Aralia elata
What's the taxonomical classification of Aralia elata?
Aralia elaata belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Moving through its hierarchical structure, it is situated in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. The plant falls under the order Apiales and is a member of the family Araliaceae. Within this family, it is categorized under the genus Aralia, with its specific designation being the species elaata.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Aralia |
| Species | elata |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Aralia elaata has a perennial woody stem that reaches heights of up to 4 meters, featuring large, compound leaves with 7 to 15 leaflets arranged in a pinnate fashion. The leaflets are typically ovate or elliptical in shape, possessing serrated margins and a dark green, glossy upper surface. The plant produces large, terminal compound umbels composed of numerous small, white flowers that attract various pollinators. Following the flowering stage, the plant develops clusters of small, fleshy drupes that transition from green to a dark purple or black color when ripe. These structural features allow the species to thrive in the shaded understory of subtropical and temperate forest environments.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically spanning from Southern China and Taiwan through Vietnam and into Thailand. It thrives predominantly in the moist, shaded environments of broadleaf evergreen forests and montane shrublands. The species is often found at moderate elevations where humidity remains consistently high throughout the year. Its distribution is closely tied to the specific climate patterns of these Indochinese mountain ranges. This localized presence makes it a characteristic element of the regional understory vegetation.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires consistently moist, well-draining soil and bright, indirect light to thrive in a controlled environment.
Because it is native to tropical forest understories, it prefers high humidity levels and stable temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Growers should avoid placing the specimen in direct sunlight, as intense rays can scorch its large, compound leaves. Regular watering is essential to prevent the soil from drying out completely, though waterlogged conditions must be avoided to prevent root rot.
Periodic fertilization during the growing season helps support its lush, architectural growth pattern.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Aralia elata provides medicinal value through its buds, leaves, pollen, root cortex, and shoots. The buds and shoots are often utilized in traditional remedies to address various ailments. The leaves can be processed to create infusions or decoctions for topical and internal use. Pollen is sometimes collected for its specific biological properties in holistic treatments. Finally, the root cortex serves as a significant component in preparing specialized medicinal extracts.
According to a study published by "Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie", six known triterpene saponins were isolated from the buds of Aralia elata. One specific compound, EcI, was identified as the most potent of these six saponins. This compound was shown to down-regulate apoptosis and the generation of reactive oxygen species induced by 200μM H2O2 in SH-SY5Y cells. EcI works by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and reducing levels of malondialdehyde to restore the antioxidant defense system. These findings highlight the medicinal potential of the buds of Aralia elata through the activation of autophagy.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- buds
- leaf
- pollen
- root cortex
- shoots
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Aralia elaata, has been utilized within Ainu traditional medicine to treat various physical ailments through the application of its roots and bark. Indigenous practitioners often prepared decoctions or poultices from the plant to manage inflammation and digestive issues. Beyond its medicinal role, historical records suggest the plant held significance in local customs related to herbal knowledge. These traditional uses highlight how the species served as a vital resource for health maintenance in northern forested regions.
According to a study published by "Journal of food science", the stalk of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seemann was identified among 110 indigenous plants and 192 plant parts used as medicine and/or food by the Ainu. This specific plant exhibited a strong antagonistic effect on the 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced AhR transformation in a dose-dependent manner. While a strong correlation of r= 0.96 was confirmed between antioxidative activity and polyphenol content, the correlation coefficients of the antagonistic effect of the 192 extracts compared to these parameters were only 0.17 and 0.20. These findings suggest that the traditional beneficial plants used by the Ainu are useful sources for discovering novel AhR antagonists.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ainustraditional medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Aralia elata?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, hypoglycemic, cardioprotective, and anti-cancer properties. Its bioactive compounds work to neutralize free radicals, which helps reduce oxidative stress within the body. These chemical constituents also assist in regulating blood sugar levels and protecting cardiac tissues from damage. Furthermore, the plant exhibits significant potential in suppressing tumor growth and modulating inflammatory responses. These multifaceted therapeutic effects make Aralia elata a subject of great interest in medicinal research.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", the 70% ethanol extract derived from Aralia elata leaves (LAE) demonstrates endothelial protective activity for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The LAE showed no cytotoxic effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) at concentrations up to 5 μg/mL. This extract possesses anti-inflammatory properties by modulating the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways and can suppress the expression of adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. Analysis of 24 samples from South Korea identified 14 saponins and nine phenolic compounds within the plant. Specific marker compounds identified include chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, and quercitrin.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-oxidative
- hypoglycemic
- anti-asthmatic
- anti-cardiovascular disease effects
