Artabotrys hexapetalus

Artabotrys hexapetalus · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Artabotrys hexapetalus is a botanical species recognized for its diverse therapeutic potential in traditional and modern medicine. The plant's fruit and root serve as primary sources for various extracts, which are studied for their antileishmanic, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities. Chemical analysis of these preparations has identified key bioactive compounds such as (R)-Artabotriol, Americanin B, Artabotrycinol, and beta-sitosterol. These constituents are particularly significant in the management of conditions like malaria, fevers, scrofula, and Leishmania donovani. Consequently, the dried extracts of this plant continue to be a subject of intense pharmacological interest.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Uvaria Sinensis · Unona Uncinata · 10 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Annonaceae
Distribution
Africa
Plant Parts
Fruit · Root

Classification

Common Names

Artabotrys hexapetalus is a fascinating climbing vine that is recognized by many different names across various regions. It is most frequently referred to as the Climbing Ilang Ilang or the Climbing Yiang Yiang due to its enchanting scent. Gardeners may also encounter this plant under the descriptive title of Fragrant Tail Grape. In some areas, it is affectionately known as the Green champa, highlighting its lush foliage and floral beauty. Finally, the botanical essence of the species is captured in the formal common name Hexapetalous Tailgrape.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Artabotrys hexapetalus is a botanical species characterized by a complex history of taxonomic classifications. Throughout various scientific studies, it has been identified by several different names, including the synonyms Annona hexapetala and Annona uncinata. Researchers have also categorized the plant under the labels Artabotrys hamatus and Artabotrys intermedius. Furthermore, the name Artabotrys odoratissimus has been applied to this species in different contexts. Understanding these various nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate identification in botanical literature.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Artabotrys hexapetalus is a fascinating specimen that belongs to the diverse kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. This plant is a member of the order Magnoliales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to other ancient lineages. It further falls under the family Annonaceae, a group known for its distinct botanical characteristics. Ultimately, its specific identity is defined by its placement within the genus Artabotrys.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Magnoliales
Family Annonaceae
Genus Artabotrys

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Artabotrys hexapetalus exhibits a broad and fascinating geographical distribution that spans multiple continents. In the African region, this species can be found throughout the mainland, the Western Indian Ocean, and the Comoros islands. Its reach extends significantly into Asia, where it thrives across various temperate and subtropical zones. Specifically, it is well-established in China, appearing in the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan regions. Furthermore, the plant maintains a notable presence in Eastern Asia, particularly within the island of Taiwan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Artabotrys hexapetalus is a distinctive shrub that exhibits an obligatory climbing habit to reach its full potential. As it scales its surroundings, the plant can achieve a maximum height of approximately 5 meters. This climbing growth form allows it to integrate seamlessly into various garden and forest landscapes.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Artabotrys hexapetalus is a medicinal plant widely recognized in Asian folk medicine for its diverse therapeutic potential. Scientific investigations have confirmed that the plant possesses significant antileishmanic activity, particularly through the use of its petroleum ether extracts. Furthermore, the various natural products isolated from its extracts confer important antioxidant properties to the plant. The bioactive compounds found within the species also exhibit notable antiproliferative effects. These combined pharmacological attributes highlight the importance of Artabotrotys hexapetalus as a valuable resource for future drug development.

Compounds

Artabotrys hexapetalus is a plant species noted for its diverse array of chemical constituents found within its seeds. Scientific analysis has successfully identified the presence of the neolignan americanin B in this species. Furthermore, research into the genus has highlighted several specific alkaloids associated with these botanical profiles. These include the various artabonatine compounds, specifically artabonatine C, artabonatine D, artabonatine E, and artabonatine F. Together, these findings underscore the complex phytochemical makeup of the Artabotrys genus.

Conditions

Artabotrys hexapetalus serves as a significant medicinal plant used in Asian folk medicine to treat various ailments, including fevers and hepatic disorders. Extracts derived from its roots and fruits are specifically utilized for the treatment of malaria. Research has also demonstrated that the plant is effective against Leishmania donovani in vitro, particularly through its petroleum ether extract. Furthermore, certain alkaloids isolated from the plant, such as atherospermidine and squamolone, exhibit cytotoxicity against hepatocarcinoma cancer cell lines Hep G(2) and 2,2,15. These diverse biological activities highlight the plant's wide-ranging therapeutic potential.

Preparations

Artabotrys hexapetalus is prepared as extracts that have long been used in Asian folk medicine to treat various symptoms and diseases. Specifically, the plant is prepared as extracts from its roots and fruits to treat conditions such as malaria. Research also demonstrates that Artabotrys hexapetalus is prepared as dried extracts containing markers like quercetin and apigenin. These various forms of the plant are prepared as extract for the purpose of analyzing secondary metabolites through HPTLC methods. Ultimately, the petroleum ether extract of the plant shows potent antileishmanial activity, highlighting the medicinal importance of these preparations.

Parts used

Artabotrys hexapetalus, commonly known as yingzhao in Chinese, is a highly valued medicinal plant in Asian folk medicine. This species is particularly noted for its potent therapeutic applications in treating various diseases and infections. Specifically, the plant's biological activity is concentrated within its distinct anatomical components. Extracts derived from both the roots and the fruits of the plant are utilized to combat malaria. These specific parts serve as vital sources for isolating bioactive natural products like yingzhaosu endoperoxides.