Xylocarpus granatum
What's the taxonomical classification of Xylocarpus granatum?
Xylocarpus granatum belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Sapindales. The plant is further categorized into the family Meliaceae, within which it is placed in the genus Xylocarpus, eventually reaching its specific designation as the species granatum.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Xylocarpus |
| Species | granatum |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Xylocarpus granatum has woody stems, pinnately compound leaves, small yellowish flowers, and large woody capsules that contain several buoyant seeds. The leaves are typically arranged oppositely and feature elliptical leaflets with entire margins. Its inflorescences consist of small, fragrant flowers that emerge from the leaf axils. The most distinctive feature is the large, globose fruit which splits open to release seeds equipped with a fibrous, corky layer for water dispersal. This structure allows the plant to thrive in mangrove and coastal forest ecosystems.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical coastal regions of the Indo-West Pacific, spanning from East Africa and Madagascar across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. It primarily inhabits mangrove ecosystems and estuarine environments where it thrives in saline tidal mudflats. Its presence is most concentrated along the coastlines of countries such as India, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The species prefers low-lying areas that experience regular tidal inundation. This specific distribution pattern limits its growth to sheltered tropical shorelines rather than inland forests.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Xylocarpus granatum is cultivated in tropical coastal regions and mangrove ecosystems by planting seeds in saline, waterlogged soils characterized by high humidity and regular tidal influence.
Growers typically propagate the species through the direct sowing of mature fruits in muddy substrates near sea level. Because it thrives in brackish environments, the plant requires constant access to moist, nutrient-rich silt to develop its dense, woody structure. Successful cultivation demands consistent monitoring of salinity levels and protection from extreme freshwater flooding that could disrupt its natural habitat.
Proper drainage is rarely a concern, but ensuring the roots remain submerged in a stable aquatic interface is vital for long-term growth.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Xylocarpus granatum provides medicinal value through its bark, fruit, leaves, seeds, and twigs. The bark and twigs are frequently utilized in traditional remedies to treat various skin ailments and inflammatory conditions. Extracts from the leaves are often applied to manage wounds or used in infusions for digestive health. The seeds contain specific bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic potential. Additionally, the fruit is sometimes processed to harness its chemical properties for specific medicinal applications.
According to a study published by "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", the leaves and bark of Xylocarpus granatum are used to treat diarrhoea, cholera, fever, dyslipidaemia, and inflammation. The study evaluated ethanol, methanol, and aqueous extracts of these plant parts, finding that ethanol bark extracts (XGEB) showed higher alpha-amylase inhibition and ABTS scavenging activities. When XGEB was administered at 100 and 200 mg/kg BW doses to STZ-induced diabetic mice, it resulted in a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), and urea levels. XGEB treatment also ameliorated levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST in the liver, as well as LPx, SOD, GST, and GR activities in brain tissues. These medicinal bark extracts contain simple polyphenols, isoflavone, and flavonol-like compounds as revealed by HPLC fingerprint analysis.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- fruit
- leaf
- seed
- twigs
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as the manilkara or manila mangrove, has been utilized in various coastal cultures for its medicinal properties and construction utility.
Traditional practitioners in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa have historically used its bark and roots to treat ailments such as skin diseases, dysentery, and stomach pains. The dense, durable wood was frequently employed to build sturdy boats and essential household tools due to its resistance to decay in saltwater environments. Additionally, certain indigenous groups have harvested the fruit for its nutritional value and used its extracts in local dyeing processes.
These long-standing practices highlight the plant's integral role in the survival and daily life of mangrove-dwelling communities.
What are the pharmacological activities of Xylocarpus granatum?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Its bioactive compounds work to neutralize free radicals, which provides a significant antioxidant effect that protects cells from oxidative stress. These chemical constituents also exhibit antimicrobial capabilities by inhibiting the growth of various pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates potent anticancer and anti-proliferative actions by disrupting the uncontrolled division of malignant cells. These combined therapeutic effects highlight the potential of Xylocarpus granatum as a source for developing new medicinal treatments.
