Aralia elata
Aralia elata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Aralia elata is a versatile medicinal plant frequently utilized in the production of various herbal medicines. Research highlights its significant therapeutic potential, specifically demonstrating cardioprotective and hypoglycemic activities. The plant's pharmacological profile is driven by key chemical constituents, including saponins, oleanolic acid, Araloside C, and (20S)-protopanaxatriol. Scientists focus on different plant parts, such as the leaves and roots, to derive potent compounds. Common preparations include the root bark and ethanol extracts from the leaves, which are being studied for their efficacy against conditions like breast cancer.
- Synonyms
- Aralia Spinosa Var. Elata · Dimorphanthus Elatus · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Root
Classification
Common Names
Aralia elata is a versatile plant recognized by a diverse array of regional and descriptive common names. It is frequently identified in various botanical circles as Aralia Japan or the similarly spelled Araliâu Japan. In different linguistic contexts, you may also encounter it referred to as Angelica del giappone or the more melodic Angelique du Japon. Additionally, some enthusiasts utilize the specific term Aralie elevee to describe this striking species. Regardless of the name used, this plant remains a distinct and captivating specimen in any garden.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Aralia elata is a botanical subject that has been identified by several different scientific names throughout history. It is formally recognized as a synonym of Aralia chinensis var. elata in various taxonomic records. Similarly, the plant is often categorized under the name Aralia spinosa var. elata in specific botanical contexts. Researchers have also documented its classification under the synonym Dimorphanthus elatus. Understanding these shifting relationships is essential for maintaining accuracy in botanical studies and plant identification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Aralia elata is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae that showcases the diverse beauty of the natural world. Within this vast biological kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It belongs to the order Apiales, a group that connects it to various other significant botanical species. Further narrowing its biological identity, it is categorized under the genus Aralia. Finally, its specific placement within the family Araliaceae highlights its unique evolutionary lineage and botanical characteristics.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Aralia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Aralia elata is a plant with a broad geographic presence throughout the temperate regions of Asia. Its natural distribution spans across various parts of China, including the North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast territories. Furthermore, the species can be found growing within the Manchuria region. Beyond mainland China, its range extends eastward to include the islands of Japan. This diverse distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive across multiple East Asian landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Aralia elata is a distinctive plant characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This species develops into a tree-like structure that can reach impressive proportions in the right environment. Depending on its maturity and conditions, its height typically ranges from a minimum of 1.5 meters to a maximum of 7 meters. Many specimens commonly stabilize at a more substantial height of at least 3.75 meters as they age. Ultimately, its ability to stand independently makes it a prominent feature in any landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Aralia elata is a plant species that exhibits significant pharmacological potential through its diverse bioactive compounds. Research has highlighted its cardioprotective properties, particularly through triterpenoids like Elatoside C and Araloside C which help mitigate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. These compounds function by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting apoptosis in cardiomyocytes, often through pathways involving STAT3 or Hsp90. Additionally, the plant demonstrates notable hypoglycemic activity, specifically through components isolated from its root cortex. Studies involving oleanolic acid oligoglycosides, such as Elatoside E, have confirmed their ability to effectively inhibit the elevation of plasma glucose levels.
Compounds
Aralia elata is a medicinal perennial plant renowned for its rich concentration of bioactive secondary metabolites, most notably various types of saponins. Within its chemical profile, researchers have identified key compounds such as the triterpenoid Calenduloside E and the cardioprotective Araloside C. The plant also serves as a significant source of oleanolic acid, which has demonstrated notable hypoglycemic properties in various studies. Furthermore, its complex chemical makeup includes specialized glycosides and compounds like 20S-protopanaxatriol. These diverse constituents collectively contribute to the plant's wide range of pharmacological activities, including cardiovascular protection and anti-inflammatory effects.
Conditions
Aralia elata provides significant therapeutic benefits through its isolated compounds, such as Calenduloside E, which exhibits potent anti-atherosclerotic activity by inhibiting plaque formation. The plant's derivatives also effectively treat H/R injury by improving cell viability and reducing LDH leakage in cardiomyocytes. Specifically, compounds like Araloside C and Elatoside C serve to treat H/R-induced cell death and prevent H/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. These effects are achieved by mitigating ER stress-related apoptosis through the modulation of pathways like STAT3 and the increase of HSP90 expression. Ultimately, Aralia elata helps treat ER stress-related apoptosis by reducing the activation of key apoptotic markers such as CHOP and caspase-12.
Preparations
Aralia elata is prepared as root bark to isolate various oleanolic acid glycosides and new saponins. This plant is also prepared as an ethanol extract from leaves, which has been subjected to acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies in rats. Furthermore, Aralia elata is prepared as herbal medicines, serving as a component in studies involving triterpene glycosides. The specific chemical properties of these preparations are often analyzed using advanced mass spectrometry techniques. These diverse preparation methods highlight the plant's multifaceted utility in both pharmacological research and traditional medicine.
Parts used
Aralia elata is a significant medicinal plant known for its diverse chemical profile distributed throughout its various structures. The leaves of this species serve as a vital site for the production of valuable triterpenoid saponins, such as Rg3 and Re. Research indicates that key genes like AeAS are strongly expressed within the leaf tissue to facilitate these processes. Furthermore, the plant's roots and root bark are equally important, as they contain specialized compounds like tarasaponins and hypoglycemic elatosides. By utilizing both the leaves and the roots, scientists can better understand the complex medicinal properties of Aralia elata.