Vismia baccifera
Vismia baccifera · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Vismia baccifera is a versatile plant species known for containing a diverse array of bioactive chemical compounds. Research has identified key constituents within the species, including Deacetylvismione A, FERRUGININ C, Harunganin, and VISMIONE B. These specialized phytochemicals are primarily sourced from the plant's leaf and stem structures. Scientists often study these components through the use of both aqueous extracts and methanolic extracts to isolate their properties. Understanding these chemical profiles is essential for exploring the plant's potential pharmacological applications.
- Synonyms
- Caopia Baccifera
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Hypericaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Vismia baccifera is a versatile plant recognized by several different names depending on the local region. It is widely known by its common name, Carate, in many tropical environments. Some communities also refer to this specific species as achiotillo. These various names highlight the plant's deep integration into diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes. Understanding these common aliases is essential for anyone studying the botanical diversity of its habitat.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Vismia baccifera is a botanical species that has been documented under several different scientific names throughout history. In various taxonomic records, you may find this plant referred to by its synonym, Caopia baccifera. Additionally, it is also recognized in older literature as Hypericum bacciferum. These overlapping names reflect the evolving nature of botanical classification and nomenclature. Understanding these relationships is essential for researchers seeking to accurately identify the species across different studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Vismia baccifera is a distinct member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. This specific plant belongs to the genus Vismia, which characterizes its unique physical attributes. Further taxonomic refinement places it within the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is officially recognized as a part of the Hypericaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Hypericaceae |
| Genus | Vismia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Vismia baccifera exhibits a wide and diverse geographical range that spans across multiple continents. In North America, this species is prominently found throughout various regions of Mexico, including the Central, Gulf, Southeast, and Southwest territories. Its presence extends significantly further south into the tropical landscapes of South America. Specifically, the plant thrives within the northern reaches of Brazil. This expansive distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to different environmental conditions across the Americas.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Vismia baccifera is a self-supporting plant that primarily takes the form of a tree. Depending on its specific environmental conditions, its growth can vary significantly in scale. While some specimens may reach a maximum height of 15 m, others typically stay much smaller. In many instances, the plant reaches a more modest maximum height of 7 m.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Vismia baccifera serves as a rich source of various bioactive chemical constituents. Through bioassay-guided fractionation, researchers have successfully isolated several key compounds from its methanolic extracts. Notable substances found within the plant include the newly identified ferruginin C and the known compound harunganin. Additionally, the species contains vismione B and deacetylvismione A, both of which play roles in its chemical profile. The presence of vismiaquinone further highlights the diverse phytochemical makeup of this particular plant species.
Conditions
Vismia baccifera demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its ability to treat various human cancer cell lines. Research indicates that methanolic extracts of this species effectively treat CNS cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the plant shows efficacy in treating human breast cancer cell lines and lung cancer cell lines. Beyond its anticancer properties, Vismia baccifera also acts to treat lipid oxidation. These diverse biological activities are largely attributed to the presence of bioactive polyphenolic compounds like flavanols.
Preparations
Vismia baccifera is prepared as aqueous extracts, specifically infusions of the leaf, bark, and stem, to study their antioxidant potential and polyphenol composition. These aqueous preparations have been shown to inhibit lipid oxidation due to high levels of flavanols like catechin and epicatechin. Additionally, Vismia baccifera is prepared as methanolic extracts to facilitate the bioassay-guided fractionation of its bioactive constituents. Through this methanolic extraction process, researchers have successfully isolated several compounds, including the new compound ferruginin C. These different preparation methods allow for the comprehensive study of the plant's chemical properties and medicinal activities.
Parts used
Vismia baccifera is a medicinal plant from the Colombian Amazonia that holds significant ethnobotanic interest. Researchers investigated the bioactive properties of this species by preparing aqueous infusions from its different parts. Specifically, the study utilized extracts derived from both the leaf and the stem of the plant. These extracts were found to contain high levels of flavanols, such as catechin and epicatechin, which contribute to their antioxidant potential. Ultimately, the analysis of these components highlights the chemical importance of the plant's structural parts in traditional medicine.