Toona ciliata
Toona ciliata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (7 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Toona ciliata is a versatile botanical species known for its significant therapeutic potential across various medicinal applications. Utilizing different plant parts such as the stem, leaf, flower, and root, researchers derive ethanol, acetone, aqueous, and chloroform extracts to harness its biological properties. The plant contains vital chemical compounds including flavonoids, Cedrelone, Dyscusin C, and 12alpha-hydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one. These constituents drive diverse pharmacological activities, ranging from cytotoxic, antibacterial, and anticancer effects to antiglycation capabilities. Furthermore, its medicinal value extends to providing analgesic, anthelmintic, and protective benefits against insects and kidney diseases.
- Synonyms
- Swietenia Toona · Cedrela Toona Var. Hainesii · 86 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Stem · Flower
Classification
Common Names
Toona ciliata is a versatile tree recognized by a diverse array of regional and descriptive common names. In many parts of the world, it is widely known as Acajou indien. It is also frequently referred to by its English moniker, the Australian red-cedar, or sometimes simply as the Australian redcedar. Depending on the specific linguistic context, you may also encounter it called the Australian-cedar. Finally, in Spanish-speaking regions, this notable species is commonly identified as Cedro-australiano.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Toona ciliata is a taxonomically complex species that has been associated with several different names throughout botanical history. It is widely recognized as being synonymous with Cedrela brevipetiolulata in various scientific records. Furthermore, the plant shares botanical identities with several forms of Cedrela febrifuga, specifically the ternatensis and cochinchinensis varieties. Its classification also encompasses the names Cedrela hainesii and Cedrela kingii. Understanding these various synonyms is essential for accurate identification and consistent communication within the scientific community.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Toona ciliata is a remarkable species that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological kingdom, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further descends through the order Sapindales, showcasing its complex evolutionary lineage. This tree is a distinguished member of the genus Toona, which defines its unique botanical characteristics. Finally, it finds its place within the Meliaceae family, connecting it to a diverse group of related woody plants.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Toona |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Toona ciliata exhibits a diverse geographic distribution that spans across several key regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, the species is commonly found within the landscapes of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its presence also extends into South Tropical Africa, where it can be identified in Malawi. Beyond the mainland, the plant has established a notable foothold in the Middle Atlantic Ocean on the island of St. Helena. This wide-ranging habitat demonstrates the species' ability to thrive in varied tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Toona ciliata is a distinctive tree that serves as a vital component of its forest ecosystem. As a self-supporting species, it maintains a strong, upright structure to compete for sunlight. While its height can begin at a modest 5 meters, the species is capable of significant vertical expansion. Most specimens reach a substantial stature, often climbing well above 35 meters. Ultimately, these trees can achieve impressive heights, frequently exceeding 40 meters in optimal growing conditions.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Toona ciliata is a medicinal plant that demonstrates a diverse range of significant therapeutic activities. Research indicates that its extracts possess potent antibacterial properties, making them promising candidates for the development of novel antimicrobial compounds. The plant also exhibits strong anticancer and cytotoxic effects, particularly when tested against human breast carcinoma cell lines and through various bioassays. Furthermore, studies have highlighted its antioxidant potential, showcasing effective scavenging abilities in biochemical assays. Finally, the various extracts of this species have shown notable antiglycation abilities, suggesting its utility in managing complications related to diabetes.
Compounds
Toona ciliata is a member of the Meliaceae family that possesses a diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals. Scientific investigations have identified several unique compounds within the plant, including the steroid 12alpha-hydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one and the potent antifungal agent cedrelone. Furthermore, recent research has highlighted the presence of dyscusin C and lutein, both of which were identified through advanced spectroscopic analysis. The plant also contains high concentrations of flavonoids, contributing to its significant antioxidant and antiglycation properties. These various chemical constituents underscore the medicinal potential of the species in treating various ailments.
Conditions
Toona ciliata demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by effectively treating malaria through its antiplasmodial properties. The plant's aqueous extracts and oils have been shown to neutralize the venom of Naja melanoleuca, providing vital anti-venom activity. In vivo studies further confirm its efficacy in treating Pb-infected mice by significantly decreasing parasitemia and delaying mortality. Its medicinal strength extends to combating specific parasite strains, including PfCam3.I^R539T and Plasmodium falciparum 3D7. Collectively, these findings highlight the plant's diverse ability to target both parasitic infections and dangerous snake venoms.
Preparations
Toona ciliata is prepared as an ethanol extract to evaluate its significant anti-ulcer and gastroprotective activities in various animal models. This plant is also prepared as an acetone extract, which demonstrates notable antioxidant properties and antiglycation potential. Research shows that Toona ciliata is prepared as an aqueous extract to test its in vitro anti-venom capabilities against cobra venom. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as a chloroform extract to facilitate the isolation and characterization of unique triterpene isomers. Finally, Toona ciliata is prepared as chloroform fractions that exhibit effective antibacterial activity against various bacterial cultures.
Parts used
Toona ciliata is a traditional woody plant valued for its diverse medicinal properties. The various parts of the plant, including its roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, contain a wide range of bioactive compounds. Research highlights that extracts from the stem bark exhibit significant antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Furthermore, transcriptome profiling of the young stems provides critical insights into how the plant responds to insect pests. By studying these different components, scientists can better understand the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the plant's overall health and defense.