Xylocarpus moluccensis
What's the taxonomical classification of Xylocarpus moluccensis?
Xylocarpus moluccensis belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, this plant falls under the order Sapindales. It is further categorized into the family Meliaceae, within the genus Xylocarpus, and is specifically identified by its species name, moluccensis.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Xylocarpus |
| Species | moluccensis |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Xylocarpus moluccensis has a woody structure characterized by a large spreading canopy, buttressed roots, and elliptical leaves that are leathery in texture. The tree typically grows to significant heights in mangrove ecosystems, developing thick bark that protects its internal vascular system. Its leaves are arranged alternately along the branches and possess a glossy green surface with prominent veins. The plant produces large, woody, boat-shaped capsules that eventually split open to release numerous small seeds. These seeds are often equipped with specialized structures that allow them to float easily in saline waters for dispersal.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical coastal regions of the Indo-West Pacific, spanning from the eastern coast of Africa and Madagascar across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. It primarily inhabits mangrove ecosystems and tidal swamps where it thrives in brackish water environments. Its range extends through island groups such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and various Pacific archipelagos. Within these habitats, the species is often found in the mid-to-low intertidal zones. The distribution is strictly limited to warm, humid maritime climates that support its specialized salt-tolerant growth.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires a tropical mangrove environment characterized by saline water, high humidity, and anaerobic, waterlogged soils.
Successful cultivation depends on planting seedlings in intertidal zones where they can access regular tidal fluctuations. These trees thrive in brackish conditions and need consistent moisture to support their specialized root systems. Sunlight must be abundant to facilitate the growth of their dense, woody structures.
Proper management involves monitoring salinity levels and protecting young saplings from excessive erosion or extreme drought.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant utilizes its bark and seeds for various medicinal applications in traditional healing practices. The bark contains bioactive compounds that are often decocted to treat inflammatory conditions or skin ailments. Additionally, the seeds are harvested and processed to address specific digestive issues or internal imbalances. Local practitioners frequently employ these different components to create specialized herbal remedies. By utilizing multiple parts of the organism, healers maximize the therapeutic potential of the species.
According to a study published by "Nutrients", Xylocarpus moluccensis is one of seven plant species reviewed for its use in the treatment of diarrhoea. The bark of this plant is identified as a most promising part for medicinal use. This specific part contains tannins and has shown promising results in antidiarrhoeal mice models. Further studies are suggested to explore its efficacy, optimal dosage, and safety as a potential traditional herbal remedy.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as the yellow mangrove, has been traditionally used in Southeast Asian coastal communities to produce high-quality tannins for leather tanning and dyes for coloring fabrics.
The bark is frequently harvested to extract dark pigments that provide lasting color to textiles and various organic materials. Beyond its industrial applications, local medicinal practices often employ extracts from the plant to treat skin ailments and digestive issues. Coastal populations also historically utilized the dense wood for constructing durable tools and small boat components.
These diverse applications highlight the deep integration of the species into the socio-economic and medicinal frameworks of historical maritime cultures.
What are the pharmacological activities of Xylocarpus moluccensis?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antineoplastic, cytotoxicity, and anti-diarrheal pharmacological activities derived from its bioactive secondary metabolites. The presence of diverse phytochemicals allows the extracts to inhibit the growth of various pathogenic microorganisms. Research also indicates that its chemical constituents exhibit significant cytotoxicity against certain cancer cell lines, supporting its potential antineoplastic properties. Additionally, the plant demonstrates a capacity to reduce intestinal inflammation and fluid loss, which contributes to its anti-diarrheal effects. These multifaceted biological actions highlight the medicinal importance of Xylocarpus moluccensis in drug development.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Xylocarpus moluccensis has been traditionally used for the treatment of fever, dysentery, diarrhea, swelling, and abdominal disorders. The plant contains various important minerals and phytochemicals, with flavonoids, terpenes, and terpenoids being the most prominent isolated phyto-constituent components. Extracts, fractions, or isolated compounds from this plant possess diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-neoplastic, anti-diarrheal, insecticidal, anti-feedant, neuropharmacological, anti-atherosclerotic, and lipid-lowering activity. One report suggests that the methanol and aqueous extracts of this plant did not exert cytotoxic effects on normal mouse fibroblast cells. Despite these findings, no clinical studies have been reported up to the search conducted in August 2019.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-microbial
- antineoplastic
- cytotoxicity
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-diarrheal
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive medicinal compounds including Angolensic acid methyl ester, Godavarin J, Moluccensin V, Thaixylomolin F, and Xylomexicanolide A. These unique secondary metabolites are primarily extracted from the bark and fruit of the species. Researchers study these specific chemical constituents to evaluate their potential pharmacological activities. The diverse chemical profile of Xylocarpus moluccensis makes it a significant subject in natural product chemistry. Each identified compound contributes to the overall medicinal complexity of the plant.
