Toona sinensis
Toona sinensis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Toona sinensis is a versatile plant species valued for its diverse medicinal properties and chemical richness. Various parts of the plant, including the leaf, stem, and seeds, serve as primary sources for therapeutic preparations such as 80% ethanol leaf extracts. Research highlights the presence of key bioactive compounds like gallic acid, (+)-limonene, 7-alpha-obacunyl acetate, and azadirone. These chemicals contribute to significant biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antileukemic, and neuroprotective effects. Consequently, these extracts show great potential in addressing complex health conditions such as inflammation, apoptosis, and atherosclerosis.
- Synonyms
- Toona Sinensis Var. Incarvillei · Surenus Serrata · 24 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Seed
Classification
Common Names
Toona sinensis is a versatile species known by a diverse array of names across different cultures and languages. In English-speaking regions, it is frequently referred to as the Chinese Cedar or the Chinese Mahogany. It is also commonly identified as the Tun tree, a name that highlights its practical utility. Moving into different linguistic landscapes, the plant is called Cédrèle de Chine in French. Finally, in German-speaking areas, it is recognized by the name Chinesischer Surenbaum.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Toona sinensis is a botanical subject characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms. Scientific literature frequently links this species to various names, such as Ailanthus flavescens and Ailanthus mairei. Its classification history also includes connections to the Cedrela genus, specifically under the name Cedrela glabra. Further nomenclatural relationships extend to Cedrela longifolia var. kumaona and Cedrela serrata. Understanding these overlapping identities is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Toona sinensis belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse lineage of living organisms. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Sapindales, showcasing its evolutionary connection to related woody plants. At the family level, this species is a distinguished member of the Meliaceae family. Finally, its specific botanical identity is defined by its placement within the genus Toona.
| 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 sinensis exhibits a broad geographical range that spans across multiple continents and diverse climatic zones. In Asia, the species is widely distributed throughout various regions of China, including the North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast areas. Its presence extends beyond Asia into the African continent, specifically within the tropical landscapes of East Africa. Within this African territory, documented populations can be found in both Tanzania and Uganda. This wide-reaching distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to both temperate Asian environments and tropical African habitats.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Toona sinensis is a self-supporting tree characterized by its robust and upright growth form. This species can reach significant proportions in the wild, typically achieving a maximum height of 36 m. However, under optimal conditions, it is capable of stretching even higher to a maximum of 40 m. This impressive stature allows it to command space within its natural ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Toona sinensis is a versatile medicinal plant belonging to the Meliaceae family that possesses a wide array of significant biological activities. Research indicates that its extracts and isolated compounds exhibit potent antioxidant properties, which help protect endothelial cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. The plant also demonstrates notable anticancer potential, specifically through the inhibition of cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis in certain cancer models. Furthermore, studies have highlighted its antileukemic activity, particularly through the action of various polyphenolic constituents. Finally, the limonoids found within its young leaves and buds offer promising neuroprotective effects, suggesting a role in preventing neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Compounds
Toona sinensis is a traditional medicinal plant belonging to the Meliaceae family that possesses a diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals. Scientific analyses have confirmed that the plant contains gallic acid, a major component known for its significant antioxidant and antileukemic properties. Furthermore, the chemical profile of the species includes several important terpenoids and limonoids such as 7-alpha-obacunyl acetate and cedrelone. Research has also identified the presence of specific compounds like azadirone and bourjotinolone A within its biological makeup. Together, these constituent relationships highlight the plant's complex chemical structure and its potential therapeutic value.
Conditions
Toona sinensis is utilized in traditional medicine to treat diabetes and is noted for its potential neuroprotective effects against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced cell death. In studies regarding drought stress, the plant's physiological stability was observed under a 75% field capacity treatment, while a significant drop in nitrogen content occurred under the 10% field capacity treatment. Additionally, specific compounds isolated from the plant exhibit cytotoxic activity against the A549 cell line. These diverse biological and physiological responses highlight the multifaceted medicinal and adaptive properties of the species.
Preparations
Toona sinensis is prepared as extracts that demonstrate strong anti-aging activities in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Researchers have specifically utilized an 80% ethanol extract of the leaf to isolate various terpenoids through column chromatography. The seeds of the plant are also prepared as a source for studying acyclic diterpenoids that can attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, Toona sinensis is prepared as TSB, with studies focusing on how low-temperature storage affects the quality of these red buds across different seasons. Finally, the plant is processed into active fractions that serve as significant components for discovering potential new medicinal agents.
Parts used
Toona sinensis is a versatile medicinal and edible plant that offers diverse biological activities through its various morphological components. The leaves are particularly notable for their nutritional value and the presence of limonoids that may provide neuroprotective benefits. Research into the seeds has identified specific terpenoids capable of attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, the stem, specifically the stem bark, serves as a rich source of novel triterpenoids with potential cytotoxic properties against certain human tumor cells. Collectively, these different parts of the plant demonstrate significant potential for the development of new antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs.