Cannon Ball Tree Research Articles

Peacock mites on cannon-ball tree, Couroupita guianensis (Lecythidaceae) in the Southeast Region of Brazil

Tuckerella ornata, Tuckerella knorri (Acari: Tuckerellidae) and Brevipalpus yothersi (Acari: Tenuipalpidade) were found associated with the native South American Cannon-ball tree, Couroupita guianensis, for the first time in Brazil. The trees were observed throughout their flowering season in spring for two consecutive years. The highest population densities of peacock and flat mites were located on the raceme-type inflorescences. Throughout this survey, no mites were detected on the fruits.

A new species of stilt-legged mite of the genus Neophyllobius Berlese (Acari: Camerobiidae) from Brazil

A new species of Neotropical Camerobiidae from Brazil, Neophyllobius (Neophyllobius) unespensis n. sp., is collected and described from the raceme-type inflorescences of a native South America forest tree, Cannonball tree, Couroupita guianensis Aubl. (Lecythidaceae), description based on females, a protonymph, and a larva. The new stilt-legged mite was found during two springs for two consecutive years, which coincides with the inflorescence period of this tree.

Synthesis biological evaluation and molecular docking of isatin hybrids as anti-cancer and anti-microbial agents

Isatin, known as 1H-indole-2,3-dione, was originally recognised as a synthetic molecule until its discovery in the fruits of the cannonball tree, Couroupita guianensis. It is naturally occurring in plants of the genus Isatis and serves as a metabolic derivative of adrenaline in humans. Isatin possesses significant pharmacological importance, and its synthetic versatility has prompted extensive interest in its derivative compounds due to their diverse biological and pharmacological properties. These derivatives represent a valuable class of heterocyclic compounds with potential applications as precursors for synthesizing numerous valuable drugs. In the pursuit of advancing our research on isatin hybrids, we investigate the utilisation of readily available hydrazonoindolin-2-one and isatin as starting materials for the synthesis of a wide range of analogues. Characterisation of the synthesized compounds was carried out through various analytical techniques. Furthermore, the obtained compounds were subjected to extensive testing to evaluate their anticancer and antimicrobial activities. Specifically, their efficacy against key proteins, namely Staphylococcus aureus protein (PDB ID: 1JIJ), Escherichia coli protein (PDB ID: 1T9U), Pseudomonas aeruginosa protein (PDB ID: 2UV0), and Acinetobacter baumannii protein (PDB ID: 4HKG), was examined through molecular docking calculations. Several molecules, such as 3, 4, 6, 16, and 19, displayed remarkable activity against the renal cancer cell line UO-31. Additionally, the results of antimicrobial activity testing revealed that compound 16 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Subsequently, ADME/T calculations were performed to gain insights into the potential effects and reactions of these molecules within human metabolism. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the potential pharmacological applications of isatin derivatives and underscores their significance in drug development.

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND MINERAL PROFILE OF COUROUPITA GUIANENSIS AUBL. FRUIT - AN INDIGENOUS MEDICINAL TREE

Medicinal plants possess therapeutic properties and provide pharmacological effect on the human or animal body. Couroupita guianensis also called “cannon ball tree” is a medicinal tree which has numerous medicinal properties. All the parts of the plants are used for therapeutic purposes. The present review gives the information about the phytochemical and mineral profile analysis of fruit of the particular plant. The results show that fruit of the couroupita contain various phytochemicals such as alkaloid, flavanoid, Terpenoid, tannin, phenolic compounds, carbohydrate, protein and saponin whereas phytochemicals such as catchin, anthraquinone, glycosides where found to be absent. Mineral analysis indicate that iron is found to be maximum and there are no harsh minerals found in the fruit. Many recent studies show that the fruit is edible but because of unpleasant smell people refuse to consume them. Fruit extract of Couroupita guianensis showed many pharmacological activities so it is used in investigations to isolate pharmacological active compounds which are useful for the production of novel drugs for various diseases. Keywords: Couroupita guianensis, Mineral profile, phytochemicals.

Phytochemical Analysis of Couropita guianesis Aubl of Leaves

Couroupita guianensis Aubl is also called as “Cannon ball tree”. The tree has enormous medicinal values since most of the parts like leaves; flower, fruits and stem are used as medicine to cure various diseases. During the last few decades it has been observed that there are numerous reports on anti-inflammatory activity, antiulcer activity, anticancer activity, antioxidant activity, anthelminthic activity of this plant. It is enriched with a number of compounds such as oils, ketosteroids, glycosides, courouptine, indirubin, isatin and phenolic substances. Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of major classes of phytochemicals alkaloids, phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Studies reveal that C. guianensis. Aubl. Is a source of medicinally active compounds and have various pharmacological effects.

