Callicarpa integerrima
What's the taxonomical classification of Callicarpa integerrima?
Callicarpa integerrima belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it follows the taxonomic lineage of the order Lamiales. It is further categorized under the family Lamiaceae, which places it within the genus Callicarpa, ultimately identifying it as the specific species integerrima.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Callicarpa |
| Species | integerrima |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Callicarpa integerrima has simple, entire leaves that are typically lanceolate to ovate in shape and arranged oppositely along its woody stems. The leaf margins are smooth and lack any serration, while the venation pattern is prominent on the undersides. Small, axillary clusters of flowers emerge from the nodes to eventually produce small, spherical drupes. These berries often transition through various colors, such as green, red, or purple, depending on the stage of ripeness. The overall architecture of the plant consists of spreading shrubs or small trees with a multi-stemmed growth habit.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is endemic to the island of Taiwan, where it grows naturally in specific mountainous regions. Its range is restricted to the subtropical and tropical elevations found within the island's unique landscape. Within these habitats, it typically inhabits forest margins and shrubby areas where sunlight can reach the understory. Because its distribution is limited to this single island, it is considered a narrow endemic species. This localized presence makes the plant a distinct component of Taiwan's native botanical diversity.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-draining soil and partial shade to thrive in temperate or subtropical environments.
It prefers a consistent moisture level but must not sit in stagnant water to avoid root rot. Regular fertilization during the growing season helps support its dense foliage and eventual berry production. Pruning should be performed in late winter to maintain a compact shape and encourage new growth.
Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant and can handle various soil types as long as drainage remains adequate.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant utilizes its leaves and stems for various medicinal applications in traditional healing practices. The leaves are often processed into decoctions or poultices to treat skin irritations and inflammatory conditions. Within these botanical preparations, the leaf extracts serve as primary agents for soothing topical ailments. Additionally, the stems are sometimes harvested to contribute to herbal mixtures aimed at addressing internal systemic issues. These specific parts work together to provide the bioactive compounds necessary for therapeutic use.
According to a study published by "Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica", the stems and leaves of Callicarpa integerrima Champ. are used in Chinese folk medicine for stopping bleeding, expelling the wind, dissipating stagnation, and treating scrofula. A methanol extract of these plant parts yielded 1 new triterpenoid saponin and 14 known triterpenoids. These include 1 new compound identified as 2alpha, 3beta, 19alpha, 23-tetrahydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1). The 14 known compounds identified are oleanolic acid (2), 3-acetyl oleanolic acid (3), 3beta-O-acetyl ursolic acid (4), 2alpha-hydroxy-ursolic acid (5), 2alpha, 3beta, 19alpha, 23-tetrahydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (6), alpha-amyrin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), pomolic acid (8), betulinic acid (9), ursolic acid (10), 2alpha, 3beta, 19alpha, 23-tetrahydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (arjungenin) (11), 2alpha-hydroxy-oleanolic acid (12), hederagenin (13), 2alpha, 19alpha-dihydroxy-ursolic acid (14) and pruvuloside A (15). Compounds 3, 4 and 15 were isolated from the genus Callicarpa L. for the first time.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaf
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Callicarpa integerrima, is traditionally utilized in various Southeast Asian cultures for its medicinal properties and as a functional component in local herbal practices.
Indigenous communities have historically employed its leaves and stems to treat ailments such as skin irritations and digestive issues. In some regional traditions, specific parts of the plant are prepared as decoctions to help manage fever or inflammation. Beyond its medicinal applications, the plant has also played roles in ritualistic uses or as a minor ingredient in folk remedies.
These historical uses highlight the deep integration of the species within the ethnobotanical knowledge of its native habitats.
What are the pharmacological activities of Callicarpa integerrima?
This plant has significant pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-MRSA, and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitory activities. Its antimicrobial properties allow it to combat various pathogens, specifically demonstrating potent anti-MRSA activity against resistant bacterial strains. Furthermore, the plant exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effects by targeting key cellular pathways. These medicinal benefits are largely driven by its specific inhibitory effects on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Through these diverse mechanisms, Callicarpa integerrima serves as a promising source for developing new therapeutic agents.
According to a study published by "Chemistry & biodiversity", twelve new clerodan diterpenoids named callicarpanes A-L (1-12) and eight known compounds (13-20) were isolated from Callicarpa integerrima. Compounds 1, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, and 19 demonstrated significant inhibitory activity for NLRP3 inflammasome activation. These specific compounds showed an IC50 against lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release ranging from 0.08 to 4.78 μM. Additionally, compound 10 repressed IL-1β secretion and caspase-1 maturation in J774A.1 cells. This particular compound also blocked macrophage pyroptosis.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitory activity
- anti-MRSA activity
- anti-inflammatory
- antimicrobial
- inhibitory effects on NLRP3 inflammasome activation
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the specific medicinal compounds callicarpanes A-L, callicaintides A-E, calintegerinoids A-E, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid. These diverse secondary metabolites contribute to the complex chemical profile of Callicarpa integerrima. The presence of various callicarpanes and callicaintides suggests significant bioactive potential within the species. Additionally, the triterpenoid components including oleanolic acid and ursolic acid are known for their therapeutic properties. Together, these substances represent the primary chemical constituents identified in the plant's extract.
