A Review on Pharmacological Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Ceiba Speciosa (A. St-Hil.) Ravenna

Ceiba speciosa, also known as the silk tree, floss-silk tree, or ceiba, is a large, deciduous tree native to South America. It is famous for its striking appearance, which includes a spiny trunk, large colourful flowers, and cotton-like fibers that surround its seeds, giving the tree its name. The tree is not only valued for its aesthetic appeal but also for its cultural and medicinal uses in various regions. The species belongs to the Malvaceae family and has been traditionally utilized for a range of purposes, including in folk medicine and for producing products from its wood and fibers. It is also an important species for ecological balance in its native habitat, playing a role in the local ecosystem.

1.1 Botanical Description

Ceiba speciosa is a large tree, typically growing to heights of 10 to 30 meters, with a distinctive spiny, swollen trunk that helps in water storage, particularly in drier climates. The trunk is covered in conical, sharp spines that help protect it from herbivores. The tree has a broad, spreading crown that provides significant shade and has large, palmate leaves that are 5- to 7-lobed. The flowers of Ceiba speciosa are one of its most striking features. They are large, showy, and typically come in shades of white to pink, with five petals arranged in a funnel-shaped pattern. These flowers are a source of nectar for pollinators, including birds and insects. The tree also produces a distinctive fruit, which is a capsule that contains numerous seeds surrounded by cotton-like fibers, hence the term "floss-silk tree." The seeds of the tree are coated in soft, silky fibers that can be used to make lightweight textiles or as stuffing material in pillows and cushions. The tree’s ability to store water in its trunk allows it to survive in dry conditions, making it an adaptive species in its native environments.

Ceiba speciosa is part of the genus Ceiba, which includes other large tropical trees known for their massive size and distinctive features, such as the Ceiba pentandra (Kapok tree). It is classified within the Malvaceae family, which also includes species like hibiscus and durian.

1.2 Origin and Distribution

Ceiba speciosa is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, primarily found in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It thrives in a variety of habitats, ranging from savannas to forest edges, and can also grow in dry or disturbed environments, where its ability to store water in the trunk provides it with a competitive advantage. The species has a limited distribution in the wild but is widely cultivated in other parts of the world due to its aesthetic appeal and the utility of its fibers and wood. It has been introduced to regions outside its native range, such as parts of Africa, Asia, and Central America, where it adapts well to similar tropical and subtropical climates. In its natural environment, Ceiba speciosa is typically found at low to moderate elevations and is often associated with areas that experience seasonal rainfall, which supports its growth. While the tree can withstand periods of drought, it thrives best in areas with well-drained soil and sufficient moisture.

1. Plant Profile:(Ceiba speciosa)

Fig. 2.1 a) Ceiba speciosa (A. St-Hil.) Ravenna

Botanical name: Ceiba speciosa (A. St-Hil.) Ravenna

Family:  Malvaceae

Synonyms:  Ceiba tree, Chorisia speciosa, Floss silk tree, Silk floss tree

2.1 Taxonomic Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Malvales
• Family: Malvaceae
• Genus: Ceiba
• Species: Ceiba speciosa

3. Extraction and fractionation

3.1 Maceration extraction:

Extraction and fractionation Leaves dry powder of Ceiba speciosa (500 g) were separately macerated in 85% Methanol at room temperature for 7 days. The resulting extracts were concentrated via rotatory evaporator at 45°C, the crude 85% methanolic extracts were successively fractionated by using petroleum ether, dichloromethane, Ethylacetate, n- butanol and water.

4. Pharmacological Activity

1. 1. Antibacterial Activity of Chorisia speciosa

Kausar et al. analyzed the essential oil of Chorisia speciosa leaves, identifying 25 volatile compounds via GC-MS, with caryophyllene (32.26%) as the most abundant. The oil exhibited strong antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus (25 mm inhibition zone) and Escherichia coli (15 mm), but was ineffective against Salmonella typhi. The antibacterial effects are attributed to sesquiterpenes and other bioactive compounds, suggesting C. speciosa essential oil as a potential natural antimicrobial agent, especially against Gram-positive bacteria.

4.2 Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Ceiba speciosa

1. Abdel-Aziz et al. evaluated C. speciosa leaf extracts, finding that dichloromethane and petroleum ether extracts exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans (inhibition zones: 16–23 mm). Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane extracts showed moderate cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells, while water extracts were non-cytotoxic with weak antimicrobial effects. HPLC analysis identified bioactive compounds, suggesting potential applications in antimicrobial and cancer therapies.
2. Khan et al. studied Chorisia speciosa leaf extracts, reporting antibacterial activity against B. cereus, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa and moderate antifungal activity against C. albicans. Methanol and chloroform extracts exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects, with methanol extract at 400 mg/kg showing results comparable to Diclofenac sodium. The study highlighted C. speciosa as a promising source of bioactive compounds but noted limitations in toxicity analysis and microbial strain testing.

4.3 Antiulcerogenic Activity of Ceiba speciosa

Dörr et al. investigated the antiulcerogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of Ceiba speciosa stem bark ethanolic extract. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, sugars, and quinic acid derivatives, contributing to its strong antioxidant activity. The extract reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) and inhibited inflammatory enzymes (p38α, JAK3, JNK3). In vivo studies demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing leukocyte recruitment, protein extravasation, and preventing ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, outperforming Omeprazole. These results suggest C. speciosa extract as a promising natural treatment for gastrointestinal disorders and inflammation.

4.4 Anti-Diabetic Activity of Ceiba speciosa

Santos et al. investigated the aqueous bark extract of Ceiba speciosa (ECE) using Caenorhabditis elegans to assess its hypoglycemic potential and toxicity. ECE (5–250 µg/mL) was non-toxic, with no adverse effects on survival, reproduction, or feeding. It did not protect against oxidative stress but significantly reduced whole-body glucose levels and increased the lifespan of glucose-exposed worms. However, it did not reduce glucose-induced lipid accumulation. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids, suggesting a role in glucose metabolism. These findings highlight C. speciosa bark extract as a safe and promising candidate for managing hyperglycemia.

4.5 Antioxidant and Anti-Obesity Activities of Ceiba speciosa

1. Malheiros et al. evaluated C. speciosa bark extracts (LAECs & Cs1), rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, showing strong antioxidant activity (>85% DPPH inhibition at 50 µg/mL) and low toxicity (minimal DNA damage at ≤10 µg/mL).
2. Rosselli et al. analyzed C. speciosa seed oil, identifying 14 fatty acids (linoleic & palmitic dominant) and rare cyclopropane fatty acids. It exhibited strong antioxidant (DPPH IC50 = 77.44 µg/mL) and anti-obesity effects by inhibiting lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase.
3. Das et al. compared C. speciosa and Leucas cephalotes, with methanol extracts showing potent antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 34.13 µg/mL), attributed to high phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content.
4. Chen et al. optimized the extraction of C. speciosa flower pigment (FPCS), which showed strong antioxidant properties (DPPH IC50 = 49.78 µg/mL) and reduced oxidative stress in LPS-induced mice, with no observed toxicity.

5. Nasr et al. isolated bioactive compounds from C. speciosa leaves, including β-amyrin and Verbascoside. Methanol and dichloromethane extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity, confirmed via HPLC analysis.

Phytochemical Screening: