Terminalia citrina
Terminalia citrina · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Terminalia citrina is a remarkable botanical species known for its diverse therapeutic potential derived from both its fruit and leaves. Through the use of aqueous, ethanolic, and EtOAc extracts, researchers have identified significant antibacterial, cytotoxic, and genotoxic activities within the plant. These biological properties are driven by key chemical constituents, including 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranose, 1,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranose, chebulagic acid, and corilagin. Such compounds offer promising avenues for addressing complex pathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage. Consequently, the various extracts of this plant represent a vital area of study for developing novel medicinal interventions.
- Synonyms
- Embryogonia Arborea · Combretum Arboreum · 12 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Combretaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Terminalia citrina is a remarkable plant that is recognized by several distinct identifiers in the botanical world. It is widely known by the common name citrine myrobalan, reflecting its unique characteristics. Additionally, this species is frequently referred to as black chuglam in certain regions. Understanding these various names helps enthusiasts identify the plant across different cultural and linguistic contexts. Recognizing both monikers ensures that researchers and gardeners can accurately document this important species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Terminalia citrina is a botanical species known by a diverse array of scientific synonyms throughout various taxonomic studies. Within botanical literature, it is frequently identified as Bucida comintana or Combretum arboreum. Researchers also recognize the plant under the names Embryogonia arborea and Myrobalanus citrina. Furthermore, the name Terminalia arborea serves as another valid synonym for this specific tree. Understanding these multiple designations is essential for accurate identification in both field studies and academic databases.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Terminalia citrina belongs to the expansive kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of living organisms. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Myrtales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. As a member of the Combretaceae family, it shares specific botanical characteristics with its close relatives. Ultimately, this plant 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 citrina is a distinctive species widely distributed across the tropical regions of Asia. Its presence is particularly significant throughout the Indian Subcontinent, where it thrives in diverse environments. The plant can be found spanning from the lush landscapes of India and Bangladesh to the rugged terrain of Nepal. Additionally, it extends its reach into the specialized ecosystems of Assam and the East Himalaya. This broad geographical range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various tropical climates within the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Terminalia citrina is a self-supporting tree that serves as a prominent feature in its natural habitat. This species exhibits a robust growth form, allowing it to reach impressive proportions. Depending on environmental conditions, its height typically reaches a maximum of 25 m. In some instances, the tree can grow even larger, attaining a maximum height of 30 m.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Terminalia citrina demonstrates a complex biological profile that includes both therapeutic potential and significant safety concerns. Research into its leaf extracts reveals noteworthy antibacterial activity against various pathogens, including Bacillus cereus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. However, studies focusing on its fruit extracts highlight a different set of risks, specifically regarding its genotoxic and cytotoxic potential. The fruit extracts have shown dose-dependent mutagenicity in tester strains and can significantly reduce cell viability in kidney cell lines. Consequently, while the plant holds promise for antimicrobial applications, its inherent toxicity necessitates rigorous further investigation to ensure safe medicinal use.
Compounds
Terminalia citrina is a medicinal plant characterized by a diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals found within its various extracts. Metabolomic analysis of its leaf extracts reveals the presence of key compounds such as astragalin and gallic acid. Furthermore, the plant's fruit extracts are notable for containing important tannins, including chebulagic acid and corilagin. Research also confirms that chebulic acid is a consistent component within the leaf extracts. Together, these various chemical constituents contribute to the plant's significant antibacterial potential.
Conditions
Terminalia citrina offers significant therapeutic potential, including the ability to treat Alzheimer's Disease through its inhibitory effects on cholinesterases. The plant also demonstrates efficacy in treating E2-enhanced breast cancer cell proliferation by utilizing specific furofuranone lignan glucosides. Research indicates that its extracts are highly effective at treating Heinz bodies induction by inhibiting oxidant-induced damage. Furthermore, the plant's bioactive compounds are capable of treating MCF-7 breast cancer cells through demonstrated antiestrogenic activity. Finally, Terminalia citrina is shown to treat T47D cell lines by significantly suppressing cell proliferation in estrogen-responsive environments.
Preparations
Terminalia citrina is prepared as aqueous and ethanolic extracts to evaluate its phytochemical presence and genotoxic potential. The plant is also prepared as EtOAc extract and EtOAc extracts from its leaves to isolate specific α-keto tetrahydrofuran lignan glucosides. Researchers have further utilized Terminalia citrina as prepared in various extracts to investigate its antiestrogenic properties. Additionally, aqueous extracts of the plant are screened for their total antioxidant activity and ability to inhibit Heinz body induction. These diverse preparation methods, including being prepared as extracts, allow for the comprehensive study of its medicinal and chemical profile.
Parts used
Terminalia citrina is a medicinal plant of significant ethnopharmacological importance that offers diverse biochemical properties through its various components. Scientific investigations into the fruit of this species have revealed high antioxidant capacities and the presence of potent tannins. However, studies on the fruit also indicate potential genotoxic and cytotoxic risks that necessitate cautious safety evaluations. Additionally, the leaves of the plant serve as a rich source of unique furofuran lignan glucosides. These leaf-derived compounds have demonstrated promising antiestrogenic activities, specifically in inhibiting the proliferation of certain breast cancer cell lines.