According to a study published by "Chemistry & biodiversity", twelve new clerodane diterpenoids named callicarpane s A-L (1-12) and eight known compounds (13-20) were isolated from Callicarpa integerrima. Compounds 1, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, and 19 demonstrated significant inhibitory activity for NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The IC50 against lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release for these substances ranged from 0.08 to 4.78 μM. Additionally, compound 10 repressed IL-1β secretion and caspase-1 maturation in J774A.1 cells. This specific compound also blocked macrophage pyroptosis.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Callinteger A
- Callinteger B
- calintegerinoids A-E
- callicaintides A-E
- callicarpanes A-L
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating inflammation, lung inflammation, lung injury, scrofula, and wind. It acts as a potent remedy for various inflammatory conditions throughout the body. Specifically, its medicinal properties help to alleviate respiratory distress caused by lung inflammation or direct lung injury. Practitioners also utilize the plant to address scrofula, which is a swelling of the lymph nodes. Furthermore, it serves to dispel wind from the internal systems to restore balance.
According to a study published by "Fitoterapia", Callicarpa integerrima was used to isolate five new clerodane diterpenoids named calintegerinoids A-E (1-5). These compounds were investigated for their anti-inflammatory activity, specifically regarding the inhibition of LDH release. Compound 3 demonstrated potent inhibition with an IC50 value of 1.27 ± 0.05 μM, which compares to the standard drug Andrographolide having an IC50 of 8.01 ± 0.46 μM. The plant's derivative, compound 3, also suppressed IL-1β release and blocked NLRP3 inflammasome activation triggered by LPS and Nigericin. This process led to decreased pyroptosis and a dose-dependent decrease in ASC speck formation.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- inflammation
- lung inflammation
- lung injury
- scrofula
- wind
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Callicarpa integerrima, which is utilized in medicinal herbal preparations such as essential oil and methanol extract. The essential oil derived from its leaves provides concentrated aromatic compounds for therapeutic applications. Scientists also utilize methanol extract to isolate specific bioactive phytochemicals for pharmacological study. These diverse preparations allow for the targeted delivery of the plant's natural chemical constituents. Through these different methods, the medicinal potential of the species can be effectively harnessed.
According to a study published by "Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials", the leaves of Callicarpa integerrima contain essential oils where 42 chemical constituents accounting for 97.62% of the total content were identified using the GC-MS method. The main components identified include beta-caryophyllene at 33.74%, Elixene at 12.86%, tau-Cadinene at 9.57%, and (-) -Spathulenol at 8.99%. Additionally, several sesquiterpenes and their oxides were found to have relatively high contents. These include Copaene at 4.21%, Globulol at 3.81%, alpha-Caryophyllene at 2.48%, 2-Naphthalenemethanol, decahydro-alpha, alpha, 4a-trimethyl-8-methylene-[2R-(2alpha, 4aalpha, 8alphabeta)] at 2.37%, and 1,6-Cyclodecadiene at 2.24%.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- essential oil
- methanol extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can be used in traditional medicine to dissipate stagnation, expel the wind, stop bleeding, and treat scrofula. Its medicinal properties are often utilized to resolve internal blockages and restore smooth circulation throughout the body. By expelling wind, the plant helps to mitigate various external and internal ailments caused by environmental factors. It also possesses hemostatic qualities that are effective for stopping bleeding in specific clinical situations. Additionally, its therapeutic actions are applied to treat scrofula, which is a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes.
According to a study published by "Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceuctica Sinica", Callicarpa integerrima Champ. is used in Chinese folk medicine for stopping bleeding, expelling the wind, dissipating stagnation, and treating scrofula. A methanol extract of the stems and leaves of Callicarpa integerrima Champ. yielded 1 new triterpenoid saponin and 14 known triterpenoids. These isolated compounds include 1 new compound identified as 2alpha, 3beta, 19alpha, 23-tetrahydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1). The 14 known compounds identified from the plant are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. All of these compounds were obtained from this plant for the first time.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- dissipating stagnation
- expelling the wind
- stopping bleeding
- treating scrofula
What herbs are paired with Callicarpa integerrima?
This plant, Callicarpa integerrima, pairs effectively with aromatic herbs like rosemary, lavender, and sage to create a balanced garden aesthetic and scent profile.
The silvery foliage of the beautyberry provides a muted backdrop that makes the vibrant colors of flowering herbs stand out. Planting lavender nearby can enhance the visual texture through contrasting leaf shapes and purple hues. Rosemary offers a structural element that complements the bushy habit of this species.
Together, these combinations foster a diverse microhabitat for beneficial pollinators in a landscape.