Tabernaemontana elegans, also known as the toad tree, is a shrub or small tree found in the Apocynaceae family. It is primarily found in eastern Africa, growing up to 15 meters tall with fragrant white, creamy, or pale yellow flowers and ovoid or ellipsoid fruit. This species is native to countries such as Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, and is commonly used for medicinal purposes, including treating heart disease, cancer, and venereal diseases. Its sticky, milky latex is also used as bird-lime. The plant contains fourteen indole alkaloids, with apparicine being the most prominent.

Synonyms Top

Scientific name	Authority	First published in
Leptopharyngia elegans	(Stapf) Boiteau	Adansonia , n.s., 16: 276 (1976)
Conopharyngia elegans	Stapf	Fl. Trop. Afr. 4(1): 149 (1902)

Common names Top

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Filter by language:

Language	Common/alternative name
Afrikaans	paddaboom
German	zierlicher krötenbaum
Chinese	蟾蜍树
Chinese	蟾蜍樹

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

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No subspecies added yet.

Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

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No variety added yet.

Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

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Forms (abbr. f.) Top

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No forms added yet.

Germination/Propagation Top

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No germination or propagation data was added yet.

Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Legend for the distribution data:

- Doubtful data

- Extinct

- Introduced

- Native

Africa click to expand
- East Tropical Africa
  - Kenya
  - Tanzania
- Northeast Tropical Africa
  - Somalia
- South Tropical Africa
  - Malawi
  - Mozambique
  - Zimbabwe
- Southern Africa
  - Kwazulu-Natal
  - Northern Provinces
  - Swaziland

Links to other databases Top

Suggest others/fix!

Database	ID/link to page
World Flora Online	wfo-0000319847
Tropicos	1805091
KEW	urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:82109-1
The Plant List	kew-200686
Open Tree Of Life	312287
NCBI Taxonomy	761068
IUCN Red List	149502995
IPNI	82109-1
iNaturalist	340266
GBIF	3617608
Freebase	/m/0wkr8p4
EOL	6848816
USDA GRIN	36167
Wikipedia	Tabernaemontana_elegans

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

Scientific Literature Top

Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.

Title

Authors

Publication

Released

IDs

In vitro activities and mechanisms of action of anti-cancer molecules from African medicinal plants: a systematic review

Adico MD, Bayala B, Zoure AA, Lagarde A, Bazie JT, Traore L, Buñay J, Yonli AT, Djigma F, Bambara HA, Baron S, Simporé J, Lobaccaro JM

Am J Cancer Res

15-Mar-2024

PMCID:	PMC10998760
doi:	10.62347/AUHB5811
PMID:	38590420

Evolution and diversification of carboxylesterase-like [4+2] cyclases in aspidosperma and iboga alkaloid biosynthesis

DeMars MD II, O’Connor SE

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

06-Feb-2024

PMCID:	PMC10873640
doi:	10.1073/pnas.2318586121
PMID:	38319969

De novo biosynthesis of antiarrhythmic alkaloid ajmaline

Guo J, Gao D, Lian J, Qu Y

Nat Commun

11-Jan-2024

PMCID:	PMC10784492
doi:	10.1038/s41467-024-44797-z
PMID:	38212296

Two Novel Iboga-Type and an Oxindole Glucuronide Alkaloid from Tabernaemontana peduncularis Disclose Related Biosynthetic Pathways to Tabernaemontana divaricata

Traxler F, Zhang H, Mahavorasirikul W, Krivanek K, Cai XH, Aiyakool W, Pfeiffer M, Brecker L, Schinnerl J

Molecules

16-Sep-2023

PMCID:	PMC10535570
doi:	10.3390/molecules28186664
PMID:	37764440

Important Medicinal and Food Taxa (Orders and Families) in Kenya, Based on Three Quantitative Approaches

Mutie FM, Mbuni YM, Rono PC, Mkala EM, Nzei JM, Phumthum M, Hu GW, Wang QF

Plants (Basel)

