Ampelocissus martini

Ampelocissus martini · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Ampelocissus martini is a climbing woody vine that belongs to the Vitaceae family. This botanical species is primarily recognized for its unique phytochemical profile and potential therapeutic applications. Researchers have focused on investigating its medicinal properties through the study of crude ethanol extracts. These extracts serve as a concentrated source of bioactive compounds derived from the plant's tissues. Understanding the chemical composition of these preparations is essential for exploring the plant's full pharmacological potential.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Vitis Barbata Var. Trilobata
Common names
Not available
Family
Vitaceae
Distribution
Not available
Plant Parts
Not available

Classification

Common Names

Ampelocissus martini, commonly known in Thailand as Som Kung or wild grape, is a climbing vine that plays a unique role in its native ecosystem. This plant forms intricate connections with its environment, often using tendrils to latch onto surrounding vegetation for support as it climbs toward the sunlight. Its presence creates a structural network that provides both shelter and food sources for various local insect and bird species. By weaving through the forest canopy, the vine helps maintain the complex biodiversity of its habitat. Understanding these biological relationships highlights the vital importance of preserving such specialized wild species.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Ampelocissus martini is a botanical subject that is frequently identified by several different names in scientific literature. One notable taxonomic synonym for this plant is Vitis barbata var. trilobata. These overlapping designations often arise from evolving classifications within the grape family. Understanding these linguistic connections is essential for researchers tracking the species across various databases. Navigating these botanical relationships ensures that botanists can accurately identify the plant regardless of the nomenclature used.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Ampelocissus martini is a distinct botanical entity that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the order Vitales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. This plant is a member of the family Vitaceae, a group known for its climbing characteristics. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Ampelocissus, which distinguishes it from other related species.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Vitales
Family Vitaceae
Genus Ampelocissus

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Ampelocissus martini is a botanical species primarily found throughout the tropical regions of Asia. Its natural distribution spans across the diverse landscapes of Indo-China, making it a notable part of the local flora. This plant can be identified within the lush environments of Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Furthermore, its presence extends through the territories of Thailand and Vietnam. Together, these regions form the core geographic range where this species thrives in the wild.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Ampelocissus martini possesses an obligatory climbing habit, meaning it relies entirely on external structures for support to grow and reach sunlight.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Compounds

Conditions

Ampelocissus martini is one of the Cambodian medicinal plants identified for its high hepatoprotective activities. This specific plant was found to combat cytotoxicity induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) in human liver-derived HepG2 cells. Along with several other extracts, it demonstrated significant effectiveness with a half maximal effective concentration falling between 59.23 and 157.80 µg/ml. The study categorized it among the nineteen extracts that exhibited potent protective effects against oxidative stress-driven liver injury. Consequently, its ability to treat t-BHP-induced cytotoxicity highlights its potential role in managing liver diseases.

Preparations

Ampelocissus martini is prepared as crude ethanol extracts to investigate its medicinal potential. In this specific study, these extracts were tested for their hepatoprotective activities against tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced cytotoxicity in human liver-derived HepG2 cells. Along with eighteen other Cambodian medicinal plants, this species demonstrated high hepatoprotective effectiveness. The research utilized various assays to determine the efficacy of such ethanol-based preparations. Consequently, the crude ethanol extract of Ampelocissus martini stands out as one of the bioactive substances identified in the screening process.

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