Witheringia coccoloboides
Witheringia coccoloboides · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Witheringia coccoloboides is a unique botanical species that has recently garnered significant scientific attention due to its complex chemical profile. Researchers are increasingly focusing on this plant to explore its potential role in modern pharmacology. Preliminary studies suggest that the plant exhibits notable cytotoxic properties, which are essential for evaluating its biological impact. Furthermore, its documented antitumor activities offer a promising avenue for developing new therapeutic interventions against cancer. Understanding these bioactive mechanisms is crucial for unlocking the full medicinal potential of this remarkable species.
- Synonyms
- Acnistus Coccoloboides · Capsicum Fuscoviolaceum · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Not available
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Synonyms
Witheringia coccoloboides is a plant species that carries a complex botanical history defined by numerous taxonomic synonyms. Throughout various scientific studies, it has been identified under several different names, including Acnistus coccoloboides and Witheringia fuscoviolacea. The species is also closely linked to the names Brachistus fuscoviolaceus and Brachistus poasensis within existing literature. Furthermore, historical classifications have even associated the plant with the name Capsicum fuscoviolaceum. Understanding these diverse relationships is essential for accurately tracking the plant's identity across different botanical records.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Witheringia coccoloboides exhibits an expansive geographical range that spans from North America down through the heart of the tropics. Its presence is firmly established in Mexico and along the Gulf Coast, marking its northernmost reaches. Moving southward, the species thrives throughout Central America, specifically within the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panamá. The distribution continues into Southern America, where it can be found across northern regions such as Venezuela. This broad coverage demonstrates the plant's remarkable ability to adapt to various ecological niches across the Americas.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Witheringia coccoloboides is characterized by its distinct tree-like growth form. As a self-supporting species, it maintains its structural integrity without the need for external assistance.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Witheringia coccoloboides has emerged as a significant subject of study due to its potential pharmacological properties. Research into the roots of this plant has led to the isolation of two specific compounds known as physalin B and 25,26-epidihydrophysalin C. Both of these substances have demonstrated notable cytotoxic activity against 9KB and 9PS tumor cells during in vitro testing. Furthermore, the plant exhibits antitumor potential, particularly as physalin B has shown moderate activity against 3PS mouse leukemia in vivo. These findings highlight the importance of exploring this species for the development of new therapeutic agents.
Compounds
Witheringia coccoloboides serves as a significant botanical source for the isolation of potent bioactive compounds. Scientific investigations into the roots of this plant have successfully identified the presence of physalin B. This specific compound, along with a novel physalin derivative, has demonstrated notable cytotoxic activity against various tumor cell lines in vitro. Furthermore, research indicates that physalin B exhibits moderate effectiveness against 3PS mouse leukemia during in vivo studies. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic value of substances derived from this plant in the fight against cancer.
Conditions
Witheringia coccoloboides serves as a source of potent antitumor agents through its isolated cytotoxic compounds. Specifically, the plant provides physalin B and 25,26-epidihydrophysalin C, which demonstrate effectiveness against various malignancies. These compounds have shown significant cytotoxic activity against 9KB tumor cells during in vitro testing. Additionally, they exhibit the ability to treat 9PS tumor cells in similar laboratory settings. Finally, the plant's constituent physalin B has demonstrated moderate activity in treating 3PS mouse leukemia in vivo.