Asparagus oligoclonos
Asparagus oligoclonos · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Asparagus oligoclonos is a distinctive botanical species recognized for its unique chemical profile. Scientific investigations have focused on its rhizome, which serves as a primary source of bioactive compounds. Notably, this plant contains Asparanin A, a chemical constituent of significant interest to researchers. Studies have demonstrated that this substance exhibits potent cytotoxic activities against various cell lines. Consequently, this species holds considerable potential for future advancements in pharmacological development.
- Synonyms
- Asparagus Tamaboki · Asparagus Stachyphyllus · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Rhizome
Classification
Common Names
Asparagus oligoclonos is a unique plant recognized by a diverse array of regional names across the globe. In certain areas, it is frequently referred to by its common name, Tama bouki. The species is also identified in Russian-speaking regions as Спаржа маловетвистая. Moving to East Asia, the plant carries the names タマボウキ and 南玉帶 in Japanese and Chinese contexts, respectively. Finally, it is known as 방울비짜루 within Korean botanical terminology.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Asparagus oligoclonos is a complex species that is frequently identified by various botanical synonyms. Within taxonomic literature, it is often referred to as Asparagus stachyphyllus to distinguish specific variations. The plant also encompasses the variety known as Asparagus oligoclonos var. purpurascens. Furthermore, researchers have previously categorized certain specimens under the name Asparagus tamaboki. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Asparagus oligoclonos is a distinctive species belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. This plant is a member of the order Asparagales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. It further falls into the family Asparagaceae, showcasing its specific botanical connections. Finally, its identity is solidified by its placement within the genus Asparagus.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Asparagus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Asparagus oligoclonos is a resilient species primarily distributed throughout the temperate regions of Asia. Within China, its presence is widespread, stretching from the North-Central provinces to the lush landscapes of the Southeast. The plant also thrives in more northern reaches, including Inner Mongolia and the Manchuria region. Beyond the Chinese mainland, its habitat extends eastward into the Eastern Asian territories. Notably, this distribution includes significant populations found across Japan.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Asparagus oligoclonos is a distinct herb characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This plant typically maintains a modest stature, reaching a maximum height of approximately 0.8 m. Depending on its environment, its growth often fluctuates within a specific range. Most specimens are found standing at a minimum height of 0.4 m, though many consistently reach at least 0.6 m. Together, these physical traits define the compact and resilient nature of this species.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Asparagus oligoclonos contains unique chemical compounds that exhibit significant biological potential. Researchers have successfully isolated specific steroidal saponins, such as aspaoligonins A and B, from the plant's methanomes. These specialized compounds, along with asparanin A, were identified through detailed spectrometric analyses. Most notably, these substances demonstrate potent cytotoxic activity against five different human tumor cell lines. This finding highlights the medicinal importance of the species in potential cancer research.
Compounds
Asparagus oligoclonos serves as a significant source of bioactive steroidal saponins derived from its rhizomes. Chemical analysis of methanolic extracts from this plant has successfully identified several key compounds. Among these findings, researchers confirmed that Asparagus oligoclonos contains asparanin A, a known spirostanol saponin. The study also highlighted the isolation of two new compounds, aspaoligonins A and B, which share structural similarities. Ultimately, these identified substances demonstrated notable cytotoxic activity against various human tumor cell lines.
Conditions
Asparagus oligoclonos contains specific steroidal saponins that demonstrate significant cytotoxic activity against human cancer cells. Researchers isolated two new compounds, aspaoligonins A and B, from the methanolic extract of the plant's rhizomes. These newly identified saponins, along with the known compound asparanin A, exhibit inhibitory effects on five different human tumor cell lines. The effectiveness of these compounds is evidenced by IC50 values ranging from 2.05 to 2.84 microg/mL. Consequently, the chemical constituents of this plant show promise in treating various human tumor cell lines.
Preparations
Parts used
Asparagus oligoclonos serves as a significant source of bioactive chemical compounds within its specialized underground structures. Specifically, researchers have focused their attention on the rhizome of this plant to isolate unique steroidal saponins. Through methanolic extraction, scientists identified new compounds known as aspaoligonins A and B. These specific constituents, along with asparanin A, demonstrate notable biological activity during laboratory testing. Most importantly, the chemical components derived from the rhizome have shown potent cytotoxic effects against various human tumor cell lines.