within the plant that exhibit significant antifungal properties. The leaf extracts of this species have also demonstrated promising antiplasmodial activity, showing a favorable ratio of effectiveness against malaria parasites. Collectively, these findings underscore the significant pharmacological potential of the various chemical constituents found within the plant.
Compounds
Symphonia globulifera serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive chemical constituents. Recent phytochemical investigations of its root bark have successfully isolated several significant compounds. Among these identified substances is the phytosterol stigmasterol, which was recovered during the fractionation process. This isolation occurred alongside the discovery of two novel cytotoxic xanthones known as globulixanthones A and B. These findings highlight the complex chemical profile of the plant and its potential pharmacological importance.
Conditions
Symphonia globulifera demonstrates significant cytotoxicity against the KB cell line through the presence of new xanthones like globulixanthones A and B. The plant's stem bark extracts exhibit effective antileishmanial activity specifically against Leishmania donovani NR-48822 promastigotes. Research further confirms that Symphonia globulifera possesses antibacterial activity, showing moderate to potent results against various bacterial strains. It specifically exhibits inhibitory activity against the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the plant provides antifungal activity, as evidenced by the evaluation of its compounds against organisms like Candida albicans.
Preparations
Symphonia globulifera is prepared as aqueous extracts to investigate its antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms. In these studies, the plant is also prepared as lyophilized aqueous extracts derived from different organs to facilitate in vitro screening. Specifically, the aqueous extracts of this species have demonstrated inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, Symphonia globulifera is prepared as a root bark extract for the purpose of bioassay-guided fractionation. This specific extraction method has successfully yielded new cytotoxic xanthones, known as globulixanthones A and B.
Parts used
Symphonia globulifera is a medicinal plant that offers significant pharmacological potential through various of its biological components. Research indicates that the methanolic leaf extract of this species possesses a favorable selectivity index regarding its antiplasmodial activity. Furthermore, the plant's root bark serves as a rich source of unique chemical compounds, including the newly discovered globulixanthones A and B. These specific xanthones, derived from the root, have demonstrated notable cytotoxicity against the KB cell line in laboratory settings. Ultimately, both the leaves and roots of Symphonia globulifera play crucial roles in its diverse therapeutic profile.