Akebia quinata
Akebia quinata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Akebia quinata is a versatile plant species that contains significant bioactive compounds such as hederagenin, oleanolic acid, and various saponins. Researchers have utilized various preparations, including ethanol extracts, n-BuOH extracts, and the exopoly heteropolysaccharide AQP70-2B, derived from its stems, leaves, seeds, and fruit pericarps. Scientific studies have highlighted its diverse pharmacological activities, ranging from antinociceptive and ACE-inhibitor properties to its potential as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor and abortifacient. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates critical biological effects on conditions such as apoptosis, angiogenesis, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. These characteristics suggest that Akebia quinata holds substantial therapeutic potential, particularly in the study of breast cancer treatments.
- Synonyms
- Rajania Quinata · Akebia Quinata F. Albiflora · 7 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lardizabalaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Akebia quinata is a versatile climbing vine recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Italian contexts, it is frequently referred to as Akebia a cinque foglie or Akebia a cinque punte. Polish speakers often identify the plant as Akebia pięciolistkowa, while the simpler term Akebie is also used. French speakers may encounter it under the name Akebie a cinq feuilles. Regardless of these linguistic variations, the plant remains a distinct and fascinating species in the botanical world.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Akebia quinata is a versatile plant species that is frequently identified through various botanical synonyms in scientific literature. One such synonym is Akebia micrantha, which is often used to describe specific variations of the plant. The species also encompasses several distinct forms, including the white-flowered Akebia quinata f. albiflora and the unique Akebia quinata f. diplochlamys. Furthermore, collectors may encounter the polyphylla form, known as Akebia quinata f. polyphylla, or the green-flowered Akebia quinata f. viridiflora. Understanding these taxonomic relationships is essential for accurate identification and study within the genus.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Akebia quinata belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, serving as a fascinating example of botanical diversity. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the order Ranunculales. It further finds its specific place within the Lardizabalaceae family. The plant is a distinct member of the Akebia genus, showcasing unique morphological traits. Through this hierarchical classification, we can better understand its evolutionary position in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Lardizabalaceae |
| Genus | Akebia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Akebia quinata is a resilient species primarily distributed throughout the Asia-Temperate regions. Its natural habitat spans extensively across China, including the North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast territories. Beyond the Chinese mainland, the plant is well-established within the Eastern Asia region. Specifically, it can be found thriving in the diverse landscapes of both Japan and Korea. This widespread presence highlights the plant's adaptability to various temperate environments across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Akebia quinata is a woody plant that adopts a tree-like growth form as it matures. This species possesses an obligatory climbing habit, meaning it must use external supports to ascend toward the light. Under ideal conditions, it can reach a maximum height of approximately 12 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Akebia quinata has demonstrated significant antinociceptive activity through the study of its stem extracts. Researchers discovered that the methanol extract and various fractions of the plant exhibit notable pain-relieving properties in animal models. Specifically, the antinociceptive effects were observed using hot plate-writhing and tail-flick testing methods. The study suggests that these bioactive properties are largely driven by the presence of saponins and their resulting sapogenins. Ultimately, the sapogenins oleanolic acid and hederagenin were identified as the key compounds responsible for the plant's antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects.
Compounds
Akebia quinata serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive chemical compounds, according to recent phytochemical studies. Analysis of the plant's stems and extracts has identified several key sterols and triterpenes, including beta-sitosterol and daucosterol. Research into the plant's saponins further reveals the presence of significant molecules such as collinsonidin. Additionally, the chemical profile of Akebia quinata is characterized by the presence of oleanolic acid and hederagenin. These identified constituents contribute to the plant's complex biochemical makeup and potential therapeutic properties.
Conditions
Akebia quinata possesses significant medicinal properties, including the ability to treat IL-1β through the modulation of specific polysaccharides. The extracts from this plant effectively treat LPS-induced inflammatory responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Specifically, it treats the LPS-induced phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB p65 and significantly attenuates the LPS-induced protein expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Furthermore, certain components derived from the plant, such as selenized polysaccharides, serve to treat angiogenesis by blocking its progression. Together, these actions highlight the plant's potential as a therapeutic candidate for treating inflammatory and cardiovascular conditions.
Preparations
Akebia quinata is prepared as an ethanol extract to isolate sterols and triterpenes through sequential separation. This plant is also prepared as an n-BuOH extract, which allows for the isolation of specific oleanane disaccharides like kalopanaxsaponin A. From the fruits of Akebia quinata, an exopoly heteropolysaccharide known as AQP70-2B is isolated. This AQP70-2B is further modified to be prepared as a selenized polysaccharide, Se-AQP70-2B, to enhance its antitumor activity. Additionally, Akebia quinata is prepared as pericarps to facilitate the isolation of hederagenin glycosides for studying their effects on cancer cells.
Parts used
Akebia quinata is a medicinal plant composed of several parts that offer diverse pharmacological benefits. The stems contain valuable sterols and triterpenes that provide significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. From its fruits, researchers have isolated unique heteropolysaccharides that demonstrate potent antitumor activity through the inhibition of angiogenesis. The leaves serve as a rich source of phenolic compounds, offering potential cardiovascular protection by attenuating inflammatory responses. Additionally, the seeds have shown promise in cancer therapy by inducing apoptosis and triggering immunogenic cell death in lung cancer cells.