Xylocarpus granatum
Xylocarpus granatum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Xylocarpus granatum is a versatile medicinal plant known for its significant therapeutic potential in traditional healing practices. Various parts of the plant, including the seeds, fruits, and leaves, are utilized to combat conditions such as cholera, fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. Its pharmacological profile is bolstered by key chemical constituents like gedunin, xyloccensin U, (+)-catechin, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. These bioactive compounds provide essential medicinal activities, most notably gastroprotective and antifilarial effects. Consequently, this species serves as a vital natural resource for addressing diverse gastrointestinal and parasitic ailments.
- Synonyms
- Granatum Obovatum · Xylocarpus Obovatus Var. Macrophyllus · 8 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Xylocarpus granatum is a unique species known by a diverse array of regional and descriptive names. It is frequently referred to as the Dhundal tree or the Fobo in various local contexts. Many botanists and enthusiasts also identify it by its more descriptive common names, such as the Mangrove Mahogany. In certain areas, it is recognized as the Mangrove cèdre, reflecting its distinct structural qualities. Additionally, the plant is known as the Meduulokebong, showcasing the rich linguistic variety associated with this important mangrove species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Xylocarpus granatum is a species characterized by a complex taxonomic history involving numerous scientific aliases. Throughout various botanical studies, it has been identified by the synonym Amoora salomoniensis. The plant's classification has also been linked to several variations within the Carapa genus, such as Carapa carnuosula and Carapa granatum. Additionally, researchers have previously documented it under the names Carapa obovata and Granatum obovatum. Understanding these overlapping relationships is essential for accurate botanical identification and scientific consistency.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Xylocarpus granatum is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the plant is specifically categorized under the class Equisetopsida. It further identifies with the order Sapindales, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Xylocarpus, it holds a distinct place within its specialized group. Finally, this species is classified under the family Meliaceae, completing its complex taxonomic profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Xylocarpus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Xylocarpus granatum is a distinctive species with a wide-reaching presence across the African continent. Its distribution spans the East Tropical coast, where it can be found in both Kenya and Tanzania. The plant also extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, establishing itself within the borders of Somalia. Moving further south, its range reaches into Mozambique throughout the South Tropical region. Finally, the species reaches its southern limits in the KwaZulu-Natal province of Southern Africa.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Xylocarpus granatum is a distinctive tree species known for its robust and self-supporting growth form. Depending on its environment, this plant can vary significantly in size, reaching a minimum height of only 4 meters. In many habitats, it matures into a medium-sized specimen standing at least 10 meters tall. For those observing its full potential, the tree can eventually reach a maximum height of 20 meters. This impressive vertical range makes it a versatile component of its native ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Xylocarpus granatum demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its diverse biological activities. Research indicates that aqueous extracts of this species, particularly from the seeds, possess notable antifilarial effects against adult worms of Brugia malayi. Furthermore, the plant exhibits strong gastroprotective properties, offering a defense against various types of gastric ulcers. Specifically, the chloroform fraction of its fruit and its active constituents, gedunin and photogedunin, work to protect the gastric mucosa and reduce acidity. These combined findings suggest that Xylocarpus granatum could serve as a valuable source for developing treatments for both parasitic infections and peptic ulcer disease.
Compounds
Xylocarpus granatum is a marine mangrove plant known for its diverse and biologically significant chemical profile. Scientific investigations have identified that it contains several important secondary metabolites, including the potent tetranorterpenoid gedunin. The plant also serves as a source for specialized limonoids such as xyloccensin U. Furthermore, phytochemical analyses have confirmed the presence of various organic compounds like aurantiamide acetate and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Other essential constituents found within its fruit include abscisic acid, contributing to the plant's complex chemical composition.
Conditions
Xylocarpus granatum is traditionally utilized to treat various ailments, including cholera and diarrhoea. This medicinal mangrove plant is also used to manage fever in many communities. Research indicates that its bark extracts can effectively ameliorate oxidative stress associated complications, particularly in diabetic models. Furthermore, the plant exhibits significant antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum through its active constituents. Together, these properties highlight the plant's diverse therapeutic potential.
Preparations
Parts used
Xylocarpus granatum is a medicinal mangrove plant that contains a diverse range of bioactive chemical constituents within its various morphological structures. Research has extensively focused on its seeds, which serve as a rich source of novel tetranortriterpenoids and limonoids with potential antiviral and anti-angiogenic properties. The fruits of the species are also significant, yielding numerous compounds such as xylocarpins and other specialized limonoids through chemical examination. Additionally, the leaves and twigs of the plant have been studied for their unique phragmalin orthoesters and antioxidant capabilities. Together, these different parts demonstrate the complex chemical profile that contributes to the plant's traditional medicinal uses.