Alnus hirsuta
Alnus hirsuta · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Alnus hirsuta is a botanical species that has garnered scientific interest due to its significant therapeutic potential. Research focusing on the chloroform extract (AHC) derived from its bark has revealed promising medicinal properties. Specifically, the plant contains the bioactive chemical hirsutenone, which plays a crucial role in its biological activity. This compound has demonstrated potent anticancer, antitumor, and chemopreventive effects in various studies. These activities are primarily achieved by inducing apoptosis and facilitating cell cycle arrest within targeted cells.
- Synonyms
- Alnus Hirsuta F. Macrophylla · Alnus Hirsuta F. Inokumae · 28 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Alnus hirsuta is a versatile species known by a variety of names depending on the local region and language. It is widely recognized by its common English names, the Manchurian alder and the Siberian alder. In different cultural contexts, it is also referred to as the common Mul-o-ri-na-mu. European linguistic influences provide further identifiers, such as the Polish name Olsza szorstka. Additionally, the plant is identified as jelša srstnatá in other botanical circles.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Alnus hirsuta exhibits significant taxonomic complexity due to a wide variety of recognized synonyms. Within its botanical classification, the species includes several distinct forms such as f. inokumae, f. macrophylla, and f. sibirica. Furthermore, the plant is categorized under various varietal designations, most notably var. microphylla. It is also frequently identified by the synonym var. sibirica in many scientific records. Understanding these diverse nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate identification and study of the species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Alnus hirsuta is a remarkable organism that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological group, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further belongs to the order Fagales, a group that connects it to various other woody plants. This specific species is a member of the genus Alnus, which defines its primary structural characteristics. Finally, it is categorized under the family Betulaceae, placing it among the diverse birch family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Genus | Alnus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Alnus hirsuta is a resilient species found throughout various regions of the Asia-Temperate zone. Its widespread distribution includes significant populations across China, specifically within the Inner Mongolia and Manchuria regions. The plant also thrives in the Eastern Asian landscapes of both Japan and Korea. Furthermore, its natural range extends northward into the Amur region of the Russian Far East. This broad geographical presence highlights the species' ability to adapt to diverse temperate environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Alnus hirsuta is a self-supporting tree that establishes a sturdy presence within its natural habitat. This species typically exhibits a growth form categorized as a tree, reaching a maximum height of 20 meters. While it can vary in stature, it generally maintains a minimum height of 4 meters. Such dimensions allow it to compete effectively for sunlight and space in its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Alnus hirsuta is a valuable medicinal plant that has demonstrated significant biological potential in various cancer-related studies. Research indicates that extracts from the plant possess notable anticancer activity, particularly through the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cells. These antitumor effects are largely driven by the activation of JNK and p38 signaling pathways via the generation of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, specific compounds like hirsutenone have shown the ability to inhibit the upregulation of proteins associated with cancer pathogenesis. This inhibition of key inflammatory markers suggests that Alnus hirsuta may also offer important chemopreventive effects in human epithelial cells.
Compounds
Alnus hirsuta is a valuable medicinal plant recognized for its abundance of diarylheptanoid derivatives. Scientific research has identified several key bioactive compounds within the plant, including hirsutenone, platyphyllenone, and platyphyllone. Hirsutenone has demonstrated significant potential in inhibiting the upregulation of COX-2 and MMP-9 in human mammary epithelial cells, suggesting chemopreventive properties. Additionally, the presence of platyphyllenone and platyphyllone contributes to the plant's in vitro anticancer effects by promoting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Together, these specific constituents highlight the complex therapeutic potential of Alnus hirsuta in addressing various cancer-related pathways.
Conditions
Alnus hirsuta exhibits significant medicinal properties, such as treating MCF-7 breast cancer cells through cytotoxic effects and the promotion of apoptosis. The plant's extracts effectively treat TPA-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression by inhibiting it at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. It also treats TPA-induced DNA binding of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) by blocking the translocation of the p65 subunit to the nucleus. Furthermore, Alnus hirsuta treats the activation of the JNK and p38 signaling pathways to facilitate cell cycle arrest. Finally, the plant treats ROS generation by inducing its production to mediate these essential antitumor effects.
Preparations
Alnus hirsuta is prepared as a bark source to isolate specific diarylheptanoids like oregonin and hirsutanonol. These compounds are derived from the bark of Alnus hirsuta var. sibirica to study their inhibitory effects on COX-2 expression. Furthermore, Alnus hirsuta is prepared as a CHCl3 extract, commonly referred to as AHC. This AHC extract contains key diarylheptanoids such as platyphyllenone and platyphyllone. The preparation of Alnus hirsuta as AHC allows for the investigation of its anticancer activities and its ability to regulate JNK and p38 signaling pathways.