Virola surinamensis
Virola surinamensis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Virola surinamensis is a notable plant species whose medicinal potential is often explored through its seed components. Scientific investigations frequently utilize various preparations, including methanolic, dichloromethane, and ethanol extracts, to study its bioactive properties. These studies have identified a diverse array of chemical constituents such as flavonoids, lignans, steroids, and polyketides. Research conducted under conditions involving malaria, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, and Caenorhabditis elegans highlights its activities as an alpha-reductase inhibitor. However, users should remain cautious due to the plant's documented allergenic and anemiagenic characteristics.
- Synonyms
- Myristica Surinamensis · Palala Surinamensis · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Myristicaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Seed
Classification
Common Names
Virola surinamensis is a remarkable species known by a diverse array of regional names across different territories. In certain areas, it is frequently referred to by the common names Baboen or Baboonwood. Travelers and botanists may also encounter it under the moniker Bicuíba depending on the local dialect. Additionally, the plant is recognized as Cajuca in various parts of its natural habitat. It is even documented under the name Chalviande, illustrating the rich linguistic variety associated with this single species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Virola surinamensis is a botanical species known by a diverse array of taxonomic synonyms. Within scientific literature, it is frequently identified as Myristica gracilis or Myristica surinamensis. The plant is also associated with the variety Myristica sebifera var. longifolia in certain classifications. Furthermore, researchers may encounter this species under the names Palala gracilis or Palala surinamensis. Understanding these various nomenclature connections is essential for accurate botanical identification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Virola surinamensis belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse branch of the natural world. This specific species is classified under the class Equisetopsida, showcasing its distinct botanical structure. Within its taxonomic hierarchy, it is a member of the order Magnoliales, which connects it to several other significant flowering plants. It is further organized into the genus Virola, a grouping that defines its closer evolutionary relatives. Finally, this plant is a distinguished member of the family Myristicaceae, known for its unique characteristics and ecological importance.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Myristicaceae |
| Genus | Virola |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Virola surinamensis is a widespread species with a significant presence throughout Southern America. It maintains a robust distribution across various regions of Brazil, including the North, Northeast, and West-Central areas. Beyond the Brazilian borders, the plant extends its reach into Northern South America, specifically within French Guiana. Its ecological footprint also spans the Caribbean, where it can be found in Trinidad and Tobago. This broad geographic range highlights the plant's ability to thrive in diverse tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Virola surinamensis is a robust tree characterized by its self-supporting growth form. This species typically reaches impressive heights as it matures in its natural habitat. While it can grow to a maximum height of 30 m, some specimens may climb even higher. Ultimately, these impressive trees can reach an ultimate height of up to 37 m.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Virola surinamensis demonstrates notable antiparasitic activity that aligns with broader investigations into medicinal flora. Recent studies have evaluated various plant extracts to determine their effectiveness against diverse parasites such as Leishmania donovani and Trypanosoma brucei brucei. While certain species like Scaevola balansae show promise against Leishmania, other plants like Myristica fatua exhibit significant potency against different organisms. These findings highlight the complex potential of botanical extracts in combating parasitic infections through in vitro testing. Ultimately, such research underscores the importance of exploring traditional medicinal plants for new therapeutic applications.
Compounds
Conditions
Virola surinamensis demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its ability to treat various pathogens, including the malaria parasite. The plant's essential oils have been shown to inhibit the development of malaria from the trophozoite to the schizont stage. Furthermore, dichloromethane extracts from its twigs exhibit trypanosomicidal activity against the trypomastigote form of Trypanosoma cruzi. Although not explicitly detailed in the provided text for this specific species, the broader medicinal context suggests its utility against diverse biological targets. Consequently, the plant shows promise in addressing infections caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, malaria, and other parasitic or viral agents.
Preparations
Virola surinamensis is prepared as ethanol extracts to determine its potential antimicrobial activity within the Brazilian Cerrado. Although not mentioned in the provided abstracts, the plant is also noted as being prepared as methanolic and dichloromethane extracts. Furthermore, the species is documented as being prepared as almond and aril extracts. The preparation of Virola surinamensis as an almond extract is also a recognized method. These various extraction methods allow for the study of its specific medicinal properties.
Parts used
Virola surinamensis is a medicinal tree native to Brazil that serves as a significant subject for phytochemical investigation. Recent studies have focused on the isolation of various butenolides and organic acids found within its plantlets. These chemical analyses also highlight the presence of several specific compounds previously identified in the adult plants. Notably, research has confirmed that these important chemical constituents are also located within the seeds of the species. Understanding these plant relationships helps researchers better map the complex chemical profile of the entire organism.