02-Mar-2023

PMCID:	PMC10005506
doi:	10.3390/plants12051145
PMID:	36904005

Lycorine Carbamate Derivatives for Reversing P-glycoprotein-Mediated Multidrug Resistance in Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells

Sancha SA, Szemerédi N, Spengler G, Ferreira MJ

Int J Mol Sci

20-Jan-2023

PMCID:	PMC9916770
doi:	10.3390/ijms24032061
PMID:	36768386

Medicinal plants used for the management of respiratory diseases in Zimbabwe: Review and perspectives potential management of COVID-19

Nyagumbo E, Pote W, Shopo B, Nyirenda T, Chagonda I, Mapaya RJ, Maunganidze F, Mavengere WN, Mawere C, Mutasa I, Kademeteme E, Maroyi A, Taderera T, Bhebhe M

Phys Chem Earth (2002)

21-Sep-2022

PMCID:	PMC9489988
doi:	10.1016/j.pce.2022.103232
PMID:	36161239

Naturally derived indole alkaloids targeting regulated cell death (RCD) for cancer therapy: from molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic targets

Qin R, You FM, Zhao Q, Xie X, Peng C, Zhan G, Han B

J Hematol Oncol

14-Sep-2022

PMCID:	PMC9471064
doi:	10.1186/s13045-022-01350-z
PMID:	36104717

Amaryllidaceae-Type Alkaloids from Pancratium maritimum: Apoptosis-Inducing Effect and Cell Cycle Arrest on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Sancha SA, Gomes AV, Loureiro JB, Saraiva L, Ferreira MJ

Molecules

06-Sep-2022

PMCID:	PMC9501014
doi:	10.3390/molecules27185759
PMID:	36144504

A Catharanthus roseus Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase catalyzes a redox-neutral reaction responsible for vindolinine biosynthesis

Eng JG, Shahsavarani M, Smith DP, Hájíček J, De Luca V, Qu Y

Nat Commun

09-Jun-2022

PMCID:	PMC9184523
doi:	10.1038/s41467-022-31100-1
PMID:	35680936

A Review of the Potency of Plant Extracts and Compounds from Key Families as an Alternative to Synthetic Nematicides: History, Efficacy, and Current Developments

Mwamula AO, Kabir MF, Lee D

Plant Pathol J

01-Apr-2022

PMCID:	PMC9343895
doi:	10.5423/PPJ.RW.12.2021.0179
PMID:	35385913

Alkaloids and Colon Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications for Cell Cycle Arrest

Khan H, Alam W, Alsharif KF, Aschner M, Pervez S, Saso L

Molecules

28-Jan-2022

PMCID:	PMC8838632
doi:	10.3390/molecules27030920
PMID:	35164185

Acaricidal and Repellent Effects of Essential Oils against Ticks: A Review

Selles SM, Kouidri M, González MG, González J, Sánchez M, González-Coloma A, Sanchis J, Elhachimi L, Olmeda AS, Tercero JM, Valcárcel F

Pathogens

26-Oct-2021

PMCID:	PMC8617816
doi:	10.3390/pathogens10111379
PMID:	34832535

A Review of Ethnoveterinary Knowledge, Biological Activities and Secondary Metabolites of Medicinal Woody Plants Used for Managing Animal Health in South Africa

Selogatwe KM, Asong JA, Struwig M, Ndou RV, Aremu AO

Vet Sci

12-Oct-2021

PMCID:	PMC8537377
doi:	10.3390/vetsci8100228
PMID:	34679058

Traditional Medicinal Plants as a Source of Antituberculosis Drugs: A System Review

Xu Y, Liang B, Kong C, Sun Z

Biomed Res Int

08-Sep-2021

PMCID:	PMC8448615
doi:	10.1155/2021/9910365
PMID:	34541000

Phytochemical Profile Top

Add a new one!

Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
You can also contribute to this by clicking here.

Name	PubChem ID	Canonical SMILES	MW	Found in	Proof
> Alkaloids and derivatives / Corynanthean-type alkaloids
methyl (2R)-2-[(2R,3Z,12bS)-3-ethylidene-2,4,6,7,12,12b-hexahydro-1H-indolo[2,3-a]quinolizin-2-yl]-3-hydroxypropanoate	6504264	Click to see CC=C1CN2CCC3=C(C2CC1C(CO)C(=O)OC)NC4=CC=CC=C34	354.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(86)80013-9 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-961912
> Alkaloids and derivatives / Harmala alkaloids
Tebernine C	44179505	Click to see CC1=CC2=C(C(=N1)CCN)NC3=CC=CC=C32	225.29	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1021/NP9001477
> Alkaloids and derivatives / Ibogan-type alkaloids
Ibogamine-18-carboxylic acid, 13-methoxy-, methyl ester	99199	Click to see CCC1CC2CC3(C1N(C2)CCC4=C3NC5=C4C=CC(=C5)OC)C(=O)OC	368.50	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2007-969101
Isovoacangine	44393473	Click to see CCC1CC2CC3(C1N(C2)CCC4=C3NC5=C4C=CC(=C5)OC)C(=O)OC	368.50	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(86)80013-9
methyl (1R,15S,17R,18R)-17-ethyl-5-[(1R,12R,14R,15S,18S)-15-ethyl-18-methoxycarbonyl-17-methyl-10,17-diazatetracyclo[12.3.1.03,11.04,9]octadeca-3(11),4,6,8-tetraen-12-yl]-6-methoxy-3,13-diazapentacyclo[13.3.1.02,10.04,9.013,18]nonadeca-2(10),4(9),5,7-tetraene-1-carboxylate	162903246	Click to see CCC1CC2CC3(C1N(C2)CCC4=C3NC5=C4C=CC(=C5C6CC7C(CN(C(C7C(=O)OC)CC8=C6NC9=CC=CC=C89)C)CC)OC)C(=O)OC	706.90	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2007-969101
methyl (1S,15R,17S,18S)-14-cyano-17-ethyl-5-[(1S,12R,14S,15S,18S)-15-ethyl-18-methoxycarbonyl-17-methyl-10,17-diazatetracyclo[12.3.1.03,11.04,9]octadeca-3(11),4,6,8-tetraen-12-yl]-6-methoxy-3,13-diazapentacyclo[13.3.1.02,10.04,9.013,18]nonadeca-2(10),4(9),5,7-tetraene-1-carboxylate	102117123	Click to see CCC1CC2CC3(C1N(C2C#N)CCC4=C3NC5=C4C=CC(=C5C6CC7C(CN(C(C7C(=O)OC)CC8=C6NC9=CC=CC=C89)C)CC)OC)C(=O)OC	731.90	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1039/P19800000601
methyl (1S,15R,17S,18S)-17-ethyl-5-[(1S,12R,14S,15S,18S)-15-ethyl-18-methoxycarbonyl-17-methyl-10,17-diazatetracyclo[12.3.1.03,11.04,9]octadeca-3(11),4,6,8-tetraen-12-yl]-6-methoxy-3,13-diazapentacyclo[13.3.1.02,10.04,9.013,18]nonadeca-2(10),4(9),5,7-tetraene-1-carboxylate	102080179	Click to see CCC1CC2CC3(C1N(C2)CCC4=C3NC5=C4C=CC(=C5C6CC7C(CN(C(C7C(=O)OC)CC8=C6NC9=CC=CC=C89)C)CC)OC)C(=O)OC	706.90	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)84254-P
methyl (1S,15R,17S,18S)-17-ethyl-5-[(1S,12S,14S,15S,18S)-15-ethyl-18-methoxycarbonyl-17-methyl-10,17-diazatetracyclo[12.3.1.03,11.04,9]octadeca-3(11),4,6,8-tetraen-12-yl]-6-methoxy-3,13-diazapentacyclo[13.3.1.02,10.04,9.013,18]nonadeca-2(10),4(9),5,7-tetraene-1-carboxylate	101981525	Click to see CCC1CC2CC3(C1N(C2)CCC4=C3NC5=C4C=CC(=C5C6CC7C(CN(C(C7C(=O)OC)CC8=C6NC9=CC=CC=C89)C)CC)OC)C(=O)OC	706.90	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)84254-P
> Alkaloids and derivatives / Strychnos alkaloids