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of bioactive medicinal compounds including Araloside C, elatosides A and B, elatosides C and D, spinasaponin A, and stipleanoside R1 and R2. These specific triterpenoid saponins are primary chemical constituents identified within the species. Researchers study these particular molecules to understand their potential pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications. The presence of these unique glycosides distinguishes the chemical profile of Aralia elaata from other related botanical species. Such complex phytochemical profiles are central to investigating the plant's traditional medicinal uses.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in pharmacology", Araloside C is a cardioprotective triterpenoid compound that is mainly isolated from Aralia elata. Pretreatment with 12.5 μM of this compound for 12 h significantly suppressed injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. This process included improving cell viability, attenuating LDH leakage, and preventing apoptosis. Araloside C also inhibited ER stress by reducing the activation of PERK/eIF2α and ATF6 pathways and decreasing the expression of CHOP and caspase-12. Furthermore, the compound greatly improved the expression level of HSP90 compared with the H/R group.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Araloside C
- elatosides A and B
- elatosides C and D
- spinasaponin A
- spinasaponin A 28-O-glucoside
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating asthma, airway inflammation, cough, phlegm, and mucus hypersecretion. The medicinal properties of Aralia elata help to reduce swelling within the respiratory passages. By calming this inflammation, the plant assists in opening the airways for easier breathing. It also acts as an expectorant to help clear thick phlegm from the lungs. These combined effects make it a valuable natural remedy for managing persistent coughs and excessive mucus hypersecretion.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Aralia elaata is used traditionally in Chinese regions for treating asthma, cough, and phlegm. The plant contains total glycosides with 59 identified active ingredients, including core components such as GA34, GA59, GA52, GA12, GA13, GA29, GA38, GA43, GA6, and GA41. Research shows these components manage asthma by targeting 15 specific therapeutic targets including STAT3, IL-6, TNF, and IL-13. In studies involving 16HBE cells stimulated with 10 μg/mL of LPS and 50 ng/mL of IL-13, the plant helped reduce mucus hyperscretion. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing of lung tissues identified 1358 differentially expressed genes related to the plant's effects. Molecular docking of the component GA52 showed binding energies of -10.5 and -10.6 kcal mol-1 to ST2 and IL-13Rα1.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- airway hyperresponsiveness
- airway inflammation
- asthma
- cough
- phlegm
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Aralia elaata, which is utilized to create medicinal herbal preparations such as Aralia tincture and ethanol extract to harness its bioactive properties. These preparations are specifically processed to isolate and concentrate the therapeutic components found within the plant's tissues. A primary focus of these extractions is the measurement and utilization of total glycosides, which serve as essential chemical markers for efficacy. By utilizing different solvents, pharmacists can tailor the concentration of these active compounds for various medicinal applications. These diverse preparations allow for standardized dosing in herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", medicinal preparations from the radices of Aralia elata have held an established position in Russian/USSR medicine since the 1950s. The plant's status as an official medicinal remedy has been confirmed over more than 47 years of use. Research shows that Aralia preparations inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated apoptosis markers including GRP78, CHOP, Caspase-12, and JNK. These preparations also enhance sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase activity and affect the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the Bcl2/Bax ratio. Clinical applications for Aralia include its use as an antiviral remedy through Aralia tincture and Saparal.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Aralia tincture
- ethanol extract
- total glycosides
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause hypoglycemia, decreased body weight, inflammation, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, and the inhibition of ethanol absorption. Some studies suggest that its bioactive compounds may lower blood glucose levels significantly. It also appears to influence metabolic processes that lead to a reduction in total body mass. Furthermore, research indicates the plant has complex effects on inflammatory responses and cardiovascular protection during ischemia/reperfusion events. Finally, certain components within the plant can interfere with how the body absorbs ethanol.
According to a study published by "Chemical & pharmaceuitaal bulletin", the root cortex of Aralia elata contains the hypoglycemic component elatoside E. This component was isolated alongside elatoside F and 8 known oleanolic acid glycosides, which include elatosides A and C, oleanolic acid 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl (1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid, and oleanolic acid 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid. Other identified substances include stipuleanosides R1 and R2, as well as chikusetsusaponins IV and IVa. The hypoglycemic activity of oleanolic acid and 9 oleanolic acid oligoglycosides from the root cortex was determined through an oral sucrose tolerance test in rats. Researchers monitored the inhibition effect on the elevation of plasma glucose levels to obtain structure-activity relationships.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- hypoglycemia
- decreased body weight
- inflammation
- myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
- inhibition of ethanol absorption
What herbs are paired with Aralia elata?
This plant Aralia elata is frequently paired with medicinal herbs such as Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, and Glycyrrhiza glabra to enhance its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
These combinations are often utilized in traditional formulas to balance the plant's energetic profile and improve its absorption in the body. Pairing it with ginseng can amplify its ability to combat fatigue and support the immune system. When combined with licorice root, the mixture helps to harmonize the various active compounds and reduce potential side effects.
Practitioners often select these specific herbs to create synergistic effects for treating chronic exhaustion or systemic weakness.