Zanthoxylum syncarpum
Zanthoxylum syncarpum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Zanthoxylum syncarpum is a distinctive botanical species known for its significant pharmacological potential. The plant's leaves and stems serve as the primary sources for extracting its bioactive components. Specifically, it contains specialized chemicals such as syncarpamide and decarine. These compounds contribute to the plant's notable antiplasmodial activities, making it a subject of interest in malaria research. Consequently, studying this species offers valuable insights into the development of new medicinal treatments.
- Synonyms
- Perijea Syncarpa · Fagara Syncarpa · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Zanthoxylum syncarpum is a distinctive plant known by several different regional names. In certain areas, it is affectionately referred to as Limãozinho-do-mato due to its unique characteristics. Another common moniker used to describe this species is Espinho-de-barrão. These various names highlight the plant's diverse presence within local botanical traditions. Understanding these different identities helps enthusiasts identify the species more easily in the wild.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Zanthoxylum syncarpum is a botanical species that is frequently identified through various taxonomic designations. In many scientific records, it is recognized by the synonym Fagara syncarpa. The plant is also documented under the name Fagara valenciana depending on the specific classification system used. Furthermore, some botanical literature refers to this species as Perijea syncarpa. Understanding these overlapping synonyms is essential for accurate identification in both field studies and herbarium collections.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Zanthoxylum syncarpum is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast botanical realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The species belongs to the order Sapindales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to other woody plants. Furthermore, it is nested within the diverse family Rutaceae, which is known for its aromatic characteristics. Ultimately, this plant is identified by its specific genus, Zanthoxylum.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Zanthoxylum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Zanthoxylum syncarpum is a notable plant species with a wide-ranging distribution across South America. Its presence is particularly strong in Brazil, where it can be found throughout both the Northeast and Southeast regions. Beyond the borders of Brazil, the species also thrives in Northern South America. Specifically, it maintains a significant ecological footprint within the country of Venezuela. This broad geographic spread highlights the plant's adaptability to various tropical environments across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Zanthoxylum syncarpum is a self-supporting tree characterized by its sturdy and independent growth form. This species typically reaches a maximum height of 10 meters as it matures in its natural habitat. Its structural stability allows it to stand firmly within its ecosystem, providing a distinct presence in the canopy.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Zanthoxylum syncarpum has demonstrated significant potential in pharmacological research due to its notable antiplasmodial activity. Scientific investigations into the plant's leaves and stems have led to the isolation of several bioactive compounds, including various alkamides. Specifically, the compound syncarpamide has shown effectiveness against both the Plasmodium falciparum D6 and W2 clones. Research indicates that these derivatives can inhibit the parasite with relatively low IC50 values, marking them as important subjects for antimalarial study. Furthermore, while some isolated compounds exhibit cytotoxicity, others remain non-toxic, suggesting a promising profile for further drug development.
Compounds
Zanthoxylum syncarpum is a plant species that yields several significant chemical compounds through phytochemical analysis. Research conducted on the plant's leaves and stems has led to the successful isolation of the alkamide syncarpamide. Additionally, the stem of the plant serves as a source for the known alkaloid decarine. Both syncarpamide and decarine have demonstrated notable antiplasmodial activity against various clones of Plasmodium falciparum. These findings highlight the complex chemical profile of Zanthoxylum syncarpum and its potential medicinal properties.
Conditions
Zanthoxylum syncarpum contains bioactive compounds that demonstrate the ability to treat various strains of the malaria parasite. Specifically, extracts and isolated compounds from this plant show effectiveness against the Plasmodium falciparum D(6) clone. The plant's components also effectively treat the Plasmodium falciparum D6 clone. Furthermore, Zanthoxylum syncarpum provides medicinal activity against the P. falciparum W(2) clone. This therapeutic potential is also confirmed through its ability to treat the W2 clone.
Preparations
Parts used
Zanthoxylum syncarpum serves as a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites found within different morphological structures of the plant. Research has successfully isolated various alkamides specifically from the leaves of this species. Furthermore, the stem of the plant has proven to be a valuable reservoir for unique compounds such as the antiplasmodial derivative syncarpamide. These studies highlight how both the leaves and the stem contribute distinct chemical profiles to the organism. Consequently, understanding these plant relationships is essential for discovering new therapeutic agents.