Dihydrocondylocarpine	100004	Click to see CCC1C2CCN3C1C4(CC3)C5=CC=CC=C5NC4=C2C(=O)OC	324.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)84254-P https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-961912 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(86)80013-9
methyl (1S,17R,18S)-18-ethyl-8,14-diazapentacyclo[9.5.2.01,9.02,7.014,17]octadeca-2,4,6,9-tetraene-10-carboxylate	134716702	Click to see CCC1C2CCN3C1C4(CC3)C5=CC=CC=C5NC4=C2C(=O)OC	324.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(86)80013-9 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-961912 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)84254-P
Tubotaiwin	9973540	Click to see CCC1C2CCN3C1C4(CC3)C5=CC=CC=C5NC4=C2C(=O)OC	324.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2007-969101
> Alkaloids and derivatives / Vallesaman alkaloids
Apparicine	5281349	Click to see CC=C1CN2CCC1C(=C)C3=C(C2)C4=CC=CC=C4N3	264.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2007-969101
CID 6912322	6912322	Click to see CC=C1CN2CCC1C(=C)C3=C(C2)C4=CC=CC=C4N3	264.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(86)80013-9 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-961912 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)84254-P
methyl (12R,13S,14Z)-12-(acetyloxymethyl)-14-ethylidene-1,10-diazatetracyclo[11.2.2.03,11.04,9]heptadeca-3(11),4,6,8-tetraene-12-carboxylate	101287841	Click to see CC=C1CN2CCC1C(C3=C(C2)C4=CC=CC=C4N3)(COC(=O)C)C(=O)OC	382.50	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-961912
> Alkaloids and derivatives / Vobasan alkaloids
Dregamine	99108	Click to see CCC1CN(C2CC3=C(C(=O)CC1C2C(=O)OC)NC4=CC=CC=C34)C	354.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)84254-P
methyl (1R,14R,15R,18S)-15-ethyl-17-methyl-12-oxo-10,17-diazatetracyclo[12.3.1.03,11.04,9]octadeca-3(11),4,6,8-tetraene-18-carboxylate	53298708	Click to see CCC1CN(C2CC3=C(C(=O)CC1C2C(=O)OC)NC4=CC=CC=C34)C	354.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2007-969101
methyl (1R,14S,15E,18S)-15-ethylidene-17-methyl-12-oxo-10,17-diazatetracyclo[12.3.1.03,11.04,9]octadeca-3(11),4,6,8-tetraene-18-carboxylate	36688305	Click to see CC=C1CN(C2CC3=C(C(=O)CC1C2C(=O)OC)NC4=CC=CC=C34)C	352.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2007-969101
methyl (1S,12R,14R,15Z,18S)-15-ethylidene-12-hydroxy-17-methyl-10,17-diazatetracyclo[12.3.1.03,11.04,9]octadeca-3(11),4,6,8-tetraene-18-carboxylate	102240003	Click to see CC=C1CN(C2CC3=C(C(CC1C2C(=O)OC)O)NC4=CC=CC=C34)C	354.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)84254-P https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-961912 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(86)80013-9
methyl (1S,14R,15Z,18S)-15-ethylidene-17-methyl-12-oxo-10,17-diazatetracyclo[12.3.1.03,11.04,9]octadeca-3(11),4,6,8-tetraene-18-carboxylate	101281359	Click to see CC=C1CN(C2CC3=C(C(=O)CC1C2C(=O)OC)NC4=CC=CC=C34)C	352.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(86)80013-9 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-961912
methyl (1S,14S,15S,18R)-15-ethyl-17-methyl-12-oxo-10,17-diazatetracyclo[12.3.1.03,11.04,9]octadeca-3(11),4,6,8-tetraene-18-carboxylate	45268651	Click to see CCC1CN(C2CC3=C(C(=O)CC1C2C(=O)OC)NC4=CC=CC=C34)C	354.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(86)80013-9