An updated review on Couroupita guianensis Aubl: a sacred plant of India with myriad medicinal properties

From ancient times, medicinal plants have been making important contributions to mankind owing to their healing properties. Their fundamental aspects such as safety, quality, and efficiency ensure the role of plant-based medicines in healthcare. Couroupita guianensis Aubl, commonly known as cannonball tree, is a member of the family Lecythidaceae (Brazil-nut family). Cannonball tree has gained worldwide attention because of its immense therapeutic values including antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimycobacterial, analgesic, antiarthritic, anti-biofilm, antidiarrheal, antifertility, antipyretic, antistress, antitumor, antiulcer, antidermatophytic, wound healing and immunomodulatory activities. Almost all parts of the tree have been used traditionally for treating various ailments. It has been reported that C. guianensis is a rich source of bioactive compounds, specifically the presence of isatin, tryptanthrin, and indirubin is noteworthy. The present review covers in-depth literature survey concerning ecology, morphology, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and toxicological information of C. guianensis. This review attempts to summarise information relating to the medicinal value of C. guianensis to date in order to provide baseline knowledge for future works.

Factors Influencing in vitro Germination and Seed Storage Behavior of Couroupita guianensis Aubl. – A Useful Tropical Tree Species

Couroupita guianensis Aubl. popularly known as cannonball tree is widely distributed in the tropical regions. The tree parts are commonly used to treat wounds and tumors. Leaves, flowers, and fruits contain active phytochemicals with significant biological activity. In the recent years, destruction of natural habitats by mankind has reduced its distribution. Natural propagation of C. guianensis by seeds is greatly hindered by poor seed germination and viability. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to optimize the conditions for in vitro embryo germination and to investigate the seed storage behaviour. Mature seeds inoculated on MS basal medium germinated within 10 d with a frequency of 61.6%. Supplementation of plant growth regulators (PGRs) to MS medium improved the embryo germination frequency (100%). Seedlings with highest shoot length (8.10±0.11 cm) and root length (6.27±0.14 cm) were produced in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l kinetin and 0.1 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid. Among different strength liquid MS basal salts, quarter-strength produced a greater number of secondary roots (8.00±0.28) with average root length of 17.83±0.58 cm. Seed storage behaviour studies clearly proved the recalcitrant nature as only freshly harvested mature seeds retained the germination potential upon storage at 15 ºC for up to 45 d. Desiccation of seeds on exposure to air-dry storage resulted in rapid deterioration of germination. Pre-conditioning of germinated seedlings in liquid MS basal salts was required for their survival under field conditions. Plantlets with well-developed roots were successfully acclimatized to the field with 100% survivability. This protocol facilitates conservation, sustainable utilization and re-introduction of C. guianensis into its natural habitats.

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Couroupita guianensis Aubl.based on RAPD Marker

<p> <strong><em>Couroupita guianensis</em> Aubl. Commonly known as cannon ball tree, belongs to family Lecythidaceae and widely used in Chinese medicine. C. guianensis is being threatened due to habitat destruction in its native range for human settlement and other development related activities. Native populations of C. guianensis were collected from different locations of the India states and characterized through. To study the genetic diversity of C. guianensis populations we performed RAPD – PCR with several primers. The results are revealed in this study.</strong></p>

HPTLC Fingerprinting and Antifungal Efficacy of Ethyl Acetate Extract Couroupita guianensis on Selected Fungal Pathogens

The HPTLC fingerprints will help the manufacturer for quality control and standardization of herbal formulations. Such finger printing is useful in differentiating the species from the adulterant and act as a biochemical marker for this medicinally important plant in the pharmaceutical industry and plant systematic studies. Resistance to antibiotics in pathogenic fungi is a problem of special importance in the control of infections caused by these organisms.Therefore, it is of importance to investigate the HPTLC fingerprint and antifungal analysis of ethyl acetate extract of the aerial part of couroupita guianensis. Couroupita guianensis (Aubl) Family Lecythidaceae commonly known as Cannon ball tree, locally known as “Kailashpati,” is found throughout India. The leaves, flowers, fruits and bark of this medicinal plant is used to treat skin infections, antimicrobial, cancer and various traditional medicinal preparations. Our results clearly show that the antifungal efficacy of couroupita guianensis.

