Terminalia calcicola

Terminalia calcicola · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Terminalia calcicola is a botanical species that has garnered scientific interest due to its diverse bioactive potential. Recent investigations into its ethanol (EtOH) extract have revealed significant pharmacological properties. Specifically, the plant exhibits notable antiproliferative activities against various cellular targets. These biological effects are largely attributed to unique chemical constituents known as termicalcicolanone A and termicalcicolanone B. Understanding these compounds provides critical insights into the therapeutic possibilities offered by this species.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Not available
Common names
Not available
Family
Combretaceae
Distribution
Australasia
Plant Parts
Not available

Classification

Taxonomy

Terminalia calcicola is a distinct botanical species belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further belongs to the order Myrtales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. As a member of the Combretaceae family, it shares characteristics with many other woody plants. Ultimately, this species is identified by its specific genus, Terminalia.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Myrtales
Family Combretaceae
Genus Terminalia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Terminalia calcicola is a specialized plant species with a distinct geographic footprint across several regions. Its primary distribution spans much of the African continent, showcasing its adaptability to diverse landscapes. Beyond the mainland, the species is also found throughout the Western Indian Ocean, where it thrives in unique maritime environments. The island of Madagascar serves as another significant stronghold for this plant within its natural range. Together, these locations highlight the specific ecological niches that support its continued existence.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Terminalia calcicola is a species characterized by its robust tree growth form. This plant is entirely self-supporting, standing firmly on its own within its natural habitat.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Terminalia calcicola, a plant native to the Madagascar rain forest, has emerged as a significant subject of pharmacological interest. Recent studies involving bioassay-guided fractionation of its ethanol extract have successfully isolated two novel cytotoxic xanthones. These newly identified compounds, named termicalcicolanone A and termicalcicolanone B, were structurally characterized using advanced NMR spectroscopic data. Most notably, these xanthones demonstrate modest antiproliferative activity when tested against the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line. Such findings highlight the potential therapeutic value of the chemical constituents found within this unique species.

Compounds

Terminalia calcicola is a plant species native to the rainforests of Madagascar. Through the bioassay-guided fractionation of its ethanol extract, researchers successfully isolated two unique chemical constituents. These newly identified compounds are known as termicalcicolanone A and termicalcicolanone B. Both substances belong to the xanthone class and were characterized using advanced NMR spectroscopic techniques. Notably, these specific xanthones demonstrated modest antiproliferative activity against the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line.

Conditions

Terminalia calcicola contains specific xanthones that exhibit antiproliferative properties against cancer cells. Through bioassay-guided fractionation of its ethanol extract, researchers identified two new cytotoxic compounds named termicalcicolanone A and termicalcicolanone B. These isolated substances were structurally characterized using one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic data. Both of these novel xanthones demonstrated modest antiproliferative activity when tested against the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line. This relationship highlights the potential medicinal value of the Madagascan plant in targeting specific ovarian cancer cells.

Preparations

Terminalia calcicola is prepared as an EtOH extract to facilitate the study of its bioactive components. Through a bioassay-guided fractionation of this ethanol extract, researchers were able to isolate specific xanthones. These isolated compounds, known as termicalcicolanone A and B, were identified from the plant material. The extraction process was essential for discovering these new cytotoxic substances from the Madagascan species. Consequently, the use of an EtOH extract directly enabled the identification of molecules with antiproliferative activity.

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