methyl (1S,14S,15S)-15-ethyl-17-methyl-12-oxo-10,17-diazatetracyclo[12.3.1.03,11.04,9]octadeca-3(11),4,6,8-tetraene-18-carboxylate	20056338	Click to see CCC1CN(C2CC3=C(C(=O)CC1C2C(=O)OC)NC4=CC=CC=C34)C	354.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)84254-P
Perivine	6473766	Click to see CC=C1CNC2CC3=C(C(=O)CC1C2C(=O)OC)NC4=CC=CC=C34	338.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-961912
Vobasinol	5374872	Click to see CC=C1CN(C2CC3=C(C(CC1C2C(=O)OC)O)NC4=CC=CC=C34)C	354.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)84254-P https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-961912 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(86)80013-9
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene glycosides / Triterpene glycosides / Triterpene saponins
3beta,6beta,23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside	54671990	Click to see CC1(CCC2(CCC3(C(=CCC4C3(CC(C5C4(CCC(C5(C)CO)O)C)O)C)C2C1)C)C(=O)OC6C(C(C(C(O6)CO)O)O)O)C	650.80	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(86)80013-9
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids / Limonoids
Methyl 2-[15-(acetyloxymethyl)-7-(furan-3-yl)-2,9-dihydroxy-2,8,15,17-tetramethyl-14-oxo-4,11-dioxapentacyclo[8.7.0.03,5.03,8.012,17]heptadec-12-en-16-yl]acetate	74070695	Click to see CC(=O)OCC1(C(C2(C3C(C(C4(C(CC5C4(C3(C)O)O5)C6=COC=C6)C)O)OC2=CC1=O)C)CC(=O)OC)C	544.60	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1021/NP9001477
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Indoles and derivatives / Pyridoindoles / Beta carbolines
(9S)-3,9-dimethyl-4,8,10-triazatetracyclo[8.6.1.05,17.011,16]heptadeca-1(17),2,4,11,13,15-hexaene	163033407	Click to see CC1NCCC2=NC(=CC3=C2N1C4=CC=CC=C43)C	251.33	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1021/NP9001477
2-[(2R,3Z,12bS)-3-ethylidene-2,4,6,7,12,12b-hexahydro-1H-indolo[2,3-a]quinolizin-2-yl]ethanol	21595545	Click to see CC=C1CN2CCC3=C(C2CC1CCO)NC4=CC=CC=C34	296.40	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(86)80013-9
Tabernine A	44179503	Click to see CC1NCCC2=C3C(=C4C=CC=CC4=N3)C=C(N12)C	251.33	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1021/NP9001477
Tebernine B	44179504	Click to see CC1NCCC2=NC(=CC3=C2N1C4=CC=CC=C43)C	251.33	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1021/NP9001477
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Indoles and derivatives / Tryptamines and derivatives
Tryptamine	1150	Click to see C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C(=CN2)CCN	160.22	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-961912

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Tabernaemontana elegans

Table of Contents

Details Top

Description Top

Synonyms Top

Common names Top

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

Forms (abbr. f.) Top

Germination/Propagation Top

Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Links to other databases Top

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

Scientific Literature Top

Phytochemical Profile Top

Biological Material Top

Contributors Top

Collections Top