A Study of Cannonball Trees in Thailand: Hood Staminodes are Larger than Ring Stamens but only Germination of Staminal Ring Pollen can be Stimulated by Exogenous Sucrose

The size of the staminodes and ring stamen of Couroupita guianensis (cannonball tree) grown in the Nonthaburi province, Thailand as well as some characteristics of their pollen were investigated. The staminodes were clearly larger than the ring stamens. This finding is at variance with other previous studies. Viability staining showed that almost all the cannonball tree pollen from hood staminode were not viable but about 85% of the ring stamen pollen were viable. When both types of cannonball tree pollen were cultured on modified Mercado medium, hood staminode pollen did not germinate whereas the sucrose concentrations in the medium had a promotive effect on germination of ring stamen pollen. About 65% of the ring stamen pollen germinated on the medium supplemented with 20% sucrose. These pollen studies were in agreement with other similar studies on cannonball trees, suggesting that the relative sizes of the male reproductive organs of cannonball trees may not be related to fertility of their pollen.

Extraction of Indigo dye from Couroupita guianensisand its application on cotton fabric

AbstractCouroupita guianensis (Cannon ball tree) flowers and fruits are known to contain indigotin and indirubin. In this study an attempt is made to optimize the period for effective extraction of indigo from Couroupita guianensis fruit and application of the crude extract on the cotton fabric. Fermentation of the Couroupita guianensis fruit pulp for 5 days gave intense bluer pigment and hence was selected as the optimum period for fermentation. Major colouring components from Couroupita guianensis fruit extract were separated by thin layer chromatography using single solvent system, chloroform; which gives three pigments, violet, blue and pink with the Rf values of 0.88, 0.57, and 0.25 respectively. The Rf values, the wavelength of maximum absorption from UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrum and 1H Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectrum of blue pigment matched with that of synthetic indigo standard and that of the pink pigment matched with reported values of indirubin which is an isomer of indigotin. The % purity of indigo dye was found to be 26.46%. Dyeing of cotton fabric was carried out with the crude dye powder which gave comparable fastness properties vis-a-vis synthetic indigo.

Antidiabetic Activity of Couroupita guianensis –A Review

Couroupita guianensis is also called as “Cannon ball tree”. The tree has enormous medicinal values since most of the parts like leaves; flower, fruits and stem are used as medicine to cure various diseases. During the last few decades it has been observed that there are numerous reports on anti-inflammatory activity, antiulcer activity, anticancer activity, anti oxidant activity, antihelminthic activity of this plant. It is enriched with a number of compounds such as oils, ketosteroids, glycosides, courouptine, indirubin, isatin and phenolic substances. Recent researches on this plant extract showed anti diabetic activity also. A small preliminary test was performed to confirm its anti diabetic activity.

An Extraction of the Isatin from the <i>Couroupita guianesis</i> (Cannon Ball Tree) and a Novel Synthesis of the N,N'-(2-oxo-3'H-spiro[indoline-3,2'-[1,3,4]thiadiazole]-3',5'-diyl]diacetamidefrom the Isatin

Isatins are synthetically versatile substrates, where they can be used for the synthesis of a large variety of Isatins and heterocyclic compounds. In this, the isatin were extracted from the floral material of Couroupita guianesis commonly known as an Cannon ball tree. After that, a novel heterocyclic spiro derivative having an IUPAC name N,N’-(2-oxo-3’H-spiro[indoline-3,2’-[1,3,4] thiadiazole]-3’5’-diyl)diacetamide were synthesized , which may be used as raw material for drug synthesis. A spiro compound N,N’-(2-oxo-3’H-spiro[indoline-3,2’-[1,3,4] thiadiazole]-3’5’-diyl)diacetamide were synthesise by refluxing Isatin and thiosemicarbazone in ethanol and then on heating with acetic anhydride underwent to cyclization into intermediate that on acetylation of the NH and NH2 groups afforded the spiro compound.

An Extraction of the Isatin from the <i>Couroupita guianesis</i> (Cannon Ball Tree) and a Novel Synthesis of the N,N'-(2-oxo-3'H-spiro[indoline-3,2'-[1,3,4]thiadiazole]-3',5'-diyl]diacetamidefrom the Isatin

Isatins are synthetically versatile substrates, where they can be used for the synthesis of a large variety of Isatins and heterocyclic compounds. In this, the isatin were extracted from the floral material of Couroupita guianesis commonly known as an Cannon ball tree. After that, a novel heterocyclic spiro derivative having an IUPAC name N,N’-(2-oxo-3’H-spiro[indoline-3,2’-[1,3,4] thiadiazole]-3’5’-diyl)diacetamide were synthesized , which may be used as raw material for drug synthesis. A spiro compound N,N’-(2-oxo-3’H-spiro[indoline-3,2’-[1,3,4] thiadiazole]-3’5’-diyl)diacetamide were synthesise by refluxing Isatin and thiosemicarbazone in ethanol and then on heating with acetic anhydride underwent to cyclization into intermediate that on acetylation of the NH and NH2 groups afforded the spiro compound.