According to a study published by "Computational biology and chemistry", sixty-seven terpenoids from the mangrove medicinal plant Xylocarpus moluccensis were screened for inhibition of the Mpro protein. Five specific compounds, including Angolensic acid methyl ester, Moluccensin V, Thaixylomolin F, Godavarin J, and Xylomexicanolide A, were shortlisted with docking scores and interaction affinities ranging from -13.502 to -15.52 kcal/mol. The efficacy of these lead terpenoids was validated by a 100 ns molecular dynamics study showing mean RMSD and RMSF values of 2.5 Å and 1.5 Å. Using MM-GBSA, Angolensic acid methyl ester and Moluccensin V demonstrated the highest binding free energies (ΔGbind) of -39.084 and -43.160 kcal/mol, respectively. These terpenoids showed no violations regarding Drug Likeliness and ADMET predictions.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Angolensic acid methyl ester
- Godavarin J
- Moluccensin V
- Thaixylomolin F
- Xylomexicanolide A
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating abdominal disorders, diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. The bark and roots of Xylocarpus moluccensis are often prepared into decoctions to soothe digestive distress. These traditional remedies are specifically applied to manage cases of diarrhea and dysentery. Additionally, the plant possesses properties that help reduce high fever in patients. Through these applications, the species serves as a vital medicinal resource for various gastrointestinal and systemic ailments.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Xylocarpus moluccensis is traditionally used for the treatment of fever, dysentery, diarrhea, swelling, and abdominal disorders. Based on an up-to-date search conducted till Aug 2019, the plant's extracts and isolated compounds possess diverse biological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-neoplastic, anti-diarrheal, insecticidal, anti-feedant, neuropharmacological, anti-atherosclerotic, and lipid-lowering activity. The research notes that only 1 report suggests the methanol and aqueous extracts of this plant did not exert cytotoxic effects on normal mouse fibroblast cells. Despite these findings, 0 clinical studies have been reported to date.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- abdominal disorders
- diarrhea
- diarrhoea
- dysentery
- fever
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create various medicinal herbal preparations, most notably an aqueous extract derived from its bark, fruit, or leaves. Practitioners often prepare these liquid decoctions to treat inflammatory conditions and skin ailments. The aqueous extract is particularly valued for its ability to release bioactive compounds through boiling in water. Additionally, different parts of the plant can be processed into pastes or oils for topical applications. These diverse preparations leverage the plant's natural chemical properties to address specific health concerns.
According to a study published by "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", Xylocarpus moluccensis was investigated using methanolic and aqueous extracts. The methanolic extract of Xylocarpus moluccensis showed low toxicity against mouse fibroblasts with an IC50 value greater than 2.5 mg mL(-1). This methanolic extract also demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines with an IC50 value between 0.2 and 2.3 mg mL(-1). Additionally, the aqueous extract of Xylocarpus moluccensis showed low toxicity against mouse fibroblasts with an IC50 value greater than 2.5 mg mL(-1).
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- aqueous extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal distress, and potential toxicity if ingested in uncontrolled amounts. The chemical compounds found within the bark and fruit can trigger localized allergic reactions upon contact with the skin. When consumed, these substances may lead to nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain in sensitive individuals. Furthermore, the presence of certain alkaloids necessitates caution because excessive intake might result in more severe systemic toxicity. Careful study is required to understand the exact thresholds that separate medicinal use from harmful side effects.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Xylocarpus moluccensis?
This plant Xylocarpus moluccensis is traditionally paired with ginger, turmeric, and various species of cinnamon to enhance its medicinal efficacy in treating skin ailments and digestive issues.
The combination of these warming spices helps to balance the bitter properties of the mangrove bark when used in decoctions. Practitioners often incorporate honey into these herb mixtures to improve the palatability of the potent brew. These specific pairings are believed to increase the bioavailability of the bioactive compounds found within the plant tissues.
Such traditional formulations are frequently studied for their potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in folk medicine.