According to a study published by "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", Xylocarpus granatum is a medicinal mangrove plant traditionally used for treating diarrhoea, cholera, fever, dyslipidaemia, and inflammation. The ethanol bark extracts of X. granatum (XGEB) demonstrated higher alpha-amylase inhibition and ABTS scavenging activities during in vitro evaluation. When administered to STZ-induced diabetic mice at 100 and 200 mg/kg BW doses, XGEB caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), and urea levels. The treatment also ameliorated levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST in the liver, as well as LPx, SOD, GST, and GR activities in brain tissues. HPLC fingerprint analysis of XGEB revealed simple polyphenols, isoflavone, and flavonol-like compounds.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-proliferative
- anticancer
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several distinct medicinal compounds including Granaxylocarpins A, Xylocarpins A-I, hainangranatumins A-E, xyloccensin K, and xylogranatin A. These bioactive secondary metabolites are primarily classified as complex limonoids. Researchers study these specific molecules to determine their potential pharmacological activities and therapeutic properties. The structural diversity of these compounds provides a significant basis for drug discovery efforts. Understanding the chemical profile of Xylocarpus granatum is essential for developing new medicinal applications.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", five new limonoids, granaxylocarpins A-E (1-5), were isolated from the seeds of the Chinese marine mangrove Xylocarpus granatum. Granaxylocarpins A (1) and B (2) are mexicanolide-type limonoids featuring a 9,10-seco skeleton. Granaxylocarpin C (3) possesses an 8alpha,30alpha-epoxy ring and a rare 1,29-oxygen bridge. The structure of xyloccensin U (4a) was revised as 4b through comparison with granaxylocarpin D (4). The cytotoxicity of these isolates was evaluated against the P-388 and A-549 tumor cell lines.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Gedunin
- Granaxylocarpins A-E
- Xylocarpins A-I
- Hainangranatumins A-J
- Xyloccensins O-S
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating cancer, diarrhea, gastric ulcers, inflammation, and various microbial infections. Researchers have identified bioactive compounds within its tissues that demonstrate significant cytotoxic properties against certain cancer cell lines. The extracts also possess potent antimicrobial activities that help combat harmful microbial infections in the body. Furthermore, its medicinal properties are utilized to soothe gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and the irritation caused by gastric ulcers. These diverse therapeutic applications are supported by the plant's ability to reduce systemic inflammation.
According to a study published by "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", Xylocarpus granatum J. Koenig is traditionally used to treat various diseases including diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, fever, malaria, and viral infections. An up-to-date search conducted till June 2020 through databases like PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar confirmed its medicinal potential. The plant possesses potent antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antifeedant, and neuroprotective activities. Although no clinical studies have been reported in the databases, its ethnomedicinal application in treating human ailments is attributed to the presence of enormous alkaloids. Further research is necessary to fully explore the chemical compounds and toxicological aspects of this plant.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cancer
- diarrhoea
- gastric ulcer
- peptic ulcer
- inflammation
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is utilized to create medicinal herbal preparations including a chloroform fraction and an aqueous extract of bark. These specific extractions are studied for their diverse pharmacological activities and potential therapeutic benefits. The chloroform fraction is often investigated for its concentration of lipophilic bioactive compounds. Meanwhile, the aqueous extract of bark is prepared to isolate water-soluble constituents for medicinal use. Researchers analyze these preparations to understand their specific effects on human health.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", the chloroform fraction (Fr-CHCl(3)) of Xylocarpus granatum fruit demonstrated potential anti-ulcer activity of 58.28% against CRU, 67.81% against AS, 84.38% against AL, 65.66% against PL, and 61.93% against HA induced models. This preparation significantly reduced free acidity by 51.42%, total acidity by 30.76%, and upregulated mucin secretion by 58.37%. Phytochemical investigations of the fraction yielded 36% gedunin and 2% photogedunin. These active constituents inhibited H(+) K(+)-ATPase activity in vitro with IC(50) values of 89.37 microg/ml for the fraction, 56.86 microg/ml for gedunin, and 66.54 microg/ml for photogedunin.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Chloroform fraction
- aqueous extract of bark
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause serious health complications including cholera, diarrhoea, dyslipidaemia, fever, and inflammation. If consumed incorrectly, the chemical components may trigger severe gastrointestinal distress such as acute diarrhoea or cholera symptoms. Furthermore, the plant is associated with metabolic issues like dyslipidaemia which affects blood lipid levels. Systemic responses can also include the development of a fever and widespread bodily inflammation. These adverse reactions highlight the potential toxicity of the species if not handled with extreme caution.
According to a study published by "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", Xylocarpus granatum is a medicinal mangrove plant traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhoea, cholera, fever, dyslipidaemia, and inflammation. The study evaluated ethanol, methanol, and aqueous extracts of leaves and barks, finding higher alpha-amylase inhibition and ABTS scavenging activities in ethanol bark extracts (XGEB). Administration of XGEB at 100 and 200 mg/kg BW doses to STZ-induced diabetic mice resulted in a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), and urea levels. Furthermore, levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST in the liver, alongside LPx, SOD, GST, and GR activities in brain tissues, were ameliorated in the treated mice. These findings demonstrate the beneficial effect of XGEB in controlling hyperglycaemia and ameliorating oxidative stress associated complications.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- cholera
- diarrhoea
- dyslipidaemia
- fever
- inflammation
What herbs are paired with Xylocarpus granatum?
This plant Xylocarpus granatum is traditionally paired with ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass to enhance its medicinal efficacy in treating skin ailments and digestive issues.
The pungent heat of ginger helps balance the astringent properties of the bark during decoction. Turmeric is frequently added to provide anti-inflammatory synergy when preparing topical pastes for wound healing. Lemongrass serves as a complementary aromatic agent that assists in neutralizing the bitter undertones of the woody extracts.
These specific combinations are carefully measured in traditional herbal practices to optimize the absorption of bioactive compounds.