Antimicrobial, antimycobacterial and antibiofilm properties of Couroupita guianensis Aubl. fruit extract

BackgroundCouroupita guianensis Aubl. (Lecythidaceae) is commonly called Ayahuma and the Cannonball tree. It is distributed in the tropical regions of northern South America and Southern Caribbean. It has several medicinal properties. It is used to treat hypertension, tumours, pain, inflammatory processes, cold, stomach ache, skin diseases, malaria, wounds and toothache.MethodsThe fruits of Couroupita guianensis were extracted with chloroform. Antimicrobial, antimycobacterial and antibiofilm forming activities of the chloroform extract were investigated. Quantitative estimation of Indirubin, one of the major constituent, was identified by HPLC.ResultsChloroform extract showed good antimicrobial and antibiofilm forming activities; however it showed low antimycobacterial activity. The zones of inhibition by chloroform extract ranged from 0 to 26 mm. Chloroform extract showed effective antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa starting from 2 mg/mL BIC, with 52% inhibition of biofilm formation. When the chloroform extract was subjected to HPLC-DAD analysis, along with Indirubin standard, in the same chromatographic conditions, it was found that Indirubin was one of the major compounds in this plant (0.0918% dry weight basis).ConclusionsThe chloroform extract showed good antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. Chloroform extract can be evaluated further in drug development programmes.

A search for phylogenetically informative wood characters within Lecythidaceae s.l.

The wood structure of 71 species representing 24 genera of the pantropical Lecythidaceae s.l., including the edible Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa) and the spectacular cannon-ball tree (Couroupita guianensis), was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. This study focused on finding phylogenetically informative characters to help elucidate any obscure evolutionary patterns within the family. The earliest diverging subfamily Napoleonaeoideae has mixed simple/scalariform vessel perforations, scalariform vessel-ray pitting, and high multiseriate rays, all features that are also present in Scytopetaloideae. The wood structure of Napoleonaea is distinct, but its supposed close relative Crateranthus strongly resembles Scytopetaloideae. The isolated position of Foetidia (Foetidioideae) can be supported by a unique type of vessel-ray pitting that is similar in shape and size to intervessel pitting (distinctly bordered, <5 μm). The more derived Planchonioideae and Lecythidoideae share exclusively simple perforations and two types of vessel-ray pitting, but they can easily be distinguished from each other by the size of intervessel pitting, shape of body ray cells in multiseriate rays, and the type of crystalliferous axial parenchyma cells. The anatomical diversity observed is clearly correlated with differences in plant size (shrubs vs. tall trees): the percentage of scalariform perforations, as well as vessel density, and the length of vessel elements, fibers, and multiseriate rays are negatively correlated with increasing plant size, while the reverse is true for vessel diameter.

Evolution of Lecythidaceae with an emphasis on the circumscription of neotropical genera: information from combined ndhF and trnL‐F sequence data

The Lecythidaceae comprise a pantropical family best known for the edible seeds of the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) and the cannon-ball tree (Couroupita guianensis), which is planted as a botanical curiosity in subtropical and tropical gardens. In addition, species of the family are often among the most common in neotropical forests, especially in the Amazon Basin. The Brazil nut family is diverse and abundant in the Amazon and is considered to be an indicator of undisturbed or scarcely disturbed lowland forests; thus, what is learned about its evolution, ecology, and biogeography may suggest similar patterns for other Amazonian tree families. We used combined data sets derived from the ndhF and trnL-F genes to elucidate relationships of genera in both the Old and New Worlds that have been associated with Lecythidaceae. Our molecular tree agrees with the recognition of Napoleonaeaceae and Scytopetalaceae. Within the Lecythidaceae, there is molecular support for recognizing three subfamilies: Foetidioideae, Planchonioideae, and Lecythidoideae. We then focused on genera of the Lecythidoideae and found support for recognizing Allantoma (when the actinomorphic-flowered species of Cariniana are included in it), Grias, Gustavia, Corythophora, Couratari, and Couroupita, but conclude that Cariniana, Lecythis, and Eschweilera are not monoyphyletic. Because the position of the monotypic Bertholletia excelsa in relation to the other zygomorphic-flowered genera is not resolved, we are not able to comment on its generic relationships.

The structure and properties of some indolic constituents in Couroupita guianensis aubl

Extraction of the dried fruits from the cannon ball tree, Couroupita guianensis Aubl., yielded 6,12-dihydro-6, 12-dioxoindolo[2,1- b]quinazoline (tryptanthrin), 1a as well as indigo ( 7) indirubin ( 8a) and isatin. Compound 1a could readily be synthesized by condensation of isatin with isatoic anhydride ( 6